FROST (The Trident Series Book 3)

by Jaime Lewis

  Just thinking of that made her sick. Yeah, no, thank you. When I decide to date again, it will be someone with a less dangerous job.

  She looked at the CPO. He was watching her closely, but he had this little smirk on his face as if he knew what crazy thoughts were running rampant through her head. Well, that was going to change. He was her patient, and that is all their relationship was going to amount to. She’d be professional, do her job, and when he’s discharged from the hospital, that will be the last she sees of him.

  She walked closer to the bed. She thought it might help if she could put an imaginary wall up. Plus, it seemed that the CPO had a girlfriend. Knowing that now angered her a tad, as he’d flirted with her yesterday. That in itself should be a warning to stay clear of this guy. “Your girlfriend is cute,” she said as she pretended to read over his chart, not wanting to look at him. She already had his chart memorized, as she did with all of her patients, but she needed a distraction right now.

  Christ, Autumn. Keep your mouth shut! What happened to keeping this professional? Don’t ask him any personal questions. Do your job and get the hell out of there.

  He grinned, and that damn dimple became visible, and holy god, was it sexy. Add in the fact that he hadn’t shaved and had some gruff growing on his cheeks and chin. He looked sinful.

  “Are you jealous?” He shocked her with the question and gave her a hard stare. One that she swore she could feel the depth of.

  Yep! Her libido needed to stop controlling the part of her brain that operated her mouth before she really embarrassed herself. She rolled her eyes, trying to give the impression that his looks alone didn’t get her insides all fired up.

  She waved her hand in the air, waving off his comment, although he was spot on. “Hardly, just making small talk.”

  Frost chuckled, and his deep laugh made her belly do flips. The next few days were going to be torture. At least her interaction with him was limited to only an hour each day. She could survive it. Couldn’t she? Shit, maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Damn, Nancy.

  “I don’t think my team leader would appreciate you assuming his fiancé was a cheater. And for your knowledge, Alex, the woman that was here, is one of my best friends and practically a sister to me.”

  “I sure as hell wouldn’t.” A deep raspy voice from behind startled her, causing her to jump. As she turned, she swallowed the lump in her throat, and her eyes widened as the large man stalked toward her. He was bulkier in comparison to Frost’s build, though not by much. Jesus, what was the military feeding these men?

  She glanced at Frost, who was trying to hide his amusement at her blunder, but it wasn’t working. She turned back toward the other guy. This must be the leader of their team, as Frost mentioned. She felt herself squirm under his glare. The unreadable expression on his face unnerved her. Fuck me…She thought to herself and wished for a hole to appear and swallow her up magically. So much for acting professionally.

  “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” The guy raised a questioning eyebrow at her, all the while, Frost couldn’t hold back his snort of laughter.

  Oh god, of course, she meant it, or she wouldn’t have said it. She was so flustered she lost her grip on the papers she was holding, and they fell to the floor in a big heaping mess. Still waiting for that hole to open.

  As she crawled around on the floor, she was planning in her head how to ask Nancy to assign someone else to this guy. But the green monster inside of her was telling her no. If she withdrew as his therapist, then Nancy would assign one of the others, and they were all women. She didn’t want any of them sinking their claws into him. Several of them had already told her that they would take him if she didn’t have the time. A couple of others had snuck into his room just to get a look at him.

  She needed a quick reprieve to calm herself down, so she could think rationally.

  After gathering up the papers on the floor, she stood and turned to Frost. “Well, since your friend is here, I’ll come back. When you’re ready to start, just ring the nurses’ station.”

  She didn’t even give Frost time to respond. She turned to Ace and apologized again, then quickly extricated herself from the room.

  ◆◆◆

  Frost watched Autumn retreat from the room like her ass was on fire. He felt bad, knowing how embarrassed she was, but, on the other hand, he liked knowing she was jealous. However, Ace’s timing was unfortunate.

  “Well, it looks like you’re the next one to fall,” Ace said, smirking at Frost.

  “What do you mean, the next one?”

  “You like her.”

  “Like who?”

  “Don’t give me that shit. I’m talking about that feisty redhead who just ran out of here. She would fit right in with Alex and Tenley. On second thought, I don’t think those two need another ‘buddy’ to get into trouble with.”

  Frost laughed. Ace was right. Just from his two encounters with her, he could see her getting along well with Alex and Tenley.

  “I don’t know anything about her, though.”

  Ace chuckled. “Damn man, when was the last time you actually dated someone? That’s the purpose of dating. You get to know each other. Once you get discharged, ask her out. Keep it to something simple, like meeting for coffee.”

  Frost thought about it. He couldn’t remember the last time he dated someone, meaning he went out on more than one date with the same woman. High school, maybe?

  “Your silence tells me it’s been a while. I’m telling you, I was the same way until I met Alex. That woman knocked me square on my ass the day we met. You saw what it did to me. Take the chance. You won’t know if you don’t try. Who knows, maybe in a few months or so, you’ll be putting a ring on her finger and joining the club with me and Potter.”

  Frost quirked his eyebrow. He hadn’t even asked her out, and Ace was already talking about rings. What the hell? “Yeah, what club is that? Washed up married men’s club.” Frost grinned. He loved ribbing any of the guys when he got the chance. Plus, it took the attention away from him. At least for the moment.

  “Watch it, wise-ass. I’ll have you inventorying all our gear when you’re cleared for duty.” He grinned at Frost.

  Frost wondered if he and Alex had a set new date for their wedding since their original date was postponed because of a mission.

  “Does that mean you and Alex set a new date for the wedding?” Frost decided to ask as he repositioned his leg. It was starting to ache a little.

  Ace ran his hand through his black hair. “No. I thank god every day for bringing her into my life, and I’ll love her for the rest of my life with or without a piece of paper saying we’re married.” He looked at Frost, and Frost knew there was more. “This might seem silly and make me sound like a pussy, but just having that piece of paper, stating she’s officially mine will make me feel a lot better.”

  Frost wondered if there was trouble in paradise. “Things good between the two of you?”

  “Yeah, things are great. It’s just we can’t seem to get a weekend where both of us don’t already have something planned. As I said, it’s silly. Probably just my insecurities are getting the best of me. Especially when I see other men checking her out, but at night when she’s in my arms, I can’t help but wonder why she chose me.” He gave Frost a look. “Anyway, how in the hell did we end up talking about my love life instead of yours?”

  Frost chuckled. Yeah, he was good at redirecting the conversation. “I don’t have a love life.” Frost scowled and crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Not yet, but I’m betting you will real soon.”

  “Whatever. Don’t you have a team you need to go order around?”

  Ace laughed and looked at his watch. “Actually, I do need to get back. I told the commander I was heading out here to see you and that I wouldn’t be too long.”

  Frost reached out and shook Ace’s hand. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

  “No thanks needed. You’ve been around
the block enough times to know this is what teammates do for one another. Stitch and a couple of the others are coming by tomorrow. I have a meeting, or I’d come with them.”

  “Sounds good. Tell everyone, hello.”

  “Will do, man. And don’t forget to ask her out.” Frost rolled his eyes as Ace walked out of the room, laughing.

  Frost laid his head back on the pillow and thought about what Ace said. Maybe asking her out for a cup of coffee wouldn’t be bad. First, he needed to apologize for embarrassing her. He’d do that when she returned for his therapy session. He reached over and pushed the call button for the nurses’ station. He was looking forward to spending some time with the Irish Goddess.

  Chapter Three

  Later that afternoon, Frost awoke with that eerie feeling that he wasn’t alone. His SEAL training brought on a sixth sense. He’d been feeling restless all afternoon ever since Autumn finished working his leg over in therapy this morning. It was probably one of the nurses coming by again. Thank God, he got good news from the doctor saying they were going to release him in two or three days. He was getting annoyed with some of the nurses and their overzealous care for him. It had gotten to the point he was ready to ask for a male nurse for the remainder of his stay.

  Shifting his leg, he felt the muscle ache and silently swore to himself. Autumn hadn’t lied when she told him she would give a hundred percent. His session with her was grueling, and she had pushed him hard. He had to bite his tongue a few times when he thought she exceeded his limitations, but then he remembered that this was her job. She knew when he was about to spout something off because she would raise one of her shapely eyebrows at him, daring him to say something, but he knew better and kept his mouth shut. She was probably getting her revenge from this morning when he had embarrassed her. That still made him laugh.

  Even though she was a ball-buster and didn’t cut him any slack during therapy, he had to admit he enjoyed their hour together. After apologizing to her, he had gotten her to open up a little. He was shocked to find out she had been married to a Marine. His heart hurt when she told him he had been killed while serving. Frost wanted to ask more questions but could tell she started to get uncomfortable with the conversation, so he steered it in another direction. If things went well over the next two days, he decided he was going to follow through with what Ace had suggested and ask her out for coffee.

  Slowly, he opened his eyes, expecting to ward off another handsy nurse, but instead, he was surprised to see a young boy sitting in the chair beside his bed, holding his Trident Pin.

  He eyed the boy who hadn’t realized Frost was awake watching him. The kid had short brownish hair, with what looked like some auburn color through-out. The outfit he wore reminded Frost of a school uniform. Glancing down, he saw the backpack next to the kid’s feet.

  He watched the kid as he ran his fingers over the pin. His eyes held a sparkle to them. Then to his surprise, the kid snapped the lid closed and placed the box exactly where Frost had left it on the table. When he looked up at Frost, his eyes went wide as saucers, and Frost had to hold back his laughter. Obviously, he had surprised the kid, and now the kid looked frightened.

  Frost nodded toward the pin lying on the table. “You ever seen one of those?”

  The boy shook his head side-to-side but then found his voice. “No, sir. At least not a real one. It is real, isn’t it?”

  The kid’s well-mannered reply surprised the shit out of Frost. Nowadays, parents rarely teach their kids good manners, and whoever his parents were deserved a pat on the back.

  Frost nodded, then reached over and picked up the case. He looked at the boy again. “Not many people can say they got to hold a ‘real’ trident pin.” Frost knew there were stores out there that sold replicas.

  “I’m sorry for touching it without asking. It’s just I’ve never seen one up close before. I swear I wasn’t going to steal it if that’s what you were thinking.”

  Frost raised his eyebrows, and though he’d known this kid for just a few minutes, he was impressed with the boy.

  “What’s your name, kid?”

  “Cody, sir. Cody Kauffman,” he stated as he sat up a little straighter in the chair.

  Frost held his hand out and leaned toward Cody. “I’m Frost. It’s nice to meet you, Cody.” Cody shook his hand but still looked a little intimidated. Then again, Frost was an intimidating man. Hell, all of the guys on his team were intimidating. It was their nature.

  “So, Cody, do you make it a habit of coming into patient’s rooms?”

  Cody swallowed hard. “No, sir. My mom works here, and after school, I come here and wait for her shift to end. After I do my homework, I try to visit the patients who don’t seem to have friends or family. I walked by your room, and you were sleeping, but I noticed nobody here, so I came in and just took a seat. Nobody should be alone when they’re in the hospital. I like to talk to them and listen to their stories.”

  Frost wasn’t sure if this kid was for real. Was he going for some sort of sainthood, or maybe he was trying to earn a Boy Scout badge?

  “So, you’re interested in the military?” Frost decided to ask.

  “Yeah. My dad was a Marine,” Cody answered but looked down at the floor, and a sad expression crossed his face; Frost wondered what was up with that.

  “Was a Marine? Is your dad retired now?”

  Cody looked up, and Frost swore he saw the kid start to tear up. “No,” Cody said softly, then cleared his throat. “My dad died while serving.”

  Well, shit… Frost was at a loss for words. Damn, he knew plenty of good men and women who lost their lives protecting their country. Some were even good friends. Losing friends was awful, but he couldn’t imagine losing a family member to war. Especially a parent. He needed to quickly think of something to say, so Cody wouldn’t be uncomfortable but also acknowledge what Cody shared with him.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Cody. I’ve lost a lot of good friends over the years, myself. I’m sure it wasn’t easy but always remember, your dad was an honorable soldier.”

  Cody smiled, “My mom tells me the same thing. I try to stay positive, but sometimes it’s hard.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Sometimes, I wish he was here to talk to you know, even though he wasn’t home all that much. I mean, I love my mom, but she doesn’t get stuff sometimes.”

  “What type of stuff?”

  Cody shrugged his shoulders. “Guy stuff.”

  “Don’t you have any other family members you can talk to? Uncles, Grandfathers?”

  Cody shook his head no. “It’s just me and my mom.”

  Damn. That sucked. He felt for this kid. Knowing he only had his mom to raise him for the past two years, that had to be hard. But whoever his mother is, she was doing an excellent job at raising this kid. She must be one hell of a woman because Cody seemed like a terrific kid with a good head on his shoulders, and he respected his mother.

  He went to respond when a familiar voice interrupted him. Frost looked up toward the door and focused his attention on that husky voice he had come to love in a matter of a day.

  ◆◆◆

  “Cody…there you are!”

  Cody turned toward the door and smiled wide. “Hey, Mom. I was just talking to Frost. Have you met him?”

  Frost’s head snapped to Cody and then back to Autumn. Mom? Is Cody Autumn’s son? Holy shit, what were the odds? Now it all made sense. When she told him today about losing her husband, she had kept referring to ‘we.’ He never picked up on it until now.

  Autumn walked closer to the bed and smiled at both Frost and Cody. She ruffled Cody’s hair. Seeing the two of them next to each other, Frost could now see the resemblance. He had bright green eyes, just like his moms, which should’ve been a telltale sign. Damn, Frost, you’re getting rusty sitting around in this hospital bed.

  “Are you about ready, kiddo? I’m sure that Chief Petty Officer Rhoades needs his rest. I heard he had a brutal PT appointment today with a drill se
rgeant.” She looked over at Frost and winked.

  “Is that so?” Frost said, raising an eyebrow and grinning back at her.

  She held her hands up in surrender and laughed. “Hey, it’s just what I heard.”

  Frost chuckled. The two of them had been going back and forth, teasing each other during his therapy session this morning. When she bent over to grab Cody’s backpack from the floor, he couldn’t help but check out her ass. She had a perfect round ass. His cock started to harden. Fuck! Just what he needed, to be caught with a boner while her kid was in the room. He placed his hands on the blanket covering his lap, hoping to conceal the bulge that was forming underneath.

  When she stood back up, she glanced over at Frost, and he knew he was busted as his eyes ran up her body and met hers. She lifted one of her eyebrows, but what could he say. He was a man, and she had some nice features. He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

  Cody was looking between them both. Then he focused his attention on Frost. “Umm…Frost?”

  Pulling his gaze from Autumn, he turned his attention to Cody. “Yeah, buddy.” He really liked this kid.

  “Would you mind if I stopped by after school tomorrow to say hi?”

  Frost smiled. Maybe it was his good manners that had him wanting to get to know the kid. However, having a mom that was attractive with a great personality didn’t hurt either. “Sure, kid. Some of my teammates are stopping by tomorrow around this time. Come by, and I’ll introduce you to them.”