The Reckless Warrior (Navy SEAL Romance)

by Jennifer Youngblood

  Delaney scooted out a chair, wincing when it made a loud scraping noise against the wood floor. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t mind that. I’ve been meaning to put some new pads underneath the chair legs, but I haven’t gotten around to it.” Wallace placed the platter of pancakes in the center of the table. Before Delaney sat down, he held up a finger. “Oh, I forgot the orange juice. Would you mind getting it out of the fridge?”

  “Not at all.” She went to the fridge and retrieved it, suddenly realizing how hungry she was. She and Corbin had grabbed a quick sandwich for dinner the night before, eating it in the SUV as Corbin drove. Not super hungry, Delaney had only eaten half of it. But now that she was in a safe, comfortable place, her appetite had returned with a vengeance. She placed the juice on the table, then sat down.

  Wallace put the syrup, butter, and bacon on the table before joining her. “Sorry we don’t have any whipped cream. I forgot to get that when I went shopping.”

  She reached for a napkin, placing it in her lap. “This looks great.” She was about to reach for a pancake, then stopped when Wallace bowed his head to pray.

  Quickly, she closed her eyes and lowered her head, embarrassed that she’d forgotten. She needed the Lord’s help to see her through this situation and didn’t want to be one of those people who only prayed when desperate. Wallace named everything he was grateful for, even expressing thanks that she was here. “Please keep Dee and Corbin safe,” he implored.

  Tears wet her eyes, an unexpected warmth filling her chest. Maybe everything would turn out okay, after all.

  “And please bless Dee and Corbin to understand their feelings and come together as a righteous couple in thy sight.” He ended the prayer with a hearty “Amen.”

  “Amen,” Delaney mumbled, opening her eyes. She wasn’t sure what to make of that last part. Wallace knew her situation, was aware that the boyfriend/girlfriend thing was a façade. Why in the heck was he praying for them to come together as a couple? She gave him a questioning look, but he seemed totally oblivious.

  He shook out his napkin before placing it in his lap. “Dig in.”

  She filled her plate with two pancakes and two slices of bacon. Then she placed a pat of butter on top and spread it with her fork before pouring on a generous amount of syrup. She cut off a section of the pancakes and placed them in her mouth, appreciating how they melted. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d tasted pancakes this good … if ever. “These are delicious.”

  “Thanks,” Walter beamed. “I love big breakfasts, but Addie leaves so early for work that there’s no time to eat. I don’t like going to the trouble of cooking up a lot of food for just me, so I usually have coffee and toast. This is a welcome change.”

  “Well, I’m glad I can be the beneficiary of your skill.” She bit off a section of crunchy bacon, chewing appreciatively.

  “I’m sure you were wondering about my prayer.”

  The bacon went down the wrong pipe. Delaney coughed to clear it. She’d only thought he was oblivious. The sly dog. Wallace was direct like Corbin. Or maybe it was vice versa. “Yeah, it took me off guard,” she admitted. “Especially since you know my situation.”

  He took a long swig of juice and placed the glass down with an audible plunk. Then he took a large bite of pancakes. He seemed to be deliberately chewing, making her wait for his response.

  “I watched the two of you together last night, could tell there’s a lot more brewing than a pretend relationship.” He took another drink of juice.

  A shaky laugh escaped her throat as she touched her neck which felt hot enough to combust. “Maybe we’re just good at acting.”

  “I don’t think so.” He pinned her with a look. “You care about my grandson, maybe even love him.”

  She belted out a laugh, then clamped her lips shut to cut it off. “Love him? I hardly know him. We’ve only been together for a few days.”

  He shrugged. “Time is irrelevant when it comes to matters of the heart. Did Corbin ever tell you how Lou Ella and I met?”

  “No.”

  “We were at the county fair. Lou Ella was with a date, standing by the Ferris Wheel. I saw her and my world shifted. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. She looked at me and we had this connection … something that defied words.” His eyes sparkled. “I knew in that moment that I’d move heaven and earth to be with her.”

  She jerked slightly, the irony not lost on her as she thought of the strong connection she and Corbin had when they first saw each other. “How could you be so sure that the two of you were meant to be together?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. But I knew it to the depth of my soul. Lou Ella knew it too.” He grinned. “But it took a while before I could get her to admit it. I must’ve asked her out a hundred times, but she turned me down. That’s okay though, because I’m persistent. I knew I’d eventually win her over.”

  Was that how Corbin felt about her? Would he be as persistent? A spark of warmth shot through her as she realized that she hoped he would. A tumult of feelings rushed through her, feelings she didn’t fully understand. Since moving to San Diego she’d found a church to attend, one where she felt welcome. Pastor Simmons was always saying that the Lord’s time is not the same as ours. And that He works in mysterious ways. Maybe the Lord had put Corbin in her path for more than just protection from her awful situation. Her eyes misted as she blinked a few times to clear the emotion. “That’s a beautiful story. Thanks for telling it to me.”

  “Absolutely.”

  She smiled at the reference.

  Wallace’s voice grew reflective. “This coming May, Lou Ella and I’ll celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary.”

  “Congratulations.”

  A trace of sadness flitted over his features. “I only wish Lou Ella realized.”

  “I’m sorry. Corbin told me about her Alzheimer’s.” The depth of feeling in Wallace’s eyes struck something inside Delaney. This wasn’t some storybook romance that would vanish like the dew at sunrise. She got the distinct feeling that what Wallace and Lou Ella had was deep and abiding … a love that would transcend age, even death. When she was younger before Tuck’s cruelty had jaded her, Delaney had wished for something like this. She’d held onto that dream to stave off the loneliness that consumed her, while her mother was passed out cold in the next room. Sure, the timing was lousy, but what if Corbin was the very thing she’d been searching for her entire life? A haven for her heart.

  He nodded. “Before Lou Ella got sick, she had a memory like an elephant. She was smart and loved to read, would devour every book she could get her hands on. She was always helping, tending to someone who was sick, making casseroles. She loved to bake and crochet. In fact, she made the green afghan over the back of the couch.”

  Delaney had been so exhausted the night before that she’d not paid much attention to the furnishings. She made a mental note to look at the afghan. “Lou Ella sounds like a remarkable woman.”

  “Her greatest strength was her kindness. She and Corbin were really close.” He paused, his jaw working. “It nearly killed Corbin when Lou Ella went into the care center.” His eyes moistened. “It hurt me too, but I didn’t see any other option. Lou Ella’s condition was deteriorating to the point where she was becoming belligerent. She’d get out of the house while I was asleep. One night, I found her wandering in the snow. I was worried about her safety.”

  There was a hint of pleading in Wallace’s voice, like he was defending himself. He felt guilty for putting Lou Ella in the care center. Delaney was surprised Wallace was telling her such personal things. Maybe he didn’t get much of a chance to talk to other people. The cabins were in a remote area and Addie worked a lot. “I’m sure you did what you thought was best.”

  “Yes.” He hesitated like he wanted to say more but didn’t know if he should.

  She leaned forward slightly. “What else?” The instant the question left her mouth, she thought she probably sh
ouldn’t have asked it, but she did want to know the rest. And Wallace certainly seemed like he needed to get it off his chest.

  “I wish Corbin could understand.”

  “I’m sure he does, how could he not?”

  “My grandson’s very stubborn.”

  “Tell me about it,” she chuckled.

  “The two of us don’t always get along.” A rueful smile touched his lips. “Lou Ella used to say it was because we were too much alike.”

  “I can see that, even just now getting to know you.”

  “You’re good for Corbin. For some time, he’s been drifting. I’d hoped joining the military would help anchor him, but it only seems to have exacerbated the problem.”

  “Because of what happened to Doug?”

  A look of surprise washed over him. “You know about Doug?”

  “Yes, Corbin told me about him and the little girl.”

  He cocked his head. “What girl?”

  Crap! She assumed that Wallace knew. Time to backpedal. Fast. She could feel Wallace’s perceptive eyes, scrutinizing her. She put down her fork, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew. But if Corbin didn’t tell you, I don’t think it’s my place to say anything.” Her voice dribbled off.

  Wallace nodded in disappointment. “I understand. And I certainly wouldn’t want you to divulge a confidence.”

  She sought for the words to smooth over the situation. “I’m sure he’ll tell you if you ask.”

  He gave her a sad smile that said, You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. “Corbin would’ve told Lou Ella and she could’ve helped him sort through his feelings. Now that she’s not in her right mind …” he sighed “… well, it’s just been festering.” He paused, looking thoughtful. Then a new light came into his eyes. “But he told you.”

  “Yes,” she said quietly, just now understanding the significance of all that had taken place the night before. She could argue that Corbin had told her due to circumstance. She came in right after the dream. No, Wallace was right. Corbin had opened his heart to her and she’d pushed him away.

  “Like I said, you’re good for Corbin. You give him a sense of purpose, make him want to be a better man. I’m so grateful he has you in his life.”

  Panic fluttered in her stomach. “No, I can’t take on that responsibility.” She’d tried to help her mother, but everything had blown up in her face. The harder she tried to get her mother off alcohol and drugs, the more her mother hated her for it. Her voice grew brittle. “I can’t help Corbin because I can’t even help myself.” Tears burned her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She pushed back her plate, no longer hungry. “I’m a train wreck,” she muttered. She scooted her chair back to leave, but Wallace caught her arm.

  “Hey.” His voice was gentle but authoritative like he was talking a jumper off a ledge. His eyes held hers. “Don’t run off. Just hear me out, okay?”

  Tears dribbled down her cheeks. “Okay.” He let go of her arm as she sat back down, wiping at the tears.

  “While I don’t know all the details of your situation, I know your ex-husband was abusive.”

  She gave him a curt nod of acknowledgement as shame burned through her. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her eyes fixed on her uneaten plate of food. If only she’d had enough sense not to get involved with Tuck. Yes, she’d finally summoned the courage to stand up to him and look where it had gotten her—on the run for her life from a demon even worse than Tuck.

  Wallace leaned back in his seat. “Do you know much about the Native Americans indigenous to Colorado? They’re known as the Plains Indians, making up several tribes. Shoshone, Apache, Navajo to name a few.”

  “No.” She couldn’t imagine where this was headed.

  “I have a close friend Sani who’s Navajo. I allow him to hunt on my property. He’s really good with the bow. Killed an eight-point-buck. The thing was monstrous.” He held out his hands. “The rack was this wide.” He stopped, giving her a sheepish grin. “You don’t care about hunting, do you?”

  “Not really,” she admitted, “but I know plenty about it. I grew up in Alabama, after all.”

  He was impressed. “Do you know how to shoot?”

  A smile flickered over her lips. “Like I said, I’m from Alabama.”

  “Corbin’s a sharpshooter. Another thing the two of you have in common.”

  “I’m not a sharpshooter by any stretch of the imagination, but I know how to handle a gun.”

  He grinned. “I knew I liked you. Oh, Corbin can sing too.”

  “Really?” Now that she found intriguing.

  “He has a great voice, can even play the guitar.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “See, the two of you are more alike than you realize.” He smiled broadly. “You’re a great singer, by the way. I watched you on YouTube.”

  The admiration in his voice was touching. No matter how many times people gave her compliments on her music, it never got old. In some small way, every time she took the stage she healed a small part of herself because performing was the one thing she could be proud of—evidence that she’d broken out of the bonds of her childhood and made something of herself, despite all obstacles. “Thanks.”

  “The wig doesn’t look bad on you, but I like your real hair much better.”

  “Me too.” She touched her wig, wondering why she was wearing it in the cabin when the only other person here right now knew who she was. Then again, someone could see her through the windows or drop by the cabin unannounced. Better to be safe than sorry.

  He waved a hand. “Anyway, back to the story, Sani once told me something that stuck with me. A grandfather was speaking to his grandson telling him how every living person has two wolves within … warring for dominance. The first is anger, fear, greed, malice. The other is kindness, benevolence, hope, faith. ‘But Grandfather, which wolf will win?’ the grandson asked.”

  Delaney waited for the rest, but Wallace just sat there, studying her. She was starting to recognize a pattern here. Wallace wanted her to be an active learner—giving the answer only when she was ready to receive it. A smile touched her lips as she asked the question dutifully. “What did the grandfather say?” Two wolves inside every person. An interesting concept. It certainly described her. Even as the thoughts rolled through her mind, she could feel something building inside her, knew somehow that Wallace’s answer would be significant.

  “Which wolf will survive?” His tone was light, musing, a direct contrast to the intensity in his eyes. “The one you feed.”

  16

  Birchwood Springs really does need better places for shopping, Corbin thought as he pulled into the driveway of the cabin. He went to three different shops and couldn’t find any decent pajamas. Finally, he settled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. Delaney would probably think he was crazy for going shopping, but he was just trying to think of something nice to do for her … something to let her know that he wasn’t a bad guy.

  After she left his room the night before, he’d lain awake thinking about their conversation and the kiss. He thought he might regret telling Delaney about what happened in the Philippines, but he didn’t. He wanted her to know everything about him, as he wanted to know about her.

  He reached for the bags and transferred them all to his left hand, then grabbed the bouquet of flowers with his right. On impulse, he’d grabbed the flowers as he was leaving the grocery store. Was it too much? He hoped not.

  As he walked to the door, his skin prickled with the knowledge that someone was watching him. He looked at the cabin to his right, about half a football field away. A man had gotten out of his car, also going into his cabin. When he realized that Corbin had made eye contact, he smiled and waved. Corbin nodded and offered a brief smile. The heavyset man was bald and looked to be in his early sixties. He seemed harmless, but under the circumstance Corbin had to be cautious about everyone.

  “Hey,” Pops said when he stepped into the cabin. Pops was r
eclining on the couch, watching TV with his hands behind his head, his feet propped on the coffee table.

  “Hey.” Corbin looked around. “Where’s Delaney?” He hoped she hadn’t been too upset when she realized he was gone. She was sleeping so peacefully when he left that he hated to wake her. And, he needed some time to sort through things, try to figure out the best way to get through to Delaney. What he most wanted at this point was for her to give him a chance.

  “In her room, working on songs.”

  Corbin placed the bags on the kitchen table and began removing the groceries, then placed the perishables in the refrigerator. “Who’s the guy next door? The portly bald guy?”

  “Oh, that’s Gus Ridley.”

  “Do you know him very well?”

  “Yes, he and his wife Jean have been coming here for years.”

  Good to hear. He didn’t have to worry about the man.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “He was outside as I came in. He waved. I just wondered.”

  “It’s good to be vigilant, considering the situation.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Nice flowers,” Pops said a few seconds later.

  Corbin looked at the colorful bouquet in question, caught the teasing in Pops’ voice, but he chose to ignore it. “Thanks,” he said lightly. He went to the cupboards. “Is there a vase, or something I can put these in?”

  “There’s a Mason Jar on the top shelf, to the right of the microwave. I saw it when I was making breakfast.”

  “Oh, yeah. How was breakfast?”

  “Great. There are leftovers in the fridge if you want them.”

  “That’s okay. I ran by a drive-through and grabbed something before I went shopping.” He reached for the jar and filled it with water. The flowers were wrapped in plastic. A packet of flower food was attached to the stems with a rubber band. He pulled out several drawers. “What about scissors?”

  “There should be some in there. I asked Hilda to stock all the cabins with them.”

  “Found ‘em.” He cut off the rubber band and removed the plastic. Corbin didn’t know the first thing about arranging flowers. He grabbed the stems and stuffed them into the jar all at once. He stepped back to admire his handiwork. He frowned. It looked pathetic, like a blob. Maybe he should’ve left the flowers in the plastic. He shifted them around a little, but it didn’t seem to help. Oh, well. It was the thought that counted, right? He was a bodyguard, not a florist. Oops, he forgot to add the food. He snipped a corner of the packet, and pushed the stems to the side, then emptied the powder into the water.