The Reckless Warrior (Navy SEAL Romance)

by Jennifer Youngblood

  The need for him was intoxicating, sending scrumptious quivers tingling down her spine as she buried her hands in his messy hair that her fingers had been longing to touch. His lips were hard, demanding, but she met him measure for measure, reveling in the way her spirit soared to the sky. Kissing Corbin was more thrilling than a thousand concerts all rolled into one.

  Finally, he pulled back. His magnetic eyes burning with intensity as he searched her face. “Please tell me that wasn’t pretend.”

  She laughed lightly, resting her palms on his chest, taking note of his rock-hard muscles. “No.”

  He touched her wig. “Can I take this off? So I can feel your real hair?”

  Delicious shivers danced through her. “Absolutely.”

  They both laughed as he attempted to remove the wig, but the combs were embedded deep in her hair. She let out a tiny yelp at the pain of her hair being pulled.

  “Sorry. I better let you do it.”

  She took off the wig and hair net, then ran her fingers through her hair, which she was sure was an absolute mess.

  “Let me do that.” His hands went up the back of her neck, into her hair. “Much better,” he murmured, his lips taking hers once more.

  When the kiss was over, he rested his forehead against hers. His hands went to her arms as he rubbed them up and down. “You’re incredible.”

  “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He pulled back, searching her face. She could tell he wanted to say something. “What?” she asked.

  Concern trickled into his eyes. She swallowed, her fears returning with a vengeance. “What is it?”

  “I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to freak out.”

  “Okay.” Geez. He’d not even told her the bad news yet, and she was already freaking out.

  “I’m falling hard for you.”

  It took a second for her mind to process what he’d said. A warm glow settled over her.

  He tightened his hold. “Don’t retreat. Please.”

  She was giddier than a bubbly teenager, unable to hold back the laugh in her throat. “That was your bad news?”

  He looked puzzled. “I never said the news was bad. Just that I wanted to tell you something and didn’t want you to freak out.”

  She cupped his face. “Why? Because I’ve been feeding the wrong wolf for so long?”

  His eyes rounded as he laughed. “You have been talking to Pops.”

  “A little. You know, he’s a smart guy, you should pay more attention to his advice.”

  “Ha. I’ll have to remember that.”

  Was it her imagination or did a cloud move over his features? It was gone in the next instant as he searched her face. “So, does this mean you’re good with what’s happening between us?”

  “That depends.”

  He tensed. “On what?”

  “On what this is.” She eyed him. “Is this a real thing, or am I a distraction … something to keep you occupied while we’re stuck in this cabin?”

  An incredulous laugh left his throat. “Is that what you think?”

  She thought for a minute. “No. I think your feelings for me are real. I just wanna hear it from you. I made a grave mistake before, and I’m not about to make that same mistake again.”

  He frowned. “I’m not Tuck.”

  “I know.”

  His voice gathered intensity. “What I feel for you is real, more real than anything I’ve felt before.”

  The truth of his words settled around her like a protective cocoon as she snuggled into the curve of his shoulder. He linked his fingers through hers, squeezing her hand. “I’m starting to care about you too,” she admitted. There was one other question she wanted to ask. “So, have there been other girls that you’ve guarded? Ones you’ve spent lots of time with?” She held her breath, waiting for an answer, realizing that she was starting to care a great deal about him … maybe even love him a little.

  “No.”

  Relief splattered over her as she turned to face him. “Really?”

  A trace of amusement lit his eyes. “Really. You’re the first person I’ve ever protected.”

  She frowned. “But I thought you had a long history of working in security.”

  “I do, but mostly for bars and institutions, not for individuals. Sutton offered me the job the night of the party.” He paused. “Does that make you nervous? That I’m new at this one-on-one stuff?”

  A feeling of bliss danced over her. “On the contrary, I think it’s great that I’m your first assignment.”

  He turned to face her, the fervency in his eyes making her wonder if he could see into her soul. “The word assignment doesn’t even begin to describe what you are to me.” His lips turned up in a slight smile.

  “What?”

  “At the risk of sending you running for the hills, let me just say that from the first moment our eyes connected across that crowded room, I knew we’d end up together.” He studied her. “Does it scare you that I’m so certain?”

  “A little,” she admitted, but his words were thrilling at the same time. “Maybe it runs in the family, like Wallace and Lou Ella at the fair.”

  He laughed. “Wow, Pops rolled out an entire volume of the Spencer family history in one sitting. That must’ve been a long breakfast.”

  “Long enough to get the goods on you,” she teased.

  “Oh, no. Now I’m worried.”

  She rested her head against him, savoring how safe she felt in his arms.

  “So,” he began, “are you feeling a little cooped up in the cabin?”

  “I was earlier, but I’m not now that you’re here.”

  “You do say the most marvelous things,” he said tightening his hold on her and kissing the top of her head. “What if I told you I have a surprise for you?”

  Anticipation thrummed through her veins as she turned to look at him. “I love surprises. What is it?” she asked eagerly.

  “Would you like to go skiing? At Bear Claw Resort?”

  “Today?”

  “Yeah, this afternoon. Addie can get us all fixed up with the gear.”

  The idea of learning how to ski was glorious. She wrinkled her nose. “But what if someone recognizes me?”

  “That would be highly unlikely with your trusty wig, goggles, and a snow suit.” His eyes sparked in a challenge. “You game?”

  It only took her half a second to reach a decision. “Absolutely.”

  A crooked smile tugged at his lips making him look adorable. “You like that word, don’t you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  He groaned. “Pops started something.” He removed his arm from her shoulders, sitting up. “All right. Put your wig back on, and let’s get out of here.” His voice quivered with excitement. “I can’t wait to show you Birchwood Springs. There’s no place more beautiful after a fresh snow. Afterwards, I thought you could make us some sausage gravy and biscuits.”

  “That sounds divine.”

  “Then,” his voice went husky as he trailed a finger down the length of her hair, “I can make a fire and we can talk …” his eyes lingered on her lips “… or practice.”

  A slow-burn tingled through her stomach. “Practice is great,” she said softly, leaning in for another kiss.

  18

  For a rookie, Delaney was doing quite well. After a short tutorial by one of the instructors, she’d gone down the bunny slope. As soon as she did her first run, she pumped her fist victoriously in the air letting out a loud whoop. Corbin loved the fire in this girl.

  “Are you ready for something a little more challenging?”

  “Let me go down the bunny slope a couple more times, and I’ll be ready. You wanna do this one with me?”

  The excitement in her voice caused him to smile. Coming out here was a good idea, giving them both a chance to decompress. Delaney didn’t know it, but before they left the cabin, Corbin had made a quick call to Sutton, verifying that Hugh and his men were still in N
orthern Cal. He explained that he was taking Delaney to Bear Claw Resort for the afternoon. He wanted Sutton to know where they’d be in case anything unexpected happened.

  A couple hours later, they were in the lodge sitting in front of a toasty fire, their hands wrapped around steaming mugs of hot chocolate when Corbin glanced over and saw Madison Wells approaching. Crap! It had been against his better judgment to bring Delaney into the lodge, but she was cold and wanted something warm to drink. He wished he could jump up and take her out of here this instant. He cringed at the cheerful ring in Madison’s voice. “Corbin Spencer, I didn’t realize you were back in town.” Madison was the blonde, peppy cheerleader type. Her voice oozed sweetness as she flashed a bright smile. Dutifully, Corbin stood as she stepped up to him and gave him a tight hug.

  “Hey,” she said in an intimate tone. “You should’ve called and let me know you were in town.”

  He stepped back, clearing his throat as he tightened his hold on the handle of the mug. He motioned at Delaney who rose to her feet. “Um, Madison, this is my girlfriend, Dee.”

  Madison’s face tightened, going blistering red. She shot Delaney a vehement look then seemed to realize how she was coming across. A strained smile stretched over her face as she held out her hand. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

  Delaney slipped her free hand through Corbin’s, stepping closer to him. “Nice to meet you too.”

  “You have the cutest accent,” Madison said with such condescension that it made Corbin cringe. “Where are you from?”

  “Alabama,” Delaney shot back, giving her a steely look.

  “Oh, Ala-bam-y,” Madison twanged. “How cute.”

  Her phony Southern drawl grated on Corbin’s nerves. Everything about Madison Wells got on his nerves, which was why he was so glad he’d ended things with her a long time ago.

  Hurt clouded Madison’s eyes. “I didn’t realize you had a girlfriend.” Before he could answer, she turned to Delaney looking her up and down. “Huh,” she grunted.

  “I beg your pardon,” Delaney said. Corbin had to bite back a smile, loving how territorial Delaney was acting. He still couldn’t believe that this stunning, amazing woman was with him.

  Madison laughed. “Oh, I’m just surprised.” Her lips turned down in a frown as she zeroed in on Delaney’s hair. “Corbin has always preferred blondes.” She flipped the ends of her shoulder-length platinum hair, giving Delaney a smug look.

  Delaney turned to him, her eyes dancing. “Is that right? Good to know,” she mused.

  A bewildered expression crossed Madison’s features. Corbin was ready for the diva to go away, but it was obvious that she had no intention of leaving just yet.

  “I miss you, Cor,” Madison drawled, thrusting out her lower lip into a petulant pout. She looked at Delaney, a conspiratorial chuckle rumbling in her throat as she touched Corbin’s arm. “How strong is your relationship with Bea, anyway?”

  “It’s Dee,” Corbin said firmly. “And it’s ironclad.”

  Madison’s face fell at the same time Delaney went rigid. Corbin was sure that if he looked at Delaney right now he’d see steam coming from her ears. Madison had always been catty, one of the reasons why the two of them didn’t work out. That and she was too clingy. And bossy. About the only thing Madison Wells had going for her was her looks. But even then, she couldn’t hold a candle to Delaney. And Delaney had class, whereas Madison didn’t. Ironic considering Delaney was born into poverty and Madison with a silver spoon in her mouth. It just went to prove that true culture and class had more to do with the inner person than privileges they were given at birth.

  “I’m just teasing,” Madison purred, laughing lightly. Her brows furrowed as she studied Delaney. “Have we met before?”

  “No,” Delaney said stiffly.

  Madison cocked her head. “You look so familiar. What’s your last name?”

  “Smith.” Delaney tightened her hold on Corbin’s arm. He glanced at her, noticing that her face had gone pale, alarm reflected in her eyes.

  “I could swear I’ve seen you before … or someone like you,” Madison continued. Corbin could feel the huntress going in for the kill.

  “Maybe I look like someone you know,” Delaney said.

  “Maybe.” Madison pursed her lips. “Hmm. It’ll come to me. I never forget a face.”

  Silence dragged like a lead ball between them.

  “Well,” Madison finally said in a chipper, Bambi voice, “Nice meeting you, Dee.” She smiled but her eyes remained cold. She looked at Corbin, her tone going silky. “Good to see you too, Cor.” Before he realized what was happening, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the lips. Then she patted his cheek and laughed. “One for old time’s sake.” She looked at Delaney. “Better hold onto him.”

  “Oh, I will,” Delaney countered, a bite in her voice.

  Madison sniffed and sauntered away.

  When Delaney turned to him, her eyes were blazing. “So that was Madison Wells.”

  “Yep.” He knew instinctively that the less he said, the better.

  She put the mug of hot chocolate down on the side table. “Why did the two of you break up?”

  The last thing he wanted to do was rehash his past relationships with Delaney. “Because Madison was controlling, vain, and not exactly the nicest person as you’ve just witnessed.” He rolled his eyes.

  She scoffed. “That’s an understatement. I guess the more appropriate question is … how in the heck did you ever pair up with her to begin with?”

  He sighed. “She was a cheerleader, I was a football player. I was young.”

  A smile played on Delaney’s lips. “And stupid.”

  “Yep, that too,” he chuckled.

  “Well, at least you had the good sense to get away from her.”

  “Amen to that.” He turned to face her. “Had you been in the picture, I never would’ve started dating Madison.”

  Delaney blinked in surprise, a smile tipping her lips. “You’re certainly charming.”

  “Just telling the truth.” He glanced around, putting down the mug. “Now would be a good time for us to leave before someone recognizes you straight out.”

  “Good idea. That was a close call.”

  “Yeah, too close.”

  “Hey, you two. How did the skiing go?”

  They turned as Addie stepped up to them.

  They’d have a short conversation with Addie and then leave. “Really well,” Corbin said. “Dela—Dee is a quick learner.”

  Delaney smiled. “Your brother’s being very kind. I did okay on the bunny slope, but biffed it on the green circle. I’m sure I’ll be sore tomorrow.”

  “You did great for your first run,” Corbin said, and he meant it.

  Addie tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I had intented to look for you earlier, but it has been nonstop today, people coming in droves to take advantage of the fresh powder.”

  “No worries,” Corbin assured her. He slid his arm around Delaney’s waist. “We’ve been just fine.”

  “I can see that,” Addie said, her eyes sparkling. She brought her hands together. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Oh, not too much,” Corbin said evasively, not wanting to have to share Delaney with anyone. “Just spending time together. Couple stuff.”

  “Ah, I get it. Three’s a crowd,” Addie said.

  “No, that’s not the case at all,” Delaney argued, red-faced.

  “Yes, that’s exactly the case,” Corbin said firmly.

  Delaney shoved him. “Hey, don’t be rude to your sister.”

  “Thank you,” Addie said, jutting out her chin. “I’m glad one of you appreciates me.” She stuck her tongue out at Corbin.

  “Hey, I appreciate you. I just wanna spend some time with my woman,” he teased. Delaney was shooting him warnings with her eyes, but he just laughed.

  “All right. I won’t interrupt your little lovefest tonight, so long as you leave tomorrow afternoon open
.”

  Corbin studied his little sister wondering what plan she was concocting in her curly head. “Why’s that?”

  “Because I’m taking off early and we’re going to the care center to visit Gram.”

  Corbin sucked in an audible breath, dread pouring over him. “I don’t think that’ll work, sis.” Geez. Pops and Addie were tag-teaming him. Why was it so important for him to visit the stupid care center? Gram wouldn’t even know he was there.

  Her hand flew to her hip, eyes narrowing. “Why not?”

  “Delaney and I have other plans,” he said crisply.

  Addie shook her head. “Who’s Delaney?”

  He cleared his throat, his face going warm. Oops. He hadn’t meant for that to slip out. Just as he feared, his personal hang-ups were clouding his judgment. “Um, I mean Dee.”

  “Oh.” Addie looked back and forth between them, suspicion forming on her face. “Is there something going on that I need to know about?”

  A streak of fear shot through Corbin. He glanced at Delaney who looked like she might pass out. He forced a smile. “No, sis. It’s all good.”

  “Awesome. Then I’ll meet you at the care center at three p.m. tomorrow.” She jutted out her chin, daring him to disagree. “You can come too, Dee … or Delaney.”

  “It’s Dee,” Corbin corrected sharply, “and I told you, tomorrow won’t work.”

  “Maybe we should go to the care center.”

  He turned, surprised that Delaney had spoken.

  She gave him a tender look. “We’re all about fresh starts. It’ll do you good to see your grandmother. And I’d like to meet her.”

  “You would?” he gulped.

  “Absolutely.”

  It was amazing how fast Delaney had diffused the tension. Everything hung in the balance. He couldn’t believe he was actually considering going. But he did want Delaney to meet Gram. “All right,” he finally said. “We’ll go.” Had he really just agreed to this? Could he stand seeing Gram in her state? The truth was … he wasn’t sure, but knowing that Delaney would be by his side made the situation tolerable.

  “Sounds good,” Addie clipped. “See you both tomorrow.” She patted Corbin’s arm. “I’ve gotta run. You two enjoy the rest of your day … and your lovefest,” she cooed. When she got a couple of steps away from them, she turned and blew a kiss over her shoulder, laughter in her eyes.