“How about we go home? We’ll clean them up and then get you in a nice hot bath with a glass of wine.”
“That sounds like heaven.” Mika pressed her cheek to his chest and once again he thought his heart would split in two pieces, not able to hold the tsunami of love that enveloped him. She was everything he’d ever wanted and so much more. She pulled back, her hands on his chest and gazed up at him earnestly. “I want you to know something. I want you to know that if you want to go back to the FBI I’ll go with you. I mean, Alex and I will. You’re so good at your job, Cal, and you shouldn’t have to give it up for me.”
Floored and humbled in a way he’d never been before, Cal couldn’t find the words to express what he was feeling. His chest felt like a steel band was wrapped around it and he had to clear his throat several times before he could speak.
“I love you so damn much. The fact that you’re willing to sacrifice your own happiness for mine is just so…wow. Dammit, I’m so grateful that you’re in my life and have given me another chance. But I don’t want another chance with the FBI. I meant what I said—I’m staying. You’re stuck with me.”
Her palm cupped his cheek and he could feel the warmth of her skin against his own. “I love you too and I don’t feel like I’m stuck with you. I feel like I’m very lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one, and I promise to be worthy of your love. I promise to be the man that you deserve,” he vowed, meaning every word from the depths of his heart and soul.
He’d come back to a heart he’d carelessly thrown away years before but he’d been given a rare second chance to find love again. Wherever Mika was, that was home.
Chapter Fifteen
MIKA STARED OUT the kitchen window that overlooked the backyard and said one more prayer of thanks. Alex was outside in the morning sunshine playing with Henry, his face wreathed in smiles.
It turned out after a meal and bath the dog was actually quite cute, although it was a mystery what breed he was. From the size of his paws he was going to be big but she didn’t mind. Alex could play rough now and then and it was good that the canine was of sturdy construction.
A pair of strong warm arms wrapped around her from behind and she leaned back, luxuriating in the knowledge that she was loved and cared for, her son was safe at home, and all was right in her world.
“I put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and folded the towels in the dryer.” Cal’s sexy voice crooned in her ear, and although the words were quite mundane her body responded as if he’d paid her the most extravagant compliment. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”
She’d had an emotional night, barely able to sleep after what had happened, so he was spoiling her today which really wasn’t fair. He had held her all night long so he hadn’t rested much either.
“You’ve done more than your share. I really appreciate it. I’m just going to sit here all day and watch Alex play. I suppose you think that’s silly.”
“I don’t in the least. In fact, I might join you.”
She twisted in his arms so she could look up at him. “What were you and Sheriff Dan talking about last night? You two looked deep in conversation.”
Cal’s smile grew and her heart skipped a beat in her chest. “He offered me a job.”
“A job,” she gasped, hugging him tightly. “Cal, that’s wonderful. What kind of job?”
“His job. He wants to retire. He has for a long time but he hadn’t found the right person to turn Applewood over to. He thinks I’m the one.”
Cal would make an excellent sheriff. He was good with people and he handled a crisis like a pro – which of course he was. He was just what Applewood needed.
“That’s wonderful. Are you going to take it?” Mika didn’t want to push but she hoped he would. This was the perfect opportunity for him.
“There’s some details to iron out but I think I will. Are you okay with that?”
“Very okay. I love the idea. But as I said before I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I have you, Alex, Henry, and now a new job. Things are looking up.”
Mika blinked back a few tears, her throat clogging with emotion. “I’m happy you’re home. I never wanted to admit it but I missed you. I always hoped you’d be back someday. Here you are.”
“Here I am,” he agreed with a laugh and she couldn’t stop smiling back at him. She was filled with life and pure unadulterated joy. “Loving you. The rest of our life starts now and that’s what I want with you. A future.”
For so long Mika thought love had passed her by and that she’d lost her chance to have the kind of life she’d always dreamed about. Now here it was all gift wrapped in passion and happiness and it was almost too good to be true.
But it was true. And it was all hers.
Thank you for reading Discarded Heart
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About the Author
Olivia Jaymes is a wife, mother, lover of sexy romance, and caffeine addict. She lives with her husband and son in central Florida and spends her days with handsome alpha males and spunky heroines.
She is currently working on a series of full-length novels called The Cowboy Justice Association. It’s a contemporary romance series about lawmen in southern Montana who work to keep the peace but can’t seem to find it in their own lives in addition to the erotic romance novella series – Military Moguls.
Visit Olivia Jaymes at
www.OliviaJaymes.com
Danger Incorporated
Damsel In Danger
Hiding From Danger
Cowboy Justice Association
Cowboy Command
Justice Healed
Cowboy Truth
Cowboy Famous
Cowboy Cool
Imperfect Justice
The Deputies
Military Moguls
Champagne and Bullets
Diamonds and Revolvers
Caviar and Covert Ops
Emeralds, Rubies, and Camouflage
Table of Contents
Title Page
About the Book
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight<
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Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
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Hot SEALs: Discarded Heart (Kindle Worlds; Danger Incorporated Book 2.5) Page 10