His Baby Secret - A Second Chance SEAL Romance (Once a SEAL, Always a SEAL Book 1)

by Layla Valentine

  “Earth to the best man,” the photographer sang out. “I need your pretty face pointed to the camera.”

  Hannah glanced at him, noticing that Dominic was staring at her, drinking her in, and still, he couldn’t stop himself. He only dragged his attention back to the proceedings at hand when Hannah frowned at him, her brow furrowed in a funny way.

  There was no way she could understand what Dominic was feeling in that moment. That he wanted nothing more than to sweep her into his arms and pick up where they’d left off all those years ago. That, in spite of everything they’d been through separately, they could come back together. Be together.

  “Okay, that’s a wrap!” the photographer announced. “Someone help that best man focus!”

  “I’m going to take a guess and say you’re just as bored as I am,” Harvey said, clapping Dominic on the back.

  A crowd of well-wishers surged after the photographer made his announcement, and Dominic bit back a curse as he lost Hannah in the crowd. He wanted to talk to her. Wanted to be near her. Wanted to tell her that nothing had changed in the way he’d felt about her. If anything, he felt even more strongly that they should be together.

  “I could probably use a drink,” Dominic admitted, if only to distract Harvey.

  “You and me both, man.” Harvey retrieved a pocket flask from inside of his jacket and passed it over.

  “Classy,” Dominic observed.

  “Beggars can’t be choosers,” Harvey pointed out. “If you really want to deal with all of these people sober, then be my guest. I will not be getting antsy in what will probably be an obscenely long line at the bar once we finally get into the reception.”

  “Fine, fine.” The whiskey burned, but in a good way. “I’ll see you in there.”

  “Don’t leave me at the mercy of all these people,” Harvey said a little too loudly, and Josie rolled her eyes behind the back of her new groom.

  “Charming,” she mouthed at Dominic, shaking her head.

  “See you soon,” Dominic said. “Just heading to the bathroom.”

  It was only half true. He was walking toward the bathroom because that was the last direction he’d seen Hannah going in. He didn’t want to squander his chance to be with her. He needed to tell her how he felt.

  A vision of blond hair made him stop at the entrance to the venue. Hannah was in the parking lot with Kira, waving as a small car pulled up. A strange shot of jealousy worked its way through Dominic’s gut. It was obvious that Kira was being picked up—the reception probably wasn’t going to be an appropriate place for a child her age. But was the person behind the wheel her father? The man Hannah had had a child with? The man who had abandoned her and Kira?

  No—it was a woman. From the way first Kira, and then Hannah hugged the woman, he figured she was a regular babysitter. Someone they both trusted.

  Dominic fully felt like he was spying, at this point, but he just couldn’t help himself. It was inexplicably compelling to watch Hannah with Kira. He had to smile at Hannah’s face-palm when Kira shook yet another pin in her hair out, the dark strands standing out like wild spikes. That was really the biggest difference between Kira and Hannah. Hannah’s hair was as blond as ever, but her daughter had her father’s coloring—dark, whoever he was.

  As he watched Hannah give Kira a big, final hug before loading her into the back of the babysitter’s car, Dominic couldn’t shake the feeling that Kira reminded him of someone he knew. He trusted his instincts on this, as he trusted them in every other aspect of his life.

  He felt like he knew the father; he just had to piece it together. And, once he did, Dominic had to admit he was on Harvey’s side—the guy was going to pay.

  Because who in their right mind would leave their family alone like that?

  Chapter 15

  Hannah

  Honestly, Hannah was a little sorry to see Kira go. Her daughter had been enjoying herself, especially with her newfound fame as flower girl. Kira had never been an oversensitive kid, thank God. When she realized everyone had been laughing at her antics of spreading the petals evenly along the aisle, she just figured she was doing a good job of entertaining everyone.

  No one had actually told Kira that it wasn’t the flower girl’s job to make the wedding guests laugh, so there was that, Hannah figured, if anyone complained.

  Hannah hesitated a little as she turned back to the venue to go to the reception. She wasn’t blind. She was well aware that Dominic had been watching her the entire time—throughout the wedding and during the portrait sessions afterward.

  What had he wanted? He’d told her she was beautiful. That was nice and all, but Hannah just didn’t get excited about that kind of feedback from men anymore. She heard from plenty of men who walked into the school’s front office that she was pretty. Pretty didn’t pay her bills, though. It didn’t pay the rent, didn’t make sure Kira was fed and well cared for.

  She knew what she looked like. Knew that having Kira had changed her body. Sure, maybe Hannah looked good in her maid of honor dress. But underneath was…different.

  Hannah shook her head, unsure why she was even thinking about it. It wasn’t as if anything was going to happen between her and Dominic.

  She just needed to get through tonight. That was all.

  Maybe she was feeling a little blue because she’d always thought that she and Dominic would get married before Harvey would even find anyone to put up with his crap. That didn’t mean that Hannah didn’t love Josie—she had become a good friend over the years, and Hannah appreciated the fact that she loved Harvey unreservedly, in spite of his flaws.

  It just seemed hard to believe that Harvey was getting hitched before her.

  Hannah spent dinner chatting with other people at the table, refusing to engage with Dominic. She thought she had a good chance of making it through the reception, especially if she made an excuse having to do with Kira, until a drunk Harvey dragged her and Dominic out onto the dance floor.

  “Where is he getting his booze?” Josie demanded, watching Harvey wobble. “Seriously, I was monitoring this.”

  “Flask,” Dominic said, slipping it out of Harvey’s jacket pocket.

  “You’re the worst best man, officially,” Harvey said. “Josie, I swear he used to be fun.”

  “Uh-huh,” Josie said, taking a long swig from the flask. “Fun like you, I bet.”

  “I’m so much fun,” Harvey agreed. “And I love you so much, baby. You’re just the best. The best person I know. I wouldn’t marry you otherwise. Oh, you’re my wife, now!”

  “Welcome to the love fest,” Hannah said dryly.

  “It’s something, isn’t it?” Josie said, kissing a topsy-turvy Harvey on the chin as a new song came on. “Are we going to dance, or what?”

  “Yeah, all of us.” Harvey grabbed Hannah and shoved her into Dominic’s chest. “Everybody dances!”

  “Harvey!” Hannah complained.

  “Careful,” Dominic said, frowning. “Sloppy bastard.”

  Hannah laughed in spite of herself. “Hi.”

  “Hi yourself,” Dominic said, squaring his shoulders and holding her closer. “Why have you been avoiding me?”

  “I haven’t,” she said, surprised as they began to, quite capably, spin around the dance floor. “When did you become a good dancer?”

  “I’ve always been a good dancer,” he said. “What are you talking about? Also, had to learn for a mission or two.”

  “I’d love to hear more about that,” Hannah said, smiling as she imagined a bevy of heavily armed SEALs pirouetting around with automatic rifles.

  “Classified,” Dominic whispered in her ear, and Hannah felt her skin tingling at his closeness. It felt good, him holding her like this. She felt safe. Minus the pounding in her heart, Hannah felt like she could relax like this—the first real relaxation in a long time.

  The song ended, and Hannah couldn’t help a sigh of disappointment, watching as Harvey and Josie separated and other couples flood
ed the dance floor. She was fully prepared to return to the table and maybe even have a cocktail or two, but Dominic kept his arms securely around her.

  “Can I ask for another dance?”

  “You just did,” she said, smiling.

  “Will you agree to one?” he tried, switching tacks.

  “I’d love to.”

  There wasn’t any reason not to enjoy herself, was there? Sure, she was a little suspicious of the way Dominic had been eyeing her all night, but the dress she was wearing was pretty amazing.

  “It’s nice to see that Harvey hasn’t changed much,” Dominic said, smiling at her. “Loves to drink, as always.”

  “It’s his wedding,” she reasoned. “I guess he can do whatever he wants, as long as Josie doesn’t kick him to the curb.”

  Dominic moved his lips to Hannah’s ear again. She told herself it was so she’d hear him over the loud music.

  “I’ve missed you so much, Hannah.”

  Her lips parted, and she gasped a little. “I’ve missed you, too, Dom.”

  “I mean really missed you.” He held her out for a slow, graceful spin before reeling her back in. “You look amazing.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “The SEALs life has been good to you. How long are you in town for?”

  “Just until tomorrow,” he said. “Then, I have to report for duty.”

  “Oh,” Hannah said, trying not to sound too terribly disappointed.

  She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. Of course he wasn’t here for a long-term visit. He worked, just like anyone else did. She looked up at him to see if he was even a little sorry that he wouldn’t get to spend very much time with her, and made a snap decision.

  She wanted to be with him again. Tonight, because there wasn’t going to be another. She wanted him. She was a grown woman. She was going to have him. It had been seven years since they’d last been together, and now Hannah wanted another taste. Maybe one last taste. Even if she never saw him again after this, she could at least have that memory to hang on to.

  Dominic looked down at her, curious, and she angled her body in a little tighter to his, tilting her head to fit against his chest. He’d said that he missed her. Said that she looked good. Hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her at all today. Could it be possible that he still had feelings for her? That he’d be willing to reconnect tonight?

  There was only one way to tell.

  Chapter 16

  Dominic

  Dominic loved the way Hannah felt, snuggled in tightly to him. He frankly didn’t care who saw them like this, cozy together, enjoying the dance, but he knew Harvey would be hard to put up with—even if it was Harvey who’d yanked them out onto the dance floor in the first place.

  He looked around the reception area to try to ascertain where the groom was at the moment, and smiled, nudging Hannah.

  “Look at the happy couple,” he said, indicating the direction she should search with a jerk of his chin.

  Harvey and Josie had retreated to a corner and were currently making out enthusiastically, drawing disapproving stares from several of the older wedding guests.

  Hannah laughed. “If they really have such a big problem with it, they could just turn away.”

  “Or try to break it up.”

  “Are you kidding? Harvey would kick their asses immediately.”

  “I think Josie would help him, honestly. That is some strong whiskey in that flask.”

  “At least my brother has someone who understands him,” Hannah said, sounding a little wistful. “Must be nice.”

  “You know what’s nice?” Dominic asked. “The fact that your brother is so effectively distracted right now.”

  Hannah was already asking another question, but they wouldn’t get another opportunity like this. Dominic seized the moment and kissed her full on the mouth. He was transported instantly back to doing the same at that ridiculous graduation party the three of them had attended. What was that kid’s name again? Ronnie something?

  Dominic and Hannah’s tongues danced for a brief moment before they darted apart, both of them breathless.

  “It’s not enough,” Dominic gasped out.

  Hannah watched him a little warily. “What isn’t enough?”

  “This.” He kissed her again. Deeper. Longer. This time, he didn’t care who saw them. Didn’t care if Harvey was waiting to punch him out the moment he came up for air.

  Hannah hung on to him, her eyes closed, a faint smile on her face.

  “You’re right,” she said. “It’s not enough. Not after seven years.”

  “Come on.”

  They all but ran out of the reception area, finding a darkened, deserted hallway. Dominic backed Hannah up against a wall, kissing her breathless, tasting the faint fruit of champagne, then the captivating taste that was all her own. God, he’d kissed so many women trying to taste this again; he should’ve realized it would never be repeated. It was uniquely Hannah’s. She was delicious, and it was his favorite taste in the world.

  “I have never stopped thinking of you,” he panted. “Not since the night we shared together.”

  “You’ve always been on my mind, too,” Hannah said, her tone of voice a little off.

  Dominic chalked it up to the suddenness of their kissing. Maybe they were moving too fast, but they kind of had to. Tomorrow, he was getting on a plane. He wasn’t sure when the next time he’d see her would be.

  “I want you, plain and simple,” he said. “I have for years. Can we seize this moment, Hannah? Can we be together tonight?”

  She nodded, then winced. “Are we being the worst best man and maid of honor right now?”

  “I’ve already been demoted for revealing the location of Harvey’s flask,” Dominic pointed out. “I don’t think we’re going to be missed.”

  Hannah considered this. “I kind of have a feeling that my brother and his wife are going to pull the same stunt as us,” she said. “That they’re going to miss out on their own reception.”

  “Well, as long as they miss it, there’s no one really to fuss at us for missing it,” Dominic said. “My hotel’s a five-minute walk from here. Shall we?”

  He held his hand out for Hannah to take. She looked at it for a moment’s pause, long enough for sweat to prickle Dominic’s neck beneath his tie and shirt collar.

  Then, with a smile, she took it. “Lead the way.”

  It wasn’t a direct route. And it took three times longer than it should have, due to all the detours they took, all the dark corners they kissed in, all the ways they snuck around hotel patrons and security personnel, copping feels of each other in public.

  It was just the kind of thing to build Dominic’s arousal. A slow, secret burn stoked by lingering kisses and touches, the friction of Hannah grinding against the crotch of his pants in the elevator, the longest hallway in the history of man, kissing nonstop, Dominic’s pants undone already, Hannah’s hair mussed, her lipstick almost completely worn off, high heels long since abandoned and carried by Dominic.

  “This is it,” he breathed, the green light illuminating as he slid the card into the door. “Finally.”

  “I feel like a teenager again,” Hannah said, smiling as he locked the door behind them. She recoiled as he turned the light on. “Why do we need that? All we need is our sense of touch.”

  “I haven’t seen you like this in seven years,” Dominic said. “You can bet your beautiful ass that I’m going to want to look at you.”

  “Exactly,” Hannah said with a cringe and shudder. “Seven years for parts of me to stretch and sag. Lines like you wouldn’t believe. Lines that will scare you away, Dom, I promise you.”

  “Hannah. Every inch of you is beautiful, and if I have to kiss every inch of you to prove it to you, then I consider that time well spent.”

  He helped her out of her dress, even as she didn’t look entirely happy about it. Next was the clasp of the bra, her breasts spilling out, and then the panties were discarded, too.

/>   “You are magnificent,” he said. “Look at you, Hannah. Look how amazing you are.”

  She covered her stomach with her hands, but he gradually and gently drew them away, falling to his knees in front of her. It was her stretch marks that she was covering, Dominic realized.

  “Your body is responsible for miracles,” he said. “Your body made an entire human being. A human being as special and amazing as you are.”

  Hannah’s breath hitched. “I had help making her.”

  “You mostly did it by yourself,” he said, tracing the path of one of the stretch marks meandering over her stomach. “And that is even more remarkable. Hannah, I’m so proud of you. Is that weird to say?”

  He didn’t give her a chance to overthink it. He simply leaned forward and started trailing kisses over her belly, smiling to himself as he heard her moan. The way her fingers dug into his shoulders. The way she gently thrust her pelvis forward, inviting him to explore her even more. To move the outer attentions decidedly inward.

  “Can I have you tonight?” he asked. “Can I make you come?”

  She nodded, the movement jerky. “Yes. As long as you make it fast. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.”

  “Hannah, we’ve both waited for this for seven years,” Dominic pointed out. “What’s a few more minutes?”

  “A million years to me,” Hannah admitted, capturing his hand and pressing it against her lower lips.

  She was already so wet that it made him—if it was possible—even harder than before. He just wished there was more time. Fewer places to go. No more responsibilities beyond being present, in this moment, and making Hannah feel good.

  “I am going to make you feel so good,” he vowed.