The SEAL’s Surprise Mission (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Rache)

by Rachel McNeely

  Vi woke to the smell of frying bacon. She lay unmoving for a minute and studied the room. The blue walls looked lighter in the glow from the sun shining through the sheer curtains. A sense of peace settled over her. She hadn’t felt this good since her ordeal in the Middle East, followed by the frightening episode with the hired killer. Then she remembered why they’d come to the cottage — they were supposed to have a private talk. She had to convince Hawke about what she believed happened the night they both thought they’d been stood up.

  Peeking around the door, she saw the bathroom was empty. She wished she had clean clothes with her.

  “Better hurry,” she heard Hawke call out from the kitchen. He must have heard her moving around. That man really does have excellent hearing. “I’ll wait to cook the eggs and toast until you’re ready.”

  “I won’t be long.” A clean towel and washcloth hung beside the shower curtain. She tested the water, satisfied the slightly cold shower would wake her up, she stepped inside.

  Afterward, she dressed and brushed her teeth with an unopened toothbrush she’d found in a drawer. She opened the bathroom door and glanced at her watch. “Twenty-five minutes isn’t too bad,” she said as she entered the kitchen.

  “A man would take less time, but he wouldn’t look or smell as good as you do.” Hawke smiled and cracked the eggs into the skillet. Reaching across the counter, he pushed down the lever for the toast. “How about pouring yourself a cup of coffee and me my second cup.”

  Vi handed his cup to him and tasted hers. “Like I thought, too strong. Do we have milk?”

  He nodded toward the refrigerator. “Mom has us covered.”

  “Did she know I’d be here?”

  “No, Mom does it whenever I’m at home just in case I want to spend a few days here.”

  “Your Dad and Mom are very nice.” Vi sighed. Hawke glanced at her. “I wish I’d had one supporting parent. Dad’s trying to make up for not being around, but it doesn’t take away from how lonely I felt in my own home.”

  “I never realized. You looked like just another rich girl thinking you were better than us commoners. Well, no, I take part of that back. There were times when you tried to speak with me, or you’d frown at what your posse said.”

  “I didn't dare to tell them to stop and quit being so mean. It took running for my life and seeing the bravery of others to make me stronger.”

  “Better late than never to learn. Although your lesson was quick and hard.”

  “Yes, but I loved the villagers and especially the older lady who taught me how to knit while she gave me lessons in life. Do you think I can ever go back one day and see them?”

  “I don’t know.” He handed her a plate with eggs, bacon, and toast. “Sit at the table. I’ll join you as soon as I cook my eggs.”

  While eating, they kept the conversation light by talking about the town and people.

  “Before I forget, I visited my old pal, Warner. He’s the coach at our old high school now. He wants me to get together for dinner with him and his wife, Glenda. Do you remember her?”

  “I do. Glenda was a year behind me, and a sweet girl, always smiling. I can see her and Warner making a good pair.”

  “Warner suggested I bring a date. Would you like to go with me? He said they’d let us set whatever day and time was good for us.”

  “I’d like to, but we need to see how we feel about each other after our talk. You might want to rescind that offer.”

  “Then when we finish breakfast, we’ll go sit outside on the porch and talk. The front gets the shade in the morning, so you’d better bring your sweater. I’ll clean up and put the dishes in the dishwasher.”

  Vi's eyes opened wide. “You have a dishwasher?”

  “Yes, Mother insisted. Otherwise, she said she’d find a mess in the kitchen when I left. I tried to convince her that I know better, but it didn’t change her mind.”

  “You have all the comforts of home, electricity, a functioning bathroom.” She sighed. “If it were mine, I’d probably never leave.”

  “I thought you liked San Diego.”

  “I do, but right now I like this place better. I’m sure when I get back I’ll enjoy the big city again. I’ll get my sweater.”

  Hawke cleaned the kitchen and got out to the porch before her. He rearranged the rocking chairs, so they’d be facing each other. Vi had an expressive face.

  I think I’ll be able to tell if she’s being truthful or making up what she thinks I’d like to hear. I want her to tell me whatever she truly believes.

  “What a beautiful spot. You beat me out here. My Dad called to check on me.” She sat down in the chair across from him. “He’s trying to make up for lost time.”

  “Can a person do that?”

  “I hope so.” After a pause, she asked, “Can you and I trust what we say to each other and put the past behind us?”

  “Possibly. What made Emma believe we were set up on our last date?”

  “She knew I liked you and was excited we were meeting again. But Emma thinks Mom and the girls found out. Maybe they guessed since I looked happier than usual.

  “I know afterward they’d giggle together about something and not tell me the joke. It made me mad, and I started trying to pull away from the group, but Bella noticed and told Mom.”

  “I was angry,” Hawke said. “I’d asked few girls out, and then you stood me up.”

  “Why didn’t you date much?”

  He shrugged. “I’d read about Navy SEALs, and I wanted to become one. I didn't want anyone to interfere with my dream. In the service, I worked hard to build myself up and learn what I needed to apply and train to be a SEAL. You have to get through all the training successfully.”

  “I’ve heard of Hell Week.”

  He gave her a rueful smile. “I’d done well on everything up to that time. My determination not to fail the test drove me onward. When I didn’t think I’d last another minute, I’d lift my chin and remember my lifetime ambition.”

  Vi reached out and touched his hand. “I’m proud of you. Few get where you are, determined or not. They don’t make it.”

  “I know. We lost fifty percent of my class that week. Good people, but it was hard.”

  She grinned. “From what I’ve heard, that’s an understatement.” Her expression sobered. “I had to choose to stay with the group of girls my mother liked and wanted me to be like or not go to college. My grades weren’t as good as some. I knew I’d never get a scholarship. I needed the degree to get my freedom, or so I thought.”

  “We both had dreams that pulled us apart or would have in the end. I enlisted the year before you graduated, and you went off to college the next year. Maybe what we thought we had wasn’t in our future.”

  “Do you believe we can change our destiny?”

  “Yes, but you have to want something badly before you change.”

  “I want you.” The words must have popped out of her mouth before she thought, because her cheeks flushed.

  He stared at her for a minute, and then said, “It’s difficult being with a SEAL. We’re often away on missions, sometimes for a long period. When we come home, it takes a while to integrate back into regular society, if we ever do. Our wives must be mom and dad to the children when we’re gone. Often, the sons or daughters resent the father’s involvement after he returns. The divorce rate is high.”

  “Do any of your team have successful marriages?”

  “Yes, our team’s been lucky.”

  “But you don’t think I have what it takes to be a SEAL’s wife?”

  He watched her face closely. “I don’t know. I admit there’s an attraction between us. I want to make love with you. But I don’t want to hurt you. I doubt I’d consider marrying anyone while I’m a SEAL. It isn’t fair to a wife or any children who come along.”

  “Your teammates must not feel the same way.”

  “No, they’ve taken their chances and been lucky. So far.”

  �
�Are you a pessimist?” She sat back.

  “I may have become one.” He took a deep breath and stared at her in the silence that engulfed them.

  Her mind whirled. His face was unreadable. Then an idea popped into her head. Would he accept my suggestion, and can I live up to what I’m about to offer him?

  “I’ll go get us another cup of coffee,” he said and stood.

  “If there’s a soda in the fridge, I’d like it with a glass of ice.”

  “No problem. I’ll be back.”

  Vi stood and paced across the porch and down one side. Her offer was risky. I’d have to live up to the conditions, and I might lose it all.

  She turned and went back toward her chair just in time to open the door for him. He carried a tray holding a beer for him and her soda, but also cookies his mother must have put in the cupboard.

  Vi placed a small table between them and poured her drink over the ice. “I like most all of my drinks cold—water, tea, soda, whatever—except for coffee.”

  “We all drink a lot of coffee on the job, and,” he raised his can in a small toast before taking a swallow, “beer when we’re not working.”

  “I’ve given some thought since our discussion. I’d like to suggest we date with the understanding either can date others if they want. The only rule is if we want to have a sexual relationship with someone else, we’ll break up. I don’t like or want to be involved with someone unless we stay loyal to each other during that time.”

  Hawke started to speak, but she put up her hand. “Let me finish. There’s something between us. You do admit I’m right?”

  He nodded.

  “We’ll always wonder, or at least, I would. I want to know how it will be for us. I understand what you said and know I may end up with a broken heart. Somehow, I think it’s better than always comparing others to you. I’ll know why we didn’t work out. I can let you go and find someone else who will love me and want to have a family.”

  She took a breath. “I didn’t mean to go on so long.”

  “You did a lot of thinking while I got our drinks. I believe men can have the type of relationship you offered. You can’t. It would destroy something I saw in you as a girl. A kindness, a strength, a heart softer than I’ve given you credit for since high school. I do want you, but I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Suddenly, the anger, the hurt, all the suppressed feelings over what happened to her overseas burst forth.

  She shoved up to her feet, nearly spilling her drink all over herself in her haste, but not caring in the least. “Then damn it! Don’t call me, don’t see me, don’t come near me, Hawke. I hate you, and your smug belief that whatever you think is right. I hate you think I’m too weak to handle what I offered. It took courage to ask you. Courage I’ve only recently gained.” With a shaky hand, she put her glass on the small table and tried to compose herself. “Take me back to Emma’s. I’m flying home as soon as possible. You won’t have to see me again.”

  Embarrassed from putting herself out there and being rejected, she stomped into her room, threw her few things into her large bag and strode past him and out the door.

  Chapter 12

  Vi stormed off down the path before Hawke realized he hadn’t moved fast enough and she planned to walk home. He jogged to catch up with her.

  “Wait, Vi. I’ll drive you to Emma’s.”

  “I can walk. I don’t need your help.” She slung her bag over her shoulder.

  Hawke dug his keys of his pocket, got in the truck and started it up. He drove up beside her. “Damn it, Vi, go around the truck and get in.” He leaned across to open the door for her.

  “I don’t need you.” She walked faster.

  “What will my mom and dad think when you get to the ranch house without me?”

  “I don’t know.” She didn’t look at him.

  “Please, get in. You're acting silly.”

  That observation seemed to incite her. She whirled on him and practically spat out, “I am showing you a woman who knows her own mind! Go fuck yourself.”

  Her hand went to her mouth in obvious shock. He’d bet good money she’d never cussed, not like that.

  “That’s pretty good cussing. I’d bet most mothers would be shocked to know their daughter had such words in her vocabulary.”

  She ignored him and resumed her outraged march. He kept the truck rolling along at her side, but she refused a ride, even with the sun getting higher in the sky and the air warmer. Tears ran down her face, and she started hiccupping.

  “Please let me drive you the rest of the way. I won’t talk or say a word.”

  “I’m fine. Go back to the cottage.”

  “I hate seeing you cry.”

  “You embarrassed me and hurt my heart. I’d given up a lot of my dignity to make the offer you refused. I’m not good enough to be a wife or a girlfriend, apparently.”

  “That’s not what I said.”

  “You might as well have. It’s what you meant.”

  “No, it wasn’t. I didn’t want to hurt you if we didn’t work out.”

  “And I don’t want to be in a relationship with a man who’s looking ahead to our breakup.”

  “At least let me drive you to the ranch house. My dad or mom can take you the rest of the way to Emma’s.”

  Vi stopped and bit the edge of her mouth. She looked up at him for the first time since he’d started following her.

  “It is hot.” Her hand went slowly to the handle on the passenger door. She hesitated, and warned, “I don’t intend to speak with you.”

  “All right. I agree.” He hopped out and opened the door for her. When he started to help her inside, she pulled her arm away.

  “Don’t touch me.”

  It was a high step, but she managed. Once she closed the door, she looked out the window, never once glancing in Hawke’s direction.

  She was good as her word, and they made the ride to his parents’ house in silence. He parked in the drive and walked around to her door to open it. Vi frowned and started to step down. Abruptly, she threw herself at him. He caught her, and she slugged him in the jaw as they hit the ground.

  “Damn it, woman.” He rolled, trapping her under his weight before she hit him again. “Does being angry and hitting me make you feel better?”

  “Yes, but I’d like to have hit you twice!”

  “Go ahead.”

  She pushed furiously at his chest and stood as soon as he shifted off her. “No. It’s no fun when you see it coming.”

  “What in the world?”

  Guiltily, Hawke looked up at the sound of his mother’s voice, and was chagrined to realize both his parents stood on the porch. He could only imagine what it looked like, him on the ground and Vi angry and dirty.

  “What’s going on?” his father asked.

  “It’s a long story,” Hawke said.

  His mother hurried down the porch steps to put her arm around Vi. Hawke scowled. I’m the one who got punched in the face! Ignoring her son, she said to Vi, “Come inside and wash off, Vivian. You look hot and thirsty. I’ll fix a cold glass of tea for you while you clean up.”

  Hawke’s dad gave him a hand to stand up. “What happened, son?”

  “It’s a long story and part of it is not mine to tell. You can see Vi’s hot and tired.” He shook his head and attempted to slap some of the dusty dirt off his jeans. “I never dreamed she had such a temper. She’s like a tiger.”

  His father started laughing. Hawke frowned at the older man. “What’s so funny?”

  “She’s a lot like your mom. You and your sister and brother never saw her temper. But she’d wait until we were alone and hit me with it. Not actually hit me, but she did often push to get my attention and yell in my face.”

  Hawke was flabbergasted. His dear, sweet mother shoved and yelled at his father? “What did you do?”

  “I let her have her say and cool down. Then we’d talk over what had upset her.”

  “Did you always conce
de you were wrong?”

  “Most of the time we agreed we were both wrong, but I was more wrong than her.” He laughed. “Arguing with the woman you love isn’t worth it.”

  “But she’ll see you as a pansy.”

  His father frowned. “Have you ever had that thought about your mother or me?”

  “No.”

  “Then you see I’m right. It’ll be difficult for you and Vi, but I have faith you’ll find your way to each other.”

  “I’m not in love with her.”

  His father’s lips quirked in a knowing smile. “Right. I said that once about your mother.”

  “You did?”

  “She’s a strong woman, and we hit heads a few times in the beginning of our relationship. I even walked away once, but found no one I liked or loved as much. I got the scare of my life when she got tired of waiting for me to smarten up and started dating others. I feared I’d lose her.”

  “What’d you do?”

  “Asked her to marry me. Told her what a fool I’d been.” He grinned. “She said yes and gave me the happiest years a man might have.”

  “That won’t happen to Vi and me. I’m a SEAL. I don’t have the time or the desire to settle down. I shiver at the thought of having a child. I’m not ready.”

  His father clapped a commiserating hand on his shoulder. “That’s okay, Taylor. Don’t worry about it. Vivian will find another man to love and make her happy.”

  Hawke looked at the older man in disgust. “Yeah. I’m sure you’re right.”

  They walked into the house side by side. Vi had washed her face and sat with his mother drinking tea.

  Hawke turned to his dad. “I forgot to ask. Will you drive Vi to Emma’s?”

  “Sure.” To Vi, he said, “Whenever you’ve had enough tea and pie, let me know.”

  She put her glass of tea down, gave his mother a grateful smile and looked past Hawke as if he didn’t exist when she said to his father, “I can go now. I’m sure you have plans for the day.”

  “No, just a nice quiet day at home. You two gave it a little spice, which I always like.” He walked across the room and hugged Vi.