Redeeming the Billionaire SEAL

by Lauren Canan

  Holly had anticipated that a drive into Dallas would take a couple of hours. When Chance turned left toward the barn, in the opposite direction from the main road, she sat up and took notice. Where was he going? Over one hill and up another and they were parking in front of the hangar at the ranch airport. Chance was out of the car in a heartbeat and had her door opened, offering his hand before she could come to grips with what this meant. They most likely were not driving to Dallas. The thought of flying there had never crossed her mind.

  He held her hand as they crossed to the other side of the asphalt runway where two white-and-blue helicopters sat on their round concrete helipad.

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “Nope.”

  She stopped but he didn’t let go of her hand. “I’m not getting into that.”

  Chance tilted his head and pursed his lips. “Why not?”

  “I’m not a bird. Do I look like I have feathers? If I die, I don’t want to be twenty thousand feet above the ground when it happens.”

  “You won’t be that high, but if you’re dead, what difference will it make?”

  Holly glared at him. “You know what I mean.”

  “Come on. It’ll be all right.” She still wasn’t moving. He looked down into her eyes, then brought his hands to cup her face. Before she could grasp his intentions, his lips briefly touched hers. “I would never put you in a dangerous situation. Do you believe that?”

  “Yes. I guess I do.” She looked up at him, frowning. “Although you are the one who said it would be safe to cross that new bull’s pasture to get to the river quicker. That sucker almost ate our lunch.”

  Chance pulled a hand down over his mouth. She knew she had him there.

  “But no one was hurt.”

  “Only because old man Reichter saw what was happening and released those two heifers into the pasture to distract him.”

  “Come on. This is not a bull.”

  “And you’ve driven one of these before?”

  He nodded, taking her hand. “A couple of times. Yeah. What is that perfume?” he asked as he settled her into her seat. “It’s amazing.”

  “I don’t know. Amanda just grabbed the bottle and dabbed—”

  “Find out the name.” His eyes sparkled dangerously. “It makes me hungry. Come on. You can do this.”

  Chance made sure she was buckled in. Once inside, he handed her a headset with a mic before putting on his own.

  “Ready?”

  “No.”

  He grinned. That charming, seductive, devil-may-care, bad-boy smile complete with dimples made it no contest. He would win this battle. The engine began turning the rotor blades, faster and faster until she felt the helicopter lift and move forward.

  “Wait! Stop!”

  Chance looked at her and lowered the chopper back onto the ground. “What’s the matter?”

  “I wasn’t ready. You didn’t say we would take off so soon.”

  He spared her a look clearly saying, Are you kidding me? “Holly, get ready. We are going to the moon. Is there anything else?”

  “Where are the parachutes?”

  “There are no parachutes.”

  Her eyes got big. “Then, what do we use if we crash?”

  “Ah... That would be the ground. Hold on.”

  With a shake of his head, they were off yet again. The chopper climbed high as Chance circled the ranch then headed south.

  “Holly, loosen up. You have a death grip on the seat.”

  “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “No, you aren’t. Relax and enjoy the flight.”

  She nodded, scooted as far away from the outside door as her seat would allow, and in a show of bravery, managed to pry her fingers off the leather seat. Her hands found each other in her lap and she held on tight. The warmth of Chance’s hand covered hers, and only then did she begin to relax.

  She had to admit, it was an amazing sight. The closer they got to Dallas, the more roads there were and the busier it was. It was twilight, so the sun had set, but darkness hadn’t fully taken over. The lights of the city began to come on and it was amazing.

  She glanced at Chance. He was so capable, so incredible. He caught her look and winked. “We’re ahead of schedule. Do you want to circle Dallas?”

  Holly knew this was the chance of a lifetime. When would she ever again be in a helicopter? Put your fear in your back pocket and trust Chance. She looked at him and nodded. “I would love it.”

  He grinned. “That’s my girl.”

  It was just a turn of phrase, but his words hit her hard just the same. Was she his girl? Would she ever be?

  The giant skyscrapers of Dallas unfolded below them. As they circled, Holly spotted Pegasus, the flying red horse. Formerly a symbol of Mobil Oil, it now served as both a symbol of Dallas and a representation of its history.

  After circling the downtown area, they headed northeast. The city gave way to beautiful estates. They finally touched down at a small suburban airport.

  “We’re here.”

  Chance killed the motor and helped her from the chopper, grabbing her overnight bag and handing her the small purse. Just ahead was a stretch limo, the driver patiently waiting next to the car. Placing his hand on the back of her waist, Chance guided her to the vehicle.

  This was a day of firsts. While she’d seen limos in and around the big house at the ranch most of her life, she’d never been close to one let alone in one. Even when Jason died, a military-issue sedan had picked her up at the airport and taken her to Arlington Cemetery, where her brother had been buried with full honors.

  “Since this is our first official date...” Chance said, looking straight ahead as the chauffeur started the limo and drove out onto the highway. Then he turned toward her. “I would like to kiss you.”

  “I would like that very much.”

  Chance leaned toward her, put his arm around her shoulders and lowered his head. She felt his hand press against her face, turning her to him. Then his mouth covered hers, his tongue seeking permission to enter, which she happily gave. Typical of Chance, his kiss, like the rest of him, was strong and decisive. He tasted of brandy, a hint of peppermint and his own unique masculine flavor. She again felt the heat in her lower regions. A single thought crossed her mind that if they didn’t stop, they were definitely going to be late for his party.

  Chance raised his head, separating their lips, but seemed to hesitate as though he’d been forced to stop. His thumb lightly moved over her bottom lip, swollen and moist from his kiss.

  “We’re here,” he said, his voice coarse and deep.

  “Oh.”

  The limo turned into a driveway, coming to a stop in front of tall black wrought iron gates. They opened immediately, and the limo proceeded up the hill and to the right, where a circle drive dipped under a high portico. It was the largest house she’d ever seen. She was certain of that. A mansion complete with turrets made of stone and brick with blooming vines clinging to the mortar, which made it appear more castle than house.

  “Is this where Wade lives?” The sheer colossal size of it required confirmation.

  Chance nodded as the driver opened his door. “And Cole also stays here when he is in town.”

  She leaned toward the window and glanced up at the top of the turreted roof then back to Chance. “Promise me the dragons are securely locked in the basement.”

  He looked at her with surprise. One eyebrow lifted higher than the other, then he pursed his lips as he fought not to laugh. “You know, I’m not entirely sure anyone remembered to do that. We might have a problem.”

  She drew back and saw the teasing glitter in his steel-blue eyes. She also saw the need.

  “Damn, Holly.” And his mouth returned to hers, hard, almost
frantic as if he wanted to taste all he could before circumstances forced them apart. He was so masculine. He reeked of sex appeal. His lips were unexpectedly tender yet firm. His mouth widened over hers as his tongue deepened its penetration. She felt the sizzle of heat shoot down her spine, pooling in her belly as she melted into him.

  A light tap on the glass brought reality creeping back. When Chance hesitantly pulled away, Holly saw Wade standing outside the car window, his brown eyes glittering in amusement. Apparently deciding now was appropriate, he opened the door, bent down and looked past Holly at his brother. “We have rooms upstairs. Shall I tell the guests you’ll be a little late?”

  “No,” Holly answered before Chance. She could feel the deep blush cover her face and neck.

  Then Chance’s lips were near her ear, his hot breath causing shivers over her already heated skin. “He’s messing with you. But if you change your mind, there are, in fact, rooms available.”

  “Stop. Both of you!” She laughed. Grabbing Wade’s offered hand, she stepped out of the car.

  “Wow.” Wade held her hands and stepped back for a better overall look. “Holly, you are stunning.”

  “Thank you. I just hope I don’t fall flat on my face in these crazy shoes.”

  Wade’s deep laughter followed her and Chance into the entrance hall.

  Holly looked back at him and mouthed the word What? which only served to renew his laughter.

  The only words to describe the inside of the home were palatial elegance. This place made even the big house at the ranch small in comparison. Three-story ceilings, crystal chandeliers, glass walls, steps leading to still more luxury. A huge indoor terrarium dominated one vast corner. Holly had never seen anything like it. They continued through the marble-and-glass foyer and into a huge living room to the right and a dining room that could easily seat forty people on her left. A man in a white jacket offered to take her overnight bag. Chance whispered something in his ear, received an “Of course, sir,” and the man hurried away with her bag.

  By now some of the guests had begun to notice their arrival. At least they’d realized Chance was there. In his full navy dress whites that served as a backdrop for the medals that almost covered the left side of his broad chest, he was the target of every wannabe macho male and lusty female in the entire house. The music from discreetly hidden speakers blended with the sounds of laughter and excited voices.

  “Let’s get this over with,” Chance whispered to Wade, who stood next to them.

  “Ladies and gentlemen.” Wade’s baritone voice carried through the den of people. Everyone turned and a hush fell over the crowd. The eyes quickly deflected from Holly to Chance. The smiles grew bigger, the eyes brighter, and it seemed as though everyone in the room advanced toward them at the same time. Toward Chance, more specifically.

  “Thank you all for coming. I’m delighted to introduce my brother, Lieutenant Commander Chance Masters, US Navy, Special Forces Division, and his close friend Dr. Holly Anderson. Please join me in making them welcome.”

  There was united applause. Holly knew it was for Chance. She took a few steps back and brought her hands together for Chance. A receiving line formed, everyone anxious to meet Chance and thank him for his service. She felt out of place big-time. This was his night to shine. And he deserved all the accolades these people were willing to bestow.

  A waiter in a white coat walked through the crowd carrying a tray filled with champagne flutes. Holly grabbed two and handed one to Chance. There were several hundred people clustered around him. He hadn’t mentioned there would be this many people. Maybe he hadn’t known. The music filtered into the room, mixing with excited banter. Twice Holly tried to make her escape but found her arm seized and held securely in Chance’s hand before she could take one step. Did the man have eyes in the back of his head? Eventually most of the people had come forward and introduced themselves, all adding questions about the SEALs, Iraq, BUDS training or the Masters Corporation. Chance said a lot of words that told them nothing. She was amazed at how he could do that.

  “I’m starved,” he said after the last group had finally dissipated. Taking her hand in his, Chance led her toward the buffet. While he filled his plate with various meat and cheese selections, Holly went for the fruit: bite-size slices of melons, strawberries, cherries and grapes. Then it was finding a place to sit down and eat. With well over three hundred people in attendance, no chairs were available in the living or dining areas.

  “We can just stand up,” Holly offered.

  “I have an idea. Follow me.”

  Back out in the great hall, Chance walked toward the back of the house. Before they got to the kitchen, he turned into a small alcove on their left. Probably intended as a smaller, more intimate dining room, there was no table or chairs, just one lone sofa and a small flat-screen TV on the opposite wall. The far end of the room was glass panels, giving a view of a large fountain in a garden outside.

  Holly walked to the couch and was unable to hold back a sigh of relief when she sank down into the plush leather. By the time Chance joined her, she’d already kicked off the four-inch heels. They ate in unison, enjoying the quiet.

  “So do you know all those people?”

  “Nope.”

  “Who was that brunette who was so determined to get close to you? She actually tried to step on my foot in an attempt to make me back away.”

  “You’re kidding.” Chance looked from his plate to Holly. There was a frown of concern on his handsome face.

  “No. Not kidding.” She took a bite of a strawberry. “But no worries. Every time she tried it, I just poked her in the ribs. Oh, these strawberries are so good.”

  Chance laughed out loud. “You’re priceless.”

  “I’m ornery.”

  “That, too.”

  She adjusted her body into a more comfortable position. Doing so caused her plate to tilt. Before she could catch it, a cherry slid off, rolled over Chance’s leg and onto the leather of the couch, stopping at his crotch. She looked at him with dismay. He bit down hard, his eyes dancing. Which told her he was going to have fun with this one.

  “You uh...lost your cherry, Ms. Anderson,” he said, trying to keep a straight face.

  “So it would seem,” she replied, stiffening her spine, unable to keep from staring at the small red piece of fruit. “Would you be a gentleman and hand it to me?”

  “Nope. You’ll have to get it yourself.”

  Holly looked around, making sure no one else was within hearing distance. “Chance Masters,” she said through gritted teeth. “Do not do this. This isn’t the place or the time. Give me my cherry.”

  “You want the cherry? Reach down and get it.”

  The bad-boy light was dancing in his eyes. He was enjoying this way too much.

  “Fine. I’ll just leave it there and you’ll have a stain on your pants.”

  “Dry cleaners can get it out,” he said, sounding totally unconcerned.

  Chance reached out to her plate and picked up one of the two remaining pieces of fruit. With his fingers he removed the stem and brought a green grape to her mouth. She opened to accept it, biting down, enjoying the sweet, juicy flavor. He watched as she chewed. Then he scooped up the last piece of fruit, a small strawberry. This time, he put it to his mouth, his teeth holding it in place.

  His eyes glittered in challenge. He wanted her to take it. From his mouth. She could do it. Leaning toward him, Holly touched her lips to his as she bit down on the fruit. She felt his hand come around to the back of her head, holding her to him. With his tongue he made sure the fruit was well into her mouth. It turned into a deep, smoldering kiss until she neither knew nor cared where the strawberry went. Against her lips, Chance murmured, “Get the cherry, Holly. Do it. Do it now.”

  Eight

  “Just remembe
r, Commander. Paybacks are hell,” she said against his mouth and felt him smile. As she reached out to retrieve the crimson fruit at his crotch, his lips again found hers. He pressed her hand against his swollen erection. The fruit was forgotten. His hard body pushed up against her hand, his own hand pressing hers down on his thickness.

  Someone cleared their throat. It wasn’t her. It wasn’t Chance. All movement came to a screeching halt. Reality flooded into the little room. Chance drew back and she looked up to find Wade standing in the opening next to a chef, who for all intents and purposes appeared as though he wished he was anywhere else. So did Holly. The heat of a deep red blush crept up her face.

  “We couldn’t find you two.” Wade was trying so hard not to grin it would, without doubt, do damage to his facial muscles. “Chef Andre has something for you.”

  Holly looked at the silver tray in the chef’s hand. He lowered it and removed the silver dome cover. It held a hot dog in a bun with an assortment of relishes and condiments on the side.

  “As requested, madam. Grilled over an open fire. For you.”

  He held the tray toward them. Thankfully Chance reached out and took it. Her hands were shaking so badly she would have probably dumped the whole plate in his lap. A new rush of heat ran up her neck and face as an image flashed in her mind of how Chance would ask her to clean that up. This had to stop.

  “Thank you.”

  “You are quite welcome. I hope you enjoy,” Chef said before turning away.

  “Something is begging me to ask what you both were up to when I walked in here,” Wade said. “But, nah. I don’t think I really need to ask, do I? And if I did, you probably wouldn’t tell me, would you?”

  “Honestly, Wade. It’s all just a big misunderstanding.” Holly would not leave him thinking she’d come to his elaborate party just to make out with his brother. Even though she had been doing just that. There was a distinct difference between making out and making out. “What you saw was not really representative of what we were doing.”

  Chance snorted and she sent a glare in his direction.