SEAL Do Over (A Standalone Navy SEAL Romance) (SEAL Brotherhood, 6)

by Ivy Jordan

  I nodded and giggled, already anticipating the tingle that would erupt again between my legs and in my breasts.

  Luke gripped my chin gently, lifted it towards his mouth, and lowered his to mine. The kiss was explosive, our tongues entangled around one another, his free hand firmly sliding along my side. My mind filled with thoughts, ones that I wasn’t accustomed to having. I was turned on, maybe for the first time ever, truly turned on.

  Luke pulled away slowly, my lips searching for his as they left, my eyes unable to open as my body trembled with desire.

  “Goodnight,” he whispered in my ear.

  I opened my eyes. He winked, and then turned the handle of Lyla’s door, pushing it open for me to enter.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said softly.

  “Yes, night ‘morrow,” I stammered, unable to pull my words together.

  Lyla was in bed when I entered, so I called Alyssa immediately to tell her what was happening.

  “You’re turned on,” she laughed.

  “I know, but it’s never happened. It feels weird,” I admitted.

  “Girl, you can either take care of it yourself or take a cold shower,” she roared through the phone.

  “Take care of it myself? …oh,” I blushed at the thought.

  “Then a cold shower it is,” Alyssa chuckled, and then hung up.

  I thought about touching myself, pretending it was Luke, but I couldn’t. I wanted his hands on me, not my own. I went into the bathroom, took a cold shower, and climbed into bed, still feeling that same sensation every time I thought of Luke.

  Chapter 33

  Luke

  I was at Lyla’s door at six in the morning, knocking on the door. Lyla answered, slightly annoyed, and gave me a look of disapproval.

  “It’s our day off,” she growled.

  “I know. I have a surprise for Candace,” I explained, giving her my sweetest pouty face.

  “Give me a minute to wake her,” she hissed, shooting me a smirk as she walked away.

  I heard her in Candace’s room. She was already awake, feeding the squirrel as she walked out into the living room.

  “What are you doing here?” she giggled.

  “I want to go see Alyssa and Liam, and they won’t let me in if you don’t come,” I teased.

  Her eyes lit up, and she could barely contain her excitement. I knew she and Alyssa had been talking a lot and had become close friends.

  “Yes, I’m coming. Give me twenty minutes,” she exclaimed, rushing off to her room.

  “You want coffee?” Lyla asked, a sincerer smile on her face now.

  I nodded, followed her to the kitchen, and sat at the table while she made a pot.

  “Candace is doing really well,” she said casually.

  “Yes. She’s amazing,” I gushed.

  “Her place is being furnished today; does she know that?” Lyla asked.

  “Nope,” I grinned.

  She shook her head with a smile.

  “I’ll get her stuff together so you can bring her there when you get back,” she offered.

  “That would be great,” I agreed.

  Candace was ready before I finished my cup of coffee, so Lyla poured it into a foam cup with a lid. She made one for Candace and sent us on our way.

  “We have to make a stop at the barn,” I said quickly.

  Candace looked confused. She had Sully in the seat between us, his bottles and all his bandages already packed.

  “You have to pick out a kitten for Holly,” I smiled.

  Her eyes widened, and she slid out of the truck before I could even get to her side. She followed me into the barn, rushing to the kittens.

  “I know just the one,” she smiled, reaching down to select the fluffy white one with long hair and a black spot on its nose.

  “Perfect.” I took the kitten and found a small box to place him in for the ride.

  It was early afternoon by the time we arrived, and as we pulled up, I watched Candace’s face slightly pale. I feared she would start to fall apart, and that was the last thing I wanted for her. I reached across the seat, taking her hand in mine.

  “If you want to leave, just tell me, and I’ll make up an emergency,” I promised.

  That seemed to ease her stress. She smiled and gathered up the box with Sully, and I carried the kitten’s box.

  At the door, Holly answered, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

  “Luke!” she exclaimed, jumping up into my arms and almost knocking me over.

  She’d grown since I saw her last, her little girl smile turning into that of a young lady.

  “Is this Candace?” she whispered in my ear, but loud enough that Candace could hear.

  “It is, and she’s brought you something,” I smirked, motioning towards the box in my hand.

  “What is it?” Holly screeched, her excitement spilling over.

  “Let us in, and maybe, after you’re properly introduced, she’ll give it to you,” I winked.

  Holly slung open the door, holding it so we could walk inside. Liam greeted us, but Holly was demanding all of the attention first.

  “I’m Holly,” she said, extending her hand to Candace.

  “I’m Candace; it’s nice to meet you,” she replied.

  She seemed at ease and comfortable with Holly. I watched them together as Liam handed me a beer. Candace showed her the squirrel, and let Holly hold him while she took the box from my hands.

  “This is for you,” Candace told her, handing her the box as Sully jumped over to Candace’s shoulder and worked his way into her long blonde hair.

  Holly opened the box, her eyes filled with tears as she picked up the small white kitten. Her arms widened, and she hugged Candace so tight I feared she would break her, but Candace didn’t seem to mind. Her own eyes filling with wet tears told me she was happy to receive such a sweet embrace.

  “Oh my God,” Alyssa exclaimed, rushing towards Candace.

  She took her in her arms, swinging her around the room, and then pulled back with her hands on her shoulders.

  “I can’t believe you’re actually here,” Alyssa exclaimed.

  I reached for Candace’s hand, just to ensure she wasn’t trembling or having anxiety in any way. She felt steady and calm, and her smile was filled with joy.

  Liam nodded in my direction, eyeing my hand around Candace’s. He winked, and then smiled, offering his own version of approval to my monitoring her well-being.

  Alyssa was finishing up in the kitchen, and Liam elected me to run the grill while he loaded the cooler with more beer and ice. Candace was pulled into the yard with Lucky, the kitten, and Sully so they could play in the yard.

  I stared at them, playing together and laughing, and wished that I could have that, that we could have that someday.

  “It’s all over your face,” Alyssa pushed into me with a giggle.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You, wanting a family, falling so deeply in love with Candace,” Alyssa grinned.

  She wasn’t wrong.

  “Be careful. Just take things slow,” she warned.

  I nodded. I already knew that was the plan. It wasn’t easy. But it was the plan.

  “I hope you don’t mind Blake and Aiden as well,” Liam announced.

  My stomach grumbled at the news. I was dying to see them, but Candace had never met them before. I smiled and prayed that she would be okay. I gave her my word I’d leave if she was uncomfortable, so she had an out.

  “Is that really you?” Aiden hollered from the back door, poking his head through to get my attention.

  I turned, opened my arms and greeted him with a tight embrace.

  “How’s married life?” I teased.

  Blake grinned.

  “He can’t complain,” she grinned.

  I motioned for Candace to come over when she finally looked up. She appeared nervous, a little uneasy, but she smiled sweetly as I introduced her to Blake and Aiden.

  Blake imm
ediately joined in playing with the squirrel and the new kitten, and Alyssa brought out glasses of wine for the women. They tore off into their own circle, laughing, and occasionally looking over at us guys.

  “She’s doing great,” Liam noted, motioning towards Candace.

  “She really is,” I agreed.

  “I wasn’t expecting someone so outgoing, so friendly,” Aiden said softly.

  “She wasn’t always,” I admitted.

  “Whatever you two are doing, keep doing it; it’s working,” Liam nudged me in the ribs playfully.

  I finished grilling the meat, and brought it to the table, offering a smile to Candace just to check up on her. She smiled back, her eyes dancing with happiness, and I knew I was worried about nothing.

  The day was perfect. We talked about the fake wedding that turned real, about how we’ve all stuck together through it all. Candace soaked it all in, listening, smiling, and squeezing my hand.

  When it was time to go, she took an extra-long time saying goodbye to Holly.

  “She’s a natural mother,” Alyssa leaned in and whispered in my ear.

  I grinned. That was music to my ears.

  “We got to go,” I called out to Candace, shocked that I had to pull her away.

  Blake gave Candace her number and told her to call her anytime. They all promised to come and visit soon, and Alyssa and Candace hugged for what felt like an eternity.

  “It’s so amazing what you guys have,” Candace said as we pulled away.

  “We’re family,” I beamed.

  “That’s really nice,” she sighed.

  “They could be your family, too,” I reached across the seat and squeezed her hand.

  She squeezed back but didn’t speak. I turned on the radio, and we rode back to the ranch in satisfied silence.

  Chapter 34

  Candace

  Luke passed Lyla’s and drove towards his own cabin.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, starting to feel pressure that he was taking me to his place, his bed.

  “I’m taking you home,” he said calmly, giving me a strange look.

  We passed his cabin, and a part of me was disappointed. I’d thought about having sex with him the entire ride home, but I didn’t like the feeling of losing control.

  His truck pulled up to one of the cabins he’d just built. He left his headlights shining towards the front door and then turned towards me.

  I was in shock. I knew what this was, but I wasn’t expecting it to happen so quickly.

  “This is mine?” I asked.

  “It is,” he grinned.

  “Can I see it?” I beamed, jerking on the truck door.

  “You can do more than see it; you can stay here,” he laughed.

  I didn’t have any furniture; all my stuff was at Lyla’s. I couldn’t stay, but I did want to see it. I jumped from the truck and rushed towards the door. Sully was on my shoulder, chirping and clucking at my excitement as Luke handed me the key.

  I couldn’t believe I had a key to my own place. I was on my own, independent for the first time in my life.

  I turned the key and opened the door, and Luke flipped on the light.

  A small couch was already there, and so was a kitchen table with two chairs, a fridge, and a coffee maker. As I walked towards the back I saw a bed and all my clothes hanging in the closet.

  “Who did all this?” I gasped.

  “Lyla brought your stuff over, but we have teams that come in and furnish our new cabins,” he explained.

  “Wow.” I fell onto my bed, feeling the soft comforter push around my shape.

  “There’s a store in town that you can go to and use vouchers to buy whatever you need,” he said.

  I stared up at him from my mattress, my body beginning to tingle. Sully had already scurried from my hair and found a place on the small chair by the window.

  “Turn off the light,” I whispered.

  Luke seemed to freeze. His eyes searched mine for answers, for an explanation of what I was asking.

  “I want to be with you,” I said softly, reaching for his hand.

  He flipped the switch and let me take his hand and pull him onto me.

  “Are you sure?” he whispered as his weight pushed me into the mattress.

  “I’m sure,” I insisted.

  Our mouths met, lips soft and slick as they pressed together. My mouth parted, letting him inside, my tongue meeting his with an eagerness I’d never had.

  That feeling was back, and it was in charge. A cold shower wouldn’t tame it this time, and I wasn’t willing to touch myself before Luke had.

  His hands caressed me slowly and firmly along my sides, stopping each time before reaching my breasts. I arched against him, urging him to touch me.

  A small lamp was glowing from the other room, giving off just enough light to see the shape of his frame. My eyes closed, allowing him to take control, something I knew would take complete trust.

  He lifted from me, his weight gone, leaving me breathless, weightless, hungry for his warmth against me once again. “I need protection,” Luke gasped, his voice drowning in desperation.

  I slid up, my body trembling with desire. I didn’t have anything.

  “I have something in my truck,” he leaned down, kissing me softly on the forehead before disappearing from the room.

  I quickly undressed, sliding under the covers before he returned.

  His teeth were bright as he smiled in the dark. I squirmed under the covers, and then tossed them back to invite him in. He tore his shirt from over his head, quickly undid his pants, and the shadow of light was just enough to give me the first glimpse of his manhood. His hand worked the wrapper open, and then slid the protection along his length. He slid into the bed, pulling me into his warmth, and kissing me gently on the neck.

  “You’re amazing,” he whispered.

  His sweet voice vibrated through my ear to my breasts, sending a strong urgency through my entire body.

  “Kiss my breasts,” I whispered, pushing towards his mouth.

  I moaned at his touch, the first flick of his tongue on my flesh. My hands roamed his body, exploring the ripples of his abs, the curves of his arms, and then the girth of his penis, ready and waiting for its turn at play.

  “Are you ready?” he whispered.

  “Yes,” I gasped as he positioned himself above me, his hardness pressing against me with aggression and need.

  He pulled up, his eyes staring into mine, barely able to make anything out except shape in the dim light. I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, but before I could speak, he was inside me, spreading me open and pushing me into the soft mattress. Moans rolled from my throat as Luke kissed my neck, my earlobe, and then my mouth.

  His motions were slow, steady, and brought me to the edge of orgasm over and over. I’d been brought there before, but never nudged off the cliff. Each stroke I was closer, teetering on the edge and nearly falling, but I couldn’t let go. I was afraid. Of what, I wasn’t sure.

  “Let go,” Luke whispered in my ear.

  My eyes closed, and I focused on the motion of our bodies, rocking together, becoming one. The edge became closer, and I dangled from it. Luke’s tongue reached my breast as my back arched from pleasure, and I let go.

  Fear disappeared as I soared from the cliff, moans of excitement and pleasure exploding from my lips. Luke’s body exploded with mine, syncing with the same rhythm of pulses, fast, then faster, then slow and powerful.

  I melted into the mattress, into Luke’s arms.

  My body began to tense as his weight pressed into me. He quickly rolled from me, resting on his side. I wondered if he could feel my tension, anticipate it maybe. Either way, I knew he would never do anything to hurt me, to make me uncomfortable, and I knew that I could trust him completely.

  Chapter 35

  Luke

  My phone rang early, much earlier than my alarm was set to go off. I picked it up, slid from the bed to not wake Cand
ace, and listened as Jackson barked orders about a storm coming in. A bad one.

  Fuck. I didn’t want to leave, not yet. I wanted to wake up with Candace in my arms and enjoy that moment we created the night before, but Jackson was insistent that I get to the stables and help with the nervous horses.

  I slid into bed for another quick moment, hoping to wake Candace just enough to tell her where I was going. I kissed her gently on her cheek. She snored softly, sweetly, and rolled to her side.

  I slid out, deciding it was better to let her sleep, and quickly dressed. I looked for something to write on, but there was nothing in any of the drawers except some silverware and a lighter.

  I went outside to look in my truck, and the wind nearly knocked me sideways. I didn’t have time to write a note. I’d have to call her when it was time for her to wake up and explain why I left so abruptly.

  I pulled my truck to the barn and ran inside. Tom was already there, trying his best to calm the horses.

  “We have to get them moved to the main stable,” he insisted.

  The large main stables were a half mile away, and the horses were not going to cooperate with leaving the comfort of dry and safe enclosures.

  “They can’t be kept here just until it passes?” I asked.

  “Jackson insists, and I agree. The storm is going to be long and hard, and this stable may not hold them. They start freaking out, one good kick, and they are loose,” Tom explained.

  “Okay,” I agreed reluctantly.

  I hadn’t been here long enough to know any different, and Tom and Jackson were the ones in charge when it came to the horses.

  “How do we move them?” I asked.

  “There are trailers past the main office, and Jackson should be here soon with a couple more,” Tom replied.

  I nodded and headed back out into the cold rain and harsh winds to my truck. The windshield wipers would barely keep up with the rain pouring down, making it damn near impossible to see.

  My phone rang as I reached the trailers. There were two, both singles, and only one would connect to the hitch on my truck. Fuck. This was going to be a long, slow job if Jackson didn’t show soon.