“I doubted I’d ever see him again.”
Ranger stopped beside her, and they both stared at each other. A hush settled over the others at their table and the customers nearby. Haley barely noticed as she let herself study him from head to toes.
“I guess I look better cleaned up,” Ranger said.
“I hope I do, too.”
“You looked good last time. Even better now.”
Haley glanced around and realized everyone nearby was hanging on their every word. Thankfully, the band had taken the stage and started the first chords of a slow number.
Ranger held out a hand. “May I have this dance?”
“I guess I owe you one.”
Ranger clasped her hand and led her to the dance floor. He put his arm around her and pulled her close. A soft gasp escaped Haley’s lips. She looked into his eyes as they began to move to the sultry music, and her insides quivered with excitement.
“I planned to call you tomorrow,” he whispered against her ear.
“Why?”
“I wanted to invite you to a party.”
“I thought you were married.”
“Ah.” He chuckled. “We suspected you might have called the hospital that day. My friend’s wife answered the phone.”
Haley tried to dampen the emotions his words stirred inside of her. She glanced down.
“Did I say something wrong?”
His breath against her ear sent ripples of desire surging through her body. It startled her, and she pulled back slightly to put some space between them.
“I didn’t call you sooner because we went right back out on another mission.”
She shrugged, as if it didn’t matter. “I didn’t expect you to call. But I did want to tell you how much I appreciated you taking care of me on the way home. I also want to thank your Team for my rescue.”
“Why don’t you join me at my table and you can tell them yourself? We can explain it to your friend, or she’s welcome to join us, too.”
Haley smiled. “You don’t need to talk to her. I’m certain she’s thrilled about us meeting again and will understand my going to meet your teammates.”
“Good. Let’s go now and order your meal. Or, if you like what I ordered, you can have it. I’ll place another order.”
He kept his palm at the small of her back as he ushered her to his table.
“No way. I’ll choose my meal.”
“Ah, yes. I see your independent side.”
She stiffened. “Don’t you like independent women?”
“I do. I admire such women. Although, I must admit I haven’t met many as independent as you.”
“What do you mean?” she asked as he pulled out a chair for her.
He sat and motioned to the plate of food waiting at his spot. “Sure you don’t want mine?”
“No, I see the waitress coming back. Let me see a menu, please.”
Ranger smiled.
“What?”
“Nothing. I’m just enjoying being with you again. After you order, I’ll introduce you to the wives and reintroduce you to the Team.”
Ranger didn’t have to look around to know all his teammates were grinning ear to ear. His reaction to Haley had surprised him.
I thought the way I responded to her initially had something to do with my physical weakness and was an aberration. But I’m drawn to her as strongly as before. Hell, I’m not sure I want to feel this way toward any woman.
“Why are you frowning?” Haley asked.
“Was I? I had a passing thought about how much sooner I might have met you again except for the quick turnaround for our next mission.”
“I’m surprised you aren’t used to that happening when you had other plans.”
Ranger didn’t comment. As soon as the waitress left with Haley’s order, he stood and pulled her up beside him as he addressed the group. “This is Haley Quinn. I’d like for her to meet all the wives. I’m hoping she’ll come with me to the picnic tomorrow.”
Caroline introduced herself, and then the others followed. “We like to have new people in our group. Welcome, Haley.”
“My husband and I are having the barbecue, and we’d love to have you join us,” Cheryl said. She put a hand on Heath’s arm. “This is my husband, Heath. But I guess you met everyone on the plane when you all flew home.”
Haley smiled at them. “I did, and I want to thank all of the SEALs for rescuing me and bringing me home safely. If they hadn’t come in time, I’d probably be dead by now.”
Jackson shook his head. “No way were we going to let that happen.” The other men nodded their agreement.
When she sat down, the waitress arrived with her meal. They ate in silence for a few minutes.
“The food is good.”
“They like us to eat, so we don’t get too rowdy.”
She glanced up, “Does that happen often?”
“No fears. We stopped after most everyone got married. Occasionally, if we have a guy’s night out, we might get a bit loud. Not too much, though, or one of the waitresses will tell the wives on our next visit.”
Haley grinned. “Don’t tell me your teammates are afraid of their wives.”
Ranger laughed. “Probably more than most of the evil guys we go after.”
Vi, Hawke’s wife, spoke up. “I heard that, Ranger, and you better believe he’s right, Haley.” Then she repeated to the rest of the group what Ranger told Haley.
Hawke added, “We’re stronger than our wives, but tears can bring us all to our knees begging for forgiveness.”
“Of course, if any of the wives act in a way to put themselves in danger, then they will see our anger. We don’t want anything happening to them,” Shadow added.
“While appreciating a protective group of men,” Haley said, “I’m not sure I’d want to have a husband who tried to control me.”
Jackson’s wife snorted. “That makes me laugh,” Kayla said. “We don’t see them as controlling at all. We drive them crazy because we are very independent. It’s needed when we handle everyday problems and children with them away so often. But I wouldn’t want anyone else, ever.” She pulled Jackson’s head down to hers and kissed him.
“Well, there you have the testimonials from the wives. What do you think?” Ranger asked Haley.
“I’m speechless. I’ve never met such an interesting group of couples.”
The group went back to talking to the ones nearest to them. Ranger leaned closer. “Will you go with me to the barbecue tomorrow?”
“I will, if you’ll do something for me.”
“Sure, whatever.”
“You’re going to be sorry you agreed after I tell you what I want. Next Friday night, I’m required to attend a ball at one of the posh hotels in San Diego. I need an escort.”
Ranger grimaced. “An actual ball? I hate dressing up.”
“I thought so, but you just agreed.”
“You’ve got me there. I never go back on my word. Write down whatever I need to know about the ball and your address. I’ll pick you up and we’ll go. I don’t promise to stay very long.”
“That suits me. I have to make an appearance, and then we can leave.”
“I want to taste the food and have a drink or two.”
“Agreed. I’ll text you the details.”
They both took out their cellular phones and exchanged contact information.
“They’re playing a slow number again. May I have this dance?”
“I doubt you’d take no for an answer,” she teased.
“You’re right. You’re such a small thing I’d carry you out on the dance floor over my shoulder.”
He took her hand and pulled her close until they stopped in the center of the dance floor. “I don’t want others to see what a bad dancer I am,” Ranger whispered.
“You do fine.”
“As long as I can hold you close and follow along.”
Haley surprised herself by laughing again. She hadn’t enjo
yed herself this much in years. Her thoughts made her wary. She gazed up at Ranger. He brushed her cheek with a kiss. Her heart fluttered as her stomach clenched with anxiety. I like him too much already. After next Friday, I must put some distance between us. He’s a SEAL, and I’m FBI. It won’t ever work. Haley shivered.
Ranger pulled back and looked down at her. “Are you all right?”
“I think a ghost walked across my shoulders. But after this dance, I must get back to my friend. She might be ready to go home.”
When the music stopped, Ranger placed his arm around her waist and led her to his table. “I can drive you home. Then I’ll know where to drive tomorrow when I come to get you for the barbecue.”
“Is that a good idea?”
“It is to me. I’d never do anything without asking you first. We’ll move slowly.”
She licked her lips and looked down. Old thoughts tried to push aside what she wanted to say, but for once, she swept them away.
“All right. I’ll trust you to do as you said.”
Ava and her SEAL friend came to their table. She grinned at Ranger. “I’m checking to see if you will be taking Haley home. We’re leaving now.”
“Definitely. Haley’s safe with me.”
“I see,” Ava said and nodded. “I believe you. See you Monday,” she told Haley, waving as they walked toward the door.
“Don’t worry,” Ranger said. “I’ll get you home safe and sound. We’ll leave after the next slow dance. How’s that?”
“Perfect. You must be tired after just getting back from your mission.”
“A little.”
She grinned. “I’ll bet that’s an understatement.”
“No, SEALs tend to have a lot of resilience.”
“I expect so, after seeing you all in action.”
Ranger stared into her eyes, and Haley found herself mesmerized. I’m stepping into the deep end of the pool. I don’t know how this will end, or whether I should stop it before it even begins.
Chapter 2
Ava called first thing in the morning. “How about a movie this afternoon?”
“I can’t.”
“I bet you’ve got a date with that gorgeous man who stole you away from our table.”
“It’s very informal, a barbecue with the rest of his team.”
“I’d say it’s more than a casual date to him. He kept you close to his side, and when dancing held you closer.”
“Did you spend the whole evening watching us?”
“I hear the annoyance in your voice, but you have to admit you weren’t behaving as your usual standoffish self. I was fascinated by the quick change in my friend.”
“Don’t you dare tell anyone at work!”
“That’s not fair. Have I ever gossiped about you? No! And I won’t. I’m hanging up now. See you at work.”
Haley tossed her cold coffee down the drain and raked her hand through her hair, thinking she avoided men for just this very reason. They always lead to problems and misunderstandings.
“Damn it,” she yelled in her silent kitchen. “I could kick myself for accepting the invitation.”
When the phone rang again, she yanked up the receiver. “Hello! Whatever you’re selling, I don’t want any.” She almost slammed the phone down before she heard Ranger’s cautious greeting. Immediately, she deflated. “I’m sorry. I didn’t rest well.”
Ranger chuckled. “Maybe I can put you in a better mood. How about we go to the beach and sit for a while before the barbecue? It’s relaxing, and if you fall asleep, I’ll stand guard. We can head to Heath’s house later.”
“I was going to call you. I’m sorry, but I can’t make it today. I need to work on some business for the office. Thanks for the invitation.”
“Ah, what a nice way to say get lost,” Ranger chuckled. “I know all about it. Until you, I’ve been somewhat of an expert at the same thing. Have a good day.” He hung up before she said another word.
Haley looked at the phone, rather impressed at the way he’d told her off so politely after seeing right through her excuse. “But this is the easier way of letting him down. I don’t have the time with my job to start a relationship,” she said to herself as she stared at the sunny sky outside. “Who am I trying to convince? Him or me?”
Ranger hung up and groaned. If I go by myself, I’ll get razzed all afternoon. He wandered around the house. Having a woman turn him down was a new experience. “Damn. Now I know how the women I pulled away from felt.” He started to punch Heath’s number in his phone, then stopped.
He glanced out his living room window. It was sunny and not too warm. Far too nice to sit inside when he could be enjoying a barbecue with friends. I’ll take the kidding. I deserve it.
When Heath swung open the door and saw Ranger standing on the stoop alone, he laughed. “She turned you down?”
“Last night, it was yes, and then today she’d found an excuse to say no. Go ahead and razz me.”
“Ah, that’s no fun,” Heath said as they walked through the house to the backyard. “You’re the first to arrive. What it’ll be, a beer or a shot of bourbon?”
“A cold beer sounds great.”
“Did you eat yet?” Cheryl asked as she joined them. She smiled at Ranger and leaned against Heath, who put his arm around her.
“No, but I’m fine. I’ll wait until the food is ready.”
“Nonsense. Both of you come on into the kitchen. I’ll fry some eggs and make you both egg sandwiches.”
Ranger knew arguing would be pointless. Besides, a little pampering from his friend’s wife would help ease his disappointment at Haley’s rejection. He followed the couple back into the house.
Heath motioned for Ranger to have a seat at their small four-chair kitchen table. Cheryl busied herself at the stove and stopped to pour them glasses of orange juice. She kissed the top of Heath’s head before returning to the stove.
“I have trouble getting him to eat breakfast, so I’m glad you arrived early.”
“At least I’m good for something,”
“Don’t tell me you’re feeling sorry for yourself.” Heath reached over and punched Ranger in the arm.
“Ouch, that hurt. No, I think I got what I deserved. But did it have to be with the only woman I’ve seriously wanted to get to know a lot better?”
“I think karma is getting back at you in the most appropriate manner.”
Ranger cupped his hands around his face and groaned.
His despondent expression had Heath laughing. “This is going to be so much fun to watch.”
“Have some coffee, Ranger. Heath, stop teasing him. He’ll get enough when the other guys arrive.”
“All right. Enjoy your meal, buddy. I’ll sit back and enjoy the show later.”
About that time, the doorbell rang. “And so it begins,” Ranger muttered. Heath grinned as he left to answer the door. He returned with Jackson and Kayla.
Jackson and Kayla sat across from Ranger while Heath poured coffee.
“So, she backed out of coming with you.” Jackson stared at Ranger. “That must be a first for you.”
Ranger glared at Heath. “I see you couldn’t wait to pass on the good news. Yes, she did. This morning she said she had some work to do at home.”
“Many believe you eventually get back what you put out,” Kijika said from the doorway. “We let ourselves in.”
“I know, like karma.” Ranger took a deep breath and forced a smile as Anais followed her husband into the kitchen, which was fast filling up.
Kijika leaned a hip against the edge of the counter and pinned Ranger with a knowing stare. “This isn’t a brief affair. You like her more than anyone you’ve met.”
“Maybe.”
They all grinned or laughed. “This kitchen is getting crowded. All of you go on outside. I have more food to get ready,” Cheryl said and waved them out.
Kayla hesitated before following Jackson outside. “Can I help?”
“No,”
Ranger heard Cheryl tell the other woman. “I only told the men that to get them outside. But if you and Anais want, you can sit and have a cup of coffee with me.”
Later that night, Ranger let himself into his dark, empty house. Heath had driven him home, as Ranger wasn’t fit to drive. He’d lost count of how many beers he’d drank.
“Not good. I never do that.” He said to himself as he headed for his bed.
I’m glad I managed to take all the teasing in good humor even with drinking too much. Damn, my head is going to sound like a drum in the morning.
Seeing his bed, he threw off his clothes and staggered in that direction. Naked, he fell onto the bedspread, grabbed a pillow, and sank into sleep.
“You turned him down?” Ava asked as she joined Haley on Sunday at their favorite restaurant on the beach.
Haley watched the small waves roll in. A soft, cool, breeze came through the window near their table. It was a perfect day for the beach.
“What?” Haley turned to look at Ava.
“As usual, you weren’t listening. What were you thinking about to say no to Ranger yesterday? You told me you’d already accepted the night before.”
“I know, but I decided I’d rather have a quiet day at home and not spend it meeting a lot of strangers.”
“Men who just happened to save your life.”
“And their wives and kids. The place had to be noisy and full of too many people.”
“You’re scared because you like him too much.” Ava leaned forward and frowned at Haley. “What is it with you and men? I know your father hurt you badly, but all men are not like him.”
“And you know this how? You aren’t married yet.”
“True, but I love men and can’t decide on only one.”
Despite her anger, Haley laughed. “You are incorrigible. I can’t wait until you fall hard.”
Ava grinned. “I’m too young for that to happen.”
“Thirty is not young. At least not if you want to have children.” She’d lost Ava’s attention.
“Well, well. Look who walked in.” Ava smiled and nodded toward the entrance.
The SEAL’s Surprise Mate - Rachel McNeely Page 2