Haley followed her nod and her pulse leapt.
Ranger had seen them. He waved and walked in their direction.
“Are you following me?” Haley snapped. She ignored the warm feeling flowing through her body and the heavy thump of her heart. He can probably hear it.
He looked unperturbed. “Not at all. When I come to the beach, this restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat. I took a battering from the guys yesterday when I arrived alone. Today, I wanted to be on my own. It’s good to see you, ladies. I’m going to order a drink and food, and then sit outside to enjoy the peace.”
He tipped his head, gave them a smile that made Haley’s body shiver all over and whistled as he strolled off.
“You were rude,” Ava said. “If you want to get rid of Ranger, you’re doing a good job.”
“I don’t believe that we both happened to like this restaurant as our favorite at the beach. Ranger is like so many of the SEALs. He wants to have a good time and sail off on a mission without a thought for whoever he leaves behind.”
Ava shrugged. “What’s so bad about that? You don’t want a serious relationship. Have a fling with him. He’s gorgeous. If you don’t want him, I’ll try and see if he’ll take me instead.” She laughed wickedly. “I can see by your expression you don’t like that idea.”
“No, I guess I don’t.”
“You can’t have it both ways, Haley.”
Ignoring her friend, Haley dug some cash out of her wallet to cover their bill and the tip.
“Let’s go walking on the beach, and then I’ll be ready to head home.”
As they slipped off their thongs at the water’s edge, Haley had to stop herself from looking back at the restaurant’s patio.
“I’m going to enjoy watching this romance develop.”
“There is no romance.”
“Sure, I know. Keep telling yourself over and over how much you don’t care about Ranger. We’ll see if you can manage to ignore him and convince yourself you don’t want him.”
Haley saw the wave coming and waited until the last minute to push Ava over into it. Ava came up sputtering. Haley laughed and ran.
Ranger stood on the deck that surrounded the restaurant. He watched as Haley and her friend walked on the beach and chuckled when Haley pushed her friend into the surf.
Good to see she has a sense of humor.
He shrugged and walked toward his car. He might as well forget her. They both had jobs that weren’t compatible with having any kind of serious relationship. He got restless with too much downtime, so going back to work tomorrow didn’t bother him. His cell phone rang as he drove toward home.
“Hi,” Jackson said when he answered. “We’re getting together for some exercise. If you want to join us, we’re meeting at our beach. Some of the wives are coming along and bringing food.”
“Sounds good. I just left the public beach. I’ll head your way.”
Heath was grabbing something out of the back of his vehicle when Ranger drove into the small parking lot. Ranger parked and hopped out, joining the other man.
“I see you’re alone,” Heath said.
“Who are you, my mother? I don’t need someone to keep track of my personal affairs.”
“Affairs, plural, being the operative word.”
“Where’s Cheryl? I need her to get you off my case.”
“Tough luck. Cheryl has some attorney business to get ready for tomorrow. She’s not here to protect you.” Heath slapped him on the back and laughed. “Let’s go run a few sprints in the surf and see who’s the fastest.”
“I’ll beat you. I’m a year younger,” Ranger said and took off into the edge of the tide.
Heath passed him and waved an insulting gesture over his shoulder. Ranger sped up, but two nights with little sleep and a hard mission had caught up with him. They were close, but Heath beat him.
“Told you so.” Heath wrestled him down into the surf. They tumbled around until Ranger stood and pulled Heath up.
“I see the others with their wives. Let’s get a cold soda. I don’t want another beer for a while.” Ranger jogged to where the others were settling down on beach chairs and blankets.
Jackson’s son, Jacob, sat on the sand with his pail and a shovel to fill it with dirt. Ranger grabbed a soda and watched the wives and children. He envisioned himself with a child, Haley’s child.
Damn, I’ve got it bad, and she doesn’t even like me. Ranger shook his head as though to get rid of his daydreaming. “Whoever heard of a SEAL being this mesmerized by anyone,” he grumbled to himself.
Shadow wandered over to join Ranger and Heath, who was grinning.
“What’s up?” Shadow asked Ranger. “The last few days, you haven’t been yourself.”
“Well, good friends, you two are the only ones I’ll admit the truth to. I’ve fallen for a lady who doesn’t appear to like me much.”
“You both appeared to get along well enough at Ace’s. What happened?” Heath asked.
Ranger shook his head. “Who knows. We had a good time and she accepted my invite to the barbecue. But when I called yesterday morning to set up a time for our date, she called it off. Then earlier today I decided to go to Pete’s Place. You can drink beer on the patio and watch the surf. Relax.
“I didn’t expect to see Haley and her friend there. She accused me of following her, like I’m a stalker.”
“Did you explain you liked that restaurant, too?” Shadow asked.
“I tried, but she didn’t seem to buy it. I wound up standing there feeling like a fool.”
“You always told us there were other women, not to get hung up on one,” Heath reminded him.
“I hate it when you all keep repeating my advice back to me.” He tipped his soda can against Shadow’s and Heath’s. “But I deserve it.”
“I’ll tell the others to lay off.”
“Don’t. I know what a jerk I’ve been. I deserve it.”
“Not a jerk,” Shadow said consolingly. Then he added, “Maybe a know-it-all.”
Ranger shoved Shadow’s shoulder, hard.
“Hey! You spilled my drink.”
“There’s more.” Ranger raised his soda and drank the last of it, crushed the can, and threw it in a nearby waste container. “Let’s get a real drink, a beer.”
“Sounds good,” Heath said. “You know we have your back, Ranger.”
“Always. And I have yours.”
Ranger settled in to enjoy a day at the beach with friends. When not running or exercising with the team, he watched the wives and children, a bit uncomfortable with how envious he felt.
I’m ready to settle down. I only hope I haven’t waited too long. He wondered if his reputation for being a guy who loves and leaves the ladies had convinced Haley he wasn’t the one for her.
Haley’s week started busy and stayed that way. Her father had achieved his goal, and Scott was now on the same team as Haley. She feared it meant if the mission didn’t specifically need a female operative she’d be left behind.
A sound made Haley look up from her computer. She frowned as she saw her brother standing at her open office door.
“Shall I throw in my hat as a peace offering?” Scott asked and grinned.
“You don’t have a hat,” she said and tried not to smile.
“Will a shoe do?”
“Come on in. You know you’re my favorite, and that’s the only reason I’m not beating on you now.”
Her youngest brother sat in the seat across from her. “I’m sorry, Sis. I tried to talk Dad out of his plan. I like working in Washington, but he still thinks he knows what’s best for all of us, except for Tom, who told him off and paid his own way through law school.
“At least Arthur’s drive to join the Air Force almost matched Dad’s plan for him.”
“Except Dad wanted him to be a Navy pilot,” Haley said. “What about you? Do you enjoy the work in Washington?”
“I do, and don’t laugh, but I’m think
ing of eventually running for the Senate.”
Haley leaned back in her chair. “Is this Dad’s backup plan for you?”
“Oh, no. You should know better than that. Dad doesn’t particularly want one of us to, in his eyes, outshine him.”
“I think my baby brother has grown a bit cynical. I love it.”
“Thanks for the encouragement. I came by to tell you I’ve talked to your boss. I’ll cover for you while you’re on vacation, but then I’m going back to my job in DC. My boss wants me back. Dad left in a huff last night after I told him.”
“Man, I’d love to have seen it,” Haley said wistfully. “I didn’t realize none of you boys became what Dad wanted.”
“You were our inspiration. Without you standing up to Dad, even as a small child, we’d never have learned how.”
Haley blinked back tears. “I never thought I had any effect on you three.”
Scott pushed to his feet. “Well, you did, Haley. Speaking for Tom and Arthur, we wanted you to know how much we love you, and we’re proud of you. Just don’t get killed on a mission.”
“I promise to try and be safe.” She walked around the desk and hugged Scott. Tears ran down her face. “I thought you all were doing what Dad wanted.”
His arms tightened around her and a laugh rumbled in his chest. “He didn’t want anyone to know we were defying him, and so he acted as though each of our careers was his choice. As if he’d admit any of us had the guts to defy him. Sis, we haven’t kept in touch, but I want us to stay close from now on.”
Haley reached for a tissue and smiled. “I like that idea.”
“I’ve got to go to a meeting about the mission. The only one I’ll be part of while you rest and recuperate, I promise. See you soon, Sis.”
She stared at the empty doorway long after he’d gone.
How could I have been so wrong about my brothers? But with Dad claiming they were doing what he wanted while I was the only rebel, how could I know otherwise? He messed with us all in different ways. She was glad to know her brothers had stood up to their father and followed the careers that pleased them.
I feel like a fool. Everything happening around me was not as I perceived. She leaned her head back and took a deep breath.
“Do you have a headache?” Ava asked as she knocked on Haley’s open door.
“No, just overwhelmed to find out how wrong I’ve been about some things.”
Ava grinned as she walked in and took the seat Scott had so recently vacated. “Join the rest of us mere mortals. I hope what you’ve been wrong about is avoiding your handsome SEAL.”
“He’s not my SEAL.”
“He’d like to be. I saw it in his eyes.”
“I doubt it. He wants to have a fling to pass the time until his next mission.”
“You are so cynical, my dear friend. If we don’t both change, we’ll become little old ladies who never married and have cats and dogs running around our houses.”
“There’s nothing wrong with cats and dogs.”
“Not at all, but they don’t replace a husband and family, they only add to it.”
“You are wearing me out about my SEAL. Damn, now you have me saying it.”
Ava bent over in laughter. “I knew it! Listen, you aren’t leaving until Saturday. Why not invite him to the charity ball at the large new ballroom on Main? I’m going with my SEAL.”
“This must be serious. Three dates in a row?”
“It is. I like Kirk a lot.”
“Wow, I never thought I’d hear you say that about any man. And you’re blushing.”
“Stop. I am not. Don’t make a big thing of it. I’m not certain how Kirk feels. The party is for a good cause to help the homeless. There aren’t near enough homes for low-income folks, much less the people living on the street. They want more homes for both.”
“I agree, it’s a good cause. I’ll be there anyway to deliver the office’s donation. I already asked Ranger to go with me, but he probably changed his mind after I broke our date.”
“Not to mention how rude you were to him at the restaurant. It doesn’t matter. Ask again. I bet he’ll say yes.” Ava got to her feet and went to the door. “Now I need to get back to work. Call him!”
Haley stared unseeing at her computer screen. My life keeps getting more and more complicated. I can’t wait for my time at the cabin. Just me and the birds in the trees and the wind making my chimes ring.
Ranger stood outside the FBI building in San Diego. He’d checked with the SEAL who was dating Haley’s friend and discovered most of the staff left around five o’clock. Sure enough, people came down the steps and hurried off shortly after five.
Dressed in jeans and a casual shirt, he drew questioning looks and a few admiring smiles from some of the women. But I’m only here for one lady. I can’t believe I’ve been brought to my knees and am waiting for someone who may tell me to bug off.
He saw her before she spotted him. Her short, curly red hair blew in the breeze. She waved at someone, then saw him. She frowned. He straightened and lifted his hand in greeting. She changed direction to join him on the steps.
Without preamble, she asked, “Why are you here?”
“I’ve missed you and wanted to see you.”
“After I’ve been so rude, you missed me. I guess I didn’t get my message across.”
“I got it, but I don’t give up easily. Not when it’s something I want.”
She walked around him and started back down the steps. He fell in beside her and matched her pace.
“What is it about me you don’t like? I thought we hit it off well in the plane coming home.”
“We did, but that doesn’t mean I want to find you everywhere I go.” She stopped and faced him. “Since you’re here, and I can’t stop you from stalking me, I’ll have one drink with you at the corner bar and grill, two streets down. Then I’ll decide what to do about you.”
Ranger grinned and put her arm through his. “Agreed. I’m thirsty, and I see you trying not to smile.”
“You’re impossible.”
“My father frequently told me the same thing as I grew up. When I managed to become a SEAL, my Dad said he never doubted I’d succeed. I was too stubborn to fail.”
Haley glanced up at him. “What does he think about your job now?”
“He’s very proud of me. I was a Navy brat, but he never expected me to try out for the SEALs.”
“How did your mother react?”
“She’d been long gone before I became a SEAL.”
“I’m sorry. Did your mother die when you were very young?”
“She didn’t die. She left us when I was around three years old. My Dad only remarried a few years ago, after he retired.”
“Do you ever see your Mom?”
He shrugged. “Not since the day she left. She washed her hands of both of us, so I figure I’m returning the favor.”
“I’d like to meet a man who raised his son all by himself.”
“I’ll introduce you two if you hang around long enough.” They’d stopped at the entrance to Billie Boy’s Bar and Grill.
“Do you introduce all your dates to him?”
“Very few.”
“That tells me you like to date and move on.”
“I did. Until I met you.” Ranger touched her cheek. “You’re blushing.”
“Let’s go in and have a drink. I’m hungry, and the restaurant has great hamburgers and fries.”
Ranger opened the door for her. “I love that kind of food, but we can go to a fancy restaurant if you prefer.”
“This is fine.”
The waitress scooped up a pair of menus and led them to a booth across the darkened room. The smell of potatoes frying and hamburgers cooking made Ranger’s stomach growl.
Haley slid into one side of the booth and laughed. “You are hungry.”
“Let’s order an appetizer with our drinks and then the meal.”
“That’s good with me.”
Chapter 3
Haley studied the man on the other side of the booth. He hadn’t tried to slip into the seat beside her as most of her dates had done. Ranger gave her space and a chance to look at him. The man was a gorgeous specimen of masculinity.
I’m sure he’s used to having any woman he wants. My heart is trying to get involved, and I don’t want that until I feel certain I’m not just another fling.
“What’s making you frown?”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize I was frowning. Ava talked me into calling you tonight. Which I planned on doing until I saw you standing on the steps.”
He grinned, and Haley’s heart fluttered. Damn, my body reacts to him whether I want it to or not.
“There you go again with another frown. I wish I read minds.”
“Thank goodness you can’t.” She’d never been so grateful to see the waitress come back for their order.
Once they were alone again, Ranger leaned forward. “I told you about my father and me. How about you?”
“There’s my mother, father, three brothers, and me.”
“Ah, a normal childhood.”
“Hardly.”
“What do you mean?”
“My father forever wished I’d been born a boy. He stayed very involved in my brothers’ lives growing up and had little involvement with me.”
“What about your mother?”
“She adores my Dad. Anything that comes out of his mouth suits her. When she managed to catch up with me, she taught me to cook and clean house.” Haley grinned. “That didn’t happen often. I loved playing with my brothers and their friends. Despite my father, I grew up a tomboy.”
She took a breath and grimaced. “My father preferred I learn all the chores and duties of a wife, marry young, and give him grandsons to mold into what he wanted them to be.”
“Wow, that sounds old-fashioned.”
The waitress brought their food, and for a little while they ate and didn’t talk. Finally, Ranger pushed his plate away and stared at Haley.
“What? Do I have mustard on my face?”
He chuckled. “No. I’m just admiring how pretty you are and how smart.”
The SEAL’s Surprise Mate - Rachel McNeely Page 3