“Not too smart. Remember, I let myself get captured.”
“It can happen to the best of us. Do you like your job?”
She nodded. “I do. I guess that’s the tomboy in me. I like working with a team and getting the bad guys. This time the really bad guy almost got me.”
“Why does he want you so badly?”
“Because a few months ago we captured some of his best men and killed a number of his other men on a raid Stateside.”
“What were they planning to do here?”
“We’re not sure, but they had enough material to blow up a town. After that, we decided to capture the rest of Naldo’s group, but the boss wasn’t there, and one of the men on my team got captured with me.”
“What happened to him?”
Haley forced down the knot of emotion in her throat and met Ranger’s gaze. “They tortured him in front of me and then killed him. They were planning to take me to Naldo soon. The rumor was Naldo wanted to take his time torturing me and only kill me when he got tired of having me around.
“On the raid in the States, Naldo was there. He ran out with two of his men, but not before I got a good look at him and he of me.” She stared into Ranger’s eyes. “I have no doubt he’s determined to get me, every bit as much as I’m determined to arrest him. To make it worse, I laughed as he ran. Later, we heard he’d put a bounty on my head.”
Ranger leaned toward her. “Why in the hell did they let you go on that next raid where you were captured?”
She shrugged. “I called in some favors and convinced my boss I was the best person for the job. It was stupid of me.” She glanced away. “They tell me he died on the ship that went down.” She looked back across the table at Ranger. “Deep inside, I’m not sure they’re right.
“Anyway, I’m going on vacation to a cabin in the woods. My Grandmother left it to me in her will. I love it. It’s peaceful and set in beautiful surroundings. No one can bother me. I haven’t told anyone where it’s located. I can rest and try to forget the things that bother me the most.
“You plan on going to some cabin in the woods, alone?”
“As I said, no one knows the location of my cabin, not even what state it’s in. My Dad’s mother left it to me. My brothers were envious, and my Dad was livid that I had a place to go where I was completely out of his reach.”
“Why didn’t they ever know where it was? Didn’t they ever visit?”
“Grannie never told anyone. But she brought me to the cabin several times before she died, and I loved it. My father says I’m just like her. He always thought we were both a bit crazy.”
“Tell someone you trust before you go this time.”
“I grew up trusting no one, not my mother, who tried to follow everything my father said, nor the brothers who didn’t protect me.” She leaned across the table and whispered to Ranger, “How do you learn to trust when it’s never worked for you?”
“You didn’t even trust your brothers?”
“Maybe I could have, but I didn’t know then. My youngest brother told me today how they watched me rebel against Dad. They did, too, but only when they left home. I always thought my Dad chose their careers, but they went the way they wanted. Dad always acted like whatever they did was his idea. I guess he took credit rather than looking a fool.
“Scott reassured me today that he’s only covering for me until I get back from vacation, then he’ll go back to his job in Washington.”
“How did your father take Scott’s decision?”
“Scott said he was furious. Knowing Dad, he’ll put on his public face and make everyone think this was his idea, too.”
The waitress returned to clear the table and leave the bill. Ranger scooped it up before she could. “I’ll pay for this, and then let’s go for a walk.”
“In San Diego?”
“Unless you have somewhere else in mind. People will think we’re just another couple of tourists.” He escorted her to the front counter, paid the bill, and opened the door to let her precede him onto the sidewalk.
A cool breeze blew around them. Haley shivered.
“You’re cold.”
“Just a bit.”
“My car’s not far from here. I have a jacket inside. I’ll get it for you.” He took hold of her hand as they strolled in that direction.
A surprising feeling of warmth and safety swept over Haley. No man had ever made her feel safe.
“You’re frowning again,” Ranger said as he looked down at her.
“I’m puzzled.
“About what?”
“I don’t intend to tell you.”
“I know how to keep secrets.”
She smirked. “Oh, please. I know you men talk amongst each other. Especially SEALs, who are known for being like brothers.”
He didn’t reply as they stopped beside a dark vehicle. He unlocked the front passenger door, reached in, and got his jacket. Ranger wrapped it around her and then leaned down, placing his forehead against hers.
“I promise if you tell me not to repeat something, I won’t. Not even to my brother SEALs.”
Then he tipped her face upward and kissed her softly on the lips. He pulled her close, and she shut her eyes. Wrapped in his warmth, with her head buried against his chest, she savored the comfort of being held with tenderness, and a delicious warmth raced through her body. She looked up, and the dying sunlight spilled a golden light across his warrior's face. His grayish-blue eyes shone like silver.
“Are you all right?” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes.” Her voice came out weak. She cleared her throat and reluctantly pushed Ranger away. “I’m fine. Warm and good.”
He took her hand as they walked along the streets. Pedestrians passed them, and buses carrying tourists drove by, but she was more aware of the snug hold he had on her hand, the smell of his cologne, and the scary feelings racing around in her head.
When they’d circled the area and returned to his vehicle, he opened the door for her. “Where is your car?”
“I rode in with a friend today.”
“Ava?”
“Yes. She saw me with you outside the office and went on without me.”
“Good. I’ll drive you home.”
When he pulled into the driveway of a small house in El Cajon, he turned in his seat and looked at her. “I meant to tell you the other night when I dropped you off. You surprise me all the time. I’d pictured you in a fancy townhouse or apartment closer to your office on Front Street.”
“I like to get away from the craziness in town. I found this house as I was driving around one Sunday. They’d just put up the For Sale sign. I’ve lived here about two and a half years. Would you like to come in for coffee?”
“Yes, thanks.”
When she unlocked the door, he held it open for her. Then he stood for a minute and looked down the street and across the hills. Moonlight lit up the dark sky.
“Welcome to my home. Have a seat here in the living room. I’ll make the coffee. It won’t take long.”
“Do you mind if I sit in the kitchen while you make it?”
“No, that will be all right.”
The house surprised him. She’d decorated it in bright colors and there were feminine touches all around. Even though she preferred for the world to see her as a strong, hard FBI agent, her house showed her feminine side. He sat at the bar between the kitchen and eating area.
“Would you prefer something stronger?”
“No, I’m fine. I have to drive back to my place in Coronado.”
She placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of him, poured hers, and grabbed a cookie jar full of chocolate marshmallow cookies. She set them in front of him.
“I love them, but I try not to eat any unless I’m sharing. Otherwise, I’ll make a pig of myself.”
Ranger let his eyes slide over her slim body. She blushed. “You look just right to me.”
“It takes exercise and restraint to keep me in shape.
My boss likes my work, but now he believes it’s too dangerous. He’d like to sideline me to an office position. I’m not going to give him any reason or an excuse to do it.”
He pulled her between his knees. “I don’t blame him. I’d rather not think of you in the middle of Mexico or anywhere else trying to get the bad guy.”
“And here I thought you might be different.”
He laughed. “Any man who cares about you would feel the same.”
She didn’t laugh. “Don’t ever try to change my mind. I won’t.”
“I think you’re trying to prove something to your Dad. Don’t let your determination to do that kill you. Thanks for the coffee.” He stood, and she walked him to the door.
She hesitated, then said in a rush, “By the way, will you still go with me to the ball?”
Ranger raised his eyebrows. “I said I would.”
“I thought you might have changed your mind.”
“I suppose it’s fancy dress.”
“Yep.”
“All right, but I’ll be in a suit. We don’t wear our uniforms in town, unless ordered to.”
“Suits me. You can meet me at the new downtown conference building at eight.”
“No, I’ll pick you up here at seven.”
“It’s not necessary for you to come all the way out here.”
“It is for me. I pick up and take my dates home.”
“All right, if you insist.”
Ranger took his time driving home and put the car windows down to enjoy the cool breeze. He’d had fun with Haley, but she had a prickly personality.
He’d always dated uncomplicated women and seldom had to be on guard about what he said or how he acted. But something about Haley drew him. She’ll be a lot of work. Is she worth it?
He hit the button to open his garage door. Once inside, Ranger checked his home phone for any messages. The guys teased him about his landline, but it came in handy when he arrived home from a mission. His Dad and some close friends usually had left their messages on the voicemail.
He changed into his swim trunks and did ten laps in his pool. Then he lay on the poolside recliner and enjoyed watching the moon without having to worry an enemy might see him and shoot.
Sleepy, he went to his bedroom, showered and sank onto his bed. “Best part of coming home.”
I’ll see how Friday night goes before making any hasty decisions. Ranger turned on his side, and sleep took him away.
The next few days went by quickly. Ranger’s team exercised on the beach and were let off early most days. Ranger didn’t tell Jackson about the charity ball until Friday. “Maybe you and Kayla would like to come?”
“Not me. We’re sitting home and enjoying the family. I don’t care much for all that fancy stuff.” He laughed. “I’d bet you’re going with the FBI agent.”
Ranger shrugged. “She invited me. I didn’t want to be rude and not accept.”
Jackson slapped him on the shoulder. “You have it bad, admit it.”
“I’m not certain. Haley’s prickly about many things. I’ll know more after tonight.”
“Oh, you’ve already fallen. I’d be surprised if you changed your mind at this stage. This woman has you, hook, line, and sinker, as the saying goes.”
“I’m keeping an open mind.”
“Call me in the morning and let me know how much you enjoyed the evening.” Jackson glanced at his watch. “You’d better go home and dress up for your girl.”
“I keep telling you, she’s not my girl. Yet.”
Ranger waved and walked to his truck. His watch read five-thirty. If I’m picking her up in two hours, I don’t want to be late or knowing Haley she’ll drive herself to the dance.
Ranger and Haley stood at the entrance to the ballroom. Crystal chandeliers sparkled with light and music filled the large room. Many of the partygoers strolled around the room. Some had formed small groups and others stopped at the bar to buy drinks. A long table of food sat on the east side of the room.
“It looks like they went all out for this party,” Ranger said.
Haley nodded. “It’s a yearly occasion. The employees in my office donate, and then one person each year comes and puts the check in the large box at the end of this table, which they’ve loaded with hors d'oeuvres.”
“I’m glad we got to come this year. The food looks delicious.”
Haley laughed. “Why am I not surprised that’s the first thing you noticed.”
“We ran miles on the beach today, leaving me with an enormous appetite.”
“Help yourself. All of the other men seem to have the same idea.”
“I’ll wait. Let’s get a drink and wander around.”
“Let me drop this check in the box, then I’ll be ready to officially start my vacation. Today was my last day of work for two weeks.”
As Ranger and Haley turned to head for the bar, they almost collided with another couple. Ranger recognized Josie immediately and held back a wince.
He’d vaguely thought about calling her sometime when he got back from his mission, but hadn’t given her so much as a thought since running into Haley at Aces.
He eyed the tall, dark-haired man who had one arm around Josie, whose cheeks had reddened.
“I didn’t realize you were back, Dirk,” she said.
“Yes, a week ago. I’ve been meaning to call you.”
“I guess neither of us wanted to discuss the changes in our lives.” Josie smiled up at the man holding her close.
“This is Dr. Giles Roman. He’s a new heart surgeon at our hospital and,” Josie held out her hand, “my fiancé.” Her blush deepened. “Giles, this is Dirk Foster, the man I mentioned to you.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Giles said. “Josie’s told me a lot about you.”
For one of the few times in his life, Dirk felt the heat of a blush on his face. He turned to Haley. “Haley invited me to the party. We …”
“Dirk rescued me from a difficult situation, and I’m saying thank you,” Haley said smoothly. “My friends at work chose me to bring our donation. I just dropped it in the box at the end of this table.”
They exchanged a few more meaningless pleasantries before parting.
Ranger took a deep breath as they walked away from Josie and her fiancé. “Thanks for helping with an awkward situation.”
“I didn’t do it for you. If you’ve been dating a long time—as I expect you were, from seeing both of your reactions—you ought to have called her when you got back. You might have saved each other some embarrassment.”
“I’ve been planning on calling her.”
“Planning and doing are two very different things.”
“I know,” he growled and then apologized for his tone. “I can use that drink now. As they walked up to the bar, he asked, “Why be angry with me. I admit I was wrong.”
“I suspect you’ve treated most of the women you’ve dated with the same cavalier treatment she received.”
Ranger didn’t answer. He ordered the wine she requested and a scotch for himself. They wandered around the room, and Haley nodded in greeting to a man standing in the corner. He didn’t look lonely, more comfortable, and people came up one or two at a time to speak with him.
“Who’s the guy in the corner?” Ranger asked. “He must be important. Lots of people are stopping to talk with him.”
“He is one of the richest men in our state and gives large amounts of money to many charities. Since he’s seen us, I’d better go over and be gracious.”
“I’ll go with you. I seldom get to hobnob with the rich and famous.”
“After we pay our respects, we’ll dance once before you take me home.”
Several people walked away as Haley and Ranger approached the philanthropist.
“It’s good to see you again, Miss Quinn. You are looking quite lovely.”
“Thank you, Mr. Zilah. Everyone appreciates seeing you here. Thank you for all your generosity to our city.”
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br /> “I enjoy helping.”
“My I introduce my date? Mr. Zilah, this is Dirk Foster. He’s new to the party, but I thought he might enjoy it.”
“Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Foster. I’d like to know how you got a date with your lovely lady. I’ve asked several times, and she is always busy.”
Ranger noticed the flush on Haley’s face. He shrugged. “She needed a date for this special event and talked me into it. I’m not much of a gadabout.”
Zilah looked at Haley again. “Anytime you need an escort, my dear, just call.” He laughed when her blush turned redder than pink. To Ranger, he said, “Women so seldom blush anymore. It is delightful to see one who still can.”
“It’s been nice talking with you,” Haley said. “We’re going to dance once more and head home. Thank you again for your involvement in our community.”
Slow music played. Ranger nodded to Zilah and pulled Haley into his arms. He danced her away to the other side of the room.
“I don’t like how he looks at you,” Ranger said.
“It doesn’t mean anything. He’s an older man who appreciates female company. Mr. Zilah looks at many women the same way. As I said before, we’ll leave after this dance is over.”
Silence filled the car as Ranger drove to Haley’s house. He walked around the car to let her out and escorted her to her front door.
“I’ll wait until you’re inside and I hear the lock click.”
Haley nodded. She turned in the open doorway. “Thank you for being my escort. You look quite handsome in that suit. All the women were turning their heads to stare at you. I’m sure you’ll find someone else to fill Josie’s spot.”
“But it won’t be you?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Good night. I’ll wait to hear the lock click.” When it did, he hurried to his car.
“Damn him,” she muttered. “I was beginning to think he was different from the love them and leave them guys.”
Haley stood by the window and watched as Ranger’s taillights quickly faded in the distance. She let the curtain fall back into place and glanced around the living room.
The SEAL’s Surprise Mate - Rachel McNeely Page 4