She couldn’t think of an excuse. Scratch that, she didn’t want to. After all that had happened tonight with her emotions turning in her mind like clothes tumbling in a dryer, one thought dominated above the rest—excitement.
“Okay.”
He smiled in triumph, white teeth dazzling under the moonlight. “I’ll look for you at breakfast. 0800.”
Catherine spent the rest of the reception in a stupor of going through the motions. She danced, she toasted, she pretended not to steal glances at Angelo. Around midnight, she called it quits and returned to her room. When she set her phone alarm, she remembered that Trent had found another way to contact her.
Last week, he’d sent her a letter at work. He’d rambled on for several pages warning about her project for the government. “They planted something in my brain that is messing up my memories.” It was difficult to follow the logic. Phrases seemed to be thrown together like they’d come from a refrigerator magnet set with the theme of conspiracy theories.
A few days later he’d sent an email asking if she’d read his letter. She’d reported these incidents to her supervisor, and he noted he’d received them in the past, but nothing ever came from it. He directed her to report it to security. Frank, the security office, confirmed that this guy sent letters to those in the brain department every six months or so. With so much information accessible online, he had probably found her listed as a new project lead and added her to his distribution list.
“I’ll forward it on,” Frank had said.
Would anything come from that? It was probably as effective as reporting a phishing email. Did anyone act on the info?
“It sounds like he’s reaching out for help. He should talk to a professional.”
“I’ll add that to the report,” Frank had added. “Don’t respond. It will encourage him to continue the conversation.”
When she returned to work on Monday, she’d tell Frank about the latest contact. She had to put it out of her mind if she wanted to get any sleep. Tomorrow, she had a date with Angelo, and she needed a good night’s rest. She pictured how he’d looked tonight. So enticing in a suit—fit and confident. And when he’d held her in his arms…
A different kind of anxiety swirled inside, one with excited wings that took flight. Was that good for her or bad?
Sunday morning, Catherine woke before her alarm in an unfamiliar bed with fluffy bedding. Sunlight drifted from a gap in the curtains, casting light on a desk near the window. Ah yes, the hotel.
She rubbed her forehead and groaned. A morning of smiling and small talk ahead. Superficial conversations exhausted her. She showered and dressed in a light yellow sundress, preparing for the final leg of her bridesmaid’s duties. As she descended to the breakfast area, the scents of eggs and bacon greeted her. And coffee. That would help.
After getting a cup to fortify her, she plastered on a smile, and caught up with the other bridesmaids.
When Diana entered with a brilliant smile and a white summer dress, she pulled Catherine aside. “Did you hook up last night?”
A twinge of regret funneled in Catherine’s core. “No. It didn’t pan out.”
“Aww. Too bad. I was hoping you’d go for it.”
“Forget me,” Catherine brushed it off with a wave. “This is your wedding. How was your night?”
“Fantastic.” Diana’s gaze drifted off and a satisfied smile spread. “I’ll spare you the details, but I’m one happy newlywed.” She waggled her brows. “I’m looking forward to two weeks in Hawaii trying all sorts of new things.” Her mischievous smile and arched brow signaled trouble ahead.
“Oh my God, you’re going to come back with some sex scandal, aren’t you?”
Diana laughed. “Hope so.” Then she turned and addressed some family members who entered the breakfast area with the sweetest of smiles.
Several minutes later, Angelo walked in with his family. He wore black slacks and a light gray button-down shirt. They walked over to an available table. When he spotted her, he smiled and headed her way. Catherine’s insides lit and nerves flared up like mini fireworks.
“Good morning, Cate.” He greeted her with a quick kiss on the cheek.
Her skin heated where his lips had touched, where his beard had tickled her skin. She resisted the urge to place her hand there as if to capture that feeling.
“How did you sleep?” He searched her eyes.
Terrible. How could she get much sleep when she knew she’d see him this morning? Fantasies had spiraled and anticipation had left her near giddy.
She struggled to keep those thoughts from her expression. “Fine. You?”
“Like the dead.” He flashed a one-sided smile. “Until my mom made us get up early to return for breakfast. My old bed is a luxury after some of the other places I’ve stayed in.”
The image of him in a bed kick-started last night’s fantasies. She shoved them aside and attempted to keep her tone reserved for normal small talk. “You didn’t sleep at the hotel?”
He shook his head. “My parents still live in Newport, so it was close enough to go back there.”
“Ah, right.”
“Come say hi to my folks.” He took her hand and he led her through the tables.
She tried to ignore the tingles that spread from fingertips to palm.
He stopped before a seated group and said, “Hey, everyone. Remember Cate? I mentioned how we ran into each other last night.”
She recognized them all, although they’d only met a few times. His younger brothers had been in their teens when she’d last seen them, but now they appeared more mature. The youngest had a beard.
“Hey, Cate,” the bearded one said. “Nice trick you played on my big brother last night.”
Oh no. He knew. What had she been thinking? She shrugged. “It wasn’t planned.”
“Then you’re good on your toes. His ego needs a good take down every so often.” He raised an index finger and grinned. “Next time let me in on it. I’d be glad to help out.”
She smiled. “I’d be happy to.” She’d forgotten their names. Maybe the only thing she’d forgotten when it came to memories of Angelo.
“Oh, would you now, Matty?” Angelo gave him a playful punch on the arm.
“Enough,” his mother reprimanded them with her mom look. “This isn’t the time to wrestle like Neanderthals.” She turned to Catherine and smiled. “Cate. It’s been a long time. How have you been?”
“Fine, thanks. And all of you?”
His mother nudged his father’s arm, “Don’t you remember her? The smart one who was going to MIT.”
The smart one. That’s what everyone had always said about her as she’d grown up. Cate was the smart one while her taller, willowy older sister with the blonde hair and green eyes was the pretty one. Why not just say Cate was plain. Boring. Invisible.
“Oh yeah,” his father said although it was clear he didn’t remember. “Good to see you.”
Forgettable. She repressed a sigh.
“Can you believe all the boys are in the military?” his mother gushed. “They followed their father into the service. Now he’s finally retired, but I have three new reasons to worry. Especially since these two are SEALs and Vince is a Marine.”
Damn. Angelo had managed to meet that impressive goal. “Oh, I didn’t know that.” She faced him. “You did it? Became a SEAL?”
His mother said. “I don’t understand you boys. Sometimes your egos are so huge, it’s a wonder that they don’t blow out the walls of the house. Other times, you’re humble.”
Angelo turned one hand palm up. “We didn’t have a chance to talk about that yet.”
His mother turned back to Catherine. “What have you been up to since graduation?”
“I’ve spent much of that time in school. Now I’m an assistant professor and neuroscientist in Providence.”
After a few more minutes of small talk, including exchanging information on who they knew in the wedding and how, Cate exc
used herself. “It was nice to see you all again.”
Angelo followed her back through the tables of guests. Once they moved away from the din of conversation, he said, “When you’re done, how about we head over to the Cliff Walk? It’s going to be a beautiful July day.”
“Sure.” She forced a casual nod, while frissons of delight danced through her. They’d be alone on a romantic walk. The trail was a noted feature of Newport that hugged the shore with brilliant vistas of the ocean on one side, and then nature with the opulent Newport mansions on the other.
“Did you bring a car?” Angelo asked. “I came with my family.”
“Yes. I’ll meet you out front at check out.”
She glanced at her outfit and assessed the appropriateness for the activity. A sundress with sandals, but that might not cut it. “I can change into sneakers.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and grinned. “Since you are a badass SEAL, I’m guessing you’d choose a more challenging route over a leisurely walk. Maybe some treacherous climb up rocks or something.”
He laughed and shook his head. “I don’t care where we go. I just want to spend time with you.”
A quick flush of heat rose. “I’ll change into something better suited for walking.”
“Good plan. I will too.”
That trembling sensation inside returned—a wild mix of anxiety and excitement leaving her on unsteady footing. Maybe this was a bad idea.
Too damn bad.
No way would she back out now. She’d already had ten years of speculation packed up like storage in her mind. No more wondering. She was going to be bold today, let him know she wanted him.
Would reality live up to the fantasy?
Chapter Five
Angelo
Fifteen minutes before it was time to check out, Angelo paced the grounds in front of the venue, absently circling a massive fragrant flower bed with blue hydrangeas and pink and white flowers. It was ridiculous how much he was looking forward to seeing her again. He still hadn’t gotten over her ruse last night, but she had a semi-legit reason. He couldn’t fault her there. She had pride and she stood up for herself. He would have done the same thing. Although not taking the same tactic.
When she came outside, wearing tan shorts and a blue tank top that clung to her perfectly rounded breasts, he sucked in a breath. Seeing her in the bridesmaid’s dress last night was something else, and she looked so pretty in a pale-yellow sundress at breakfast. But now in sneakers and casual summer clothes, she was even hotter.
“Ready?” she asked.
He gave her another long appraisal, not masking his interest. “Am I ever.”
A blush rose in her cheeks. She swatted him on the arm. “If you keep looking at me like that, I may run off.”
Taking her by the arm, he linked his with hers. “Then I better hold onto you.”
He was flirting, but since she smiled back, he chalked it up as a good sign. Still, he had to rein it in. He couldn’t come on too strong and pounce on her, no matter how strong the urge. She wasn’t a bridesmaid he sought out for a quick hookup. She was Cate. Cate Boudreaux.
“Come on, Romeo.” She led him to a dark green Prius.
He threw his backpack in the back seat. It had snacks and water for the day ahead—and a change of underwear and a toothbrush, just in case. Probably wishful thinking. He squeezed into the passenger seat.
Cate turned on the car and the sounds of the local NPR station filled the car. She turned it down and drove from the estate.
He glanced at her. “Today, I want us to start fresh. No games, okay?”
Her lips parted and then she sighed. “Okay.”
She took the scenic route, hugging the coastline. He gazed out to the sea. He’d taken this view for granted growing up here. After countless assignments in the desert surrounded by sand, the sea calmed him more than ever.
“I didn’t know you’re a neuroscientist.”
“I am.” She kept her eyes on the road ahead.
A one-word answer followed by two. How could he convince her to open up?
“Tell me about it, Cate. I want to know what you’ve been up to.”
“Oh, you know. School, work. Lots of research on the brain, which makes most people’s eyes glaze over.” She waved and then planted her hand back on the steering wheel. “How long are you on leave for?”
Interesting. She evaded answering his questions and quickly turned the line of questioning on to him. Why? He’d have to play her game and move forward at her pace. They didn’t need a repeat of last night with heated emotions.
“A week from this Wednesday.” Only ten more days. Leave always rushed by far too quickly.
She glanced at him before turning back to the road. Was that a flicker of disappointment in her eyes? That gave him a glimmer of hope.
For what? He wasn’t entirely sure.
“Where to after that?” she asked.
“I’m stationed in Little Creek, Virginia. But, we’re shipped out more than we’re there.”
He stared out the window. Sailboats and yachts dotted the harbor. The familiar coast brought back memories. Although he’d visited many port towns during his ten years in the Navy, Newport was unlike any other. The time stamp of the gilded age with the Newport mansions and historic homes of naval officers stood ever present among more modern developments in the city.
Nostalgia swept through him like a grandmother flipping pages of a yellowed photo album. When his father had been home, he’d taken them sailing on summer weekends. Sometimes they’d even go fishing. They’d head to the wharves, which were always lively with pubs, restaurants, and shops.
“Angelo?”
“Yes?”
“Oh good, you’re still with me.”
What an odd statement. He faced her. “What do you mean?”
“I just asked you if you wanted anything from the store.” She nodded her chin toward a convenience store. “You didn’t answer.”
“Oh. Sorry. I was somewhere else for a minute.”
“Where?”
How could he explain it? “It’s been a long time since I’ve been back in Newport. Seeing parts of it reminds me of—home.”
She glanced at him and returned her focus on the road. “You’ve been gone so long. Is it still where you consider home?”
It had been a good ten years since he lived here. Funny how long ago that seemed although he was only 28. He’d spent his middle and high school years here, formative years, so no matter how many times they’d moved in the early part of his father’s naval career, Angelo still felt the connection to Newport.
“I haven’t lived in anyplace for more than a couple of years since leaving here. So yes, I guess this is—and might always be—home.”
“It must be difficult to move so often. Is it?”
“Sometimes,” he admitted. “It’s a life I signed up for, so I can’t complain. I knew what I was getting myself into.”
“What do you remember about growing up here?”
“Some of the bigger weeks, like the jazz festival and regatta. We loved to watch the races. And nothing beats Christmas in Newport. The town is decked out in lights, and the smell of cookies seems everywhere. But mostly just being with my family.”
“Oh.” She moaned and covered her heart. “Now I feel like I’m keeping you from them.”
“Are you kidding me?” He chuckled. “I spent the last couple of days with them. No need to smother each other.”
She sighed. “You assuaged my guilt.” She smiled. “Since I’m a driver at your disposal today, I’m happy to take you around. What would you like to see?”
You.
That sudden thought made him shift in the seat. He wouldn’t say it. No point in coming on too strong.
“Let’s start at Forty Steps and take it from there.”
“Sounds great.”
She parked near the granite steps, a local attraction with access to the Cliff Walk. They descended to the walking path and t
he vast expanse of the ocean stretched before them.
He took a deep inhale. “I took this scent for granted when I was younger. Multiple deployments changed that, and I don’t let that happen anymore.”
She tilted her head. “I can imagine.” Straightening it again, she added, “Actually, I can’t. I’d never be cut out for military life.”
His jaw twitched. That meant she wouldn’t be up for a relationship with someone in the military either. He shook his head to snap himself out of that. Why even think like that?
They walked in silence along the shoreline for a few moments, passing couples from the opposite direction. Seagulls called as they flew overhead. He wanted to take her hand, but that might be pushing it.
“What’s it like?” she said, breaking the silence. “I’m guessing it’s pretty brutal to be a SEAL.”
He shrugged. “It’s not easy. But like anything else, you get used to it. Once you know what’s expected of you—and what you can expect from that lifestyle—you learn to adjust.”
“For instance?”
“I know that I could be called out at any moment, so I need to be ready to leave. When my family gets the chance to spend time together, it makes it more special.”
She sighed. “You’re making me feel guilty again.”
“Hey,” he said with a laugh. “I’m with them all week. We all need some fresh air—and a break from each other.”
They passed one of the mansions along the route. His mother loved taking them to visit the mansions when they were younger, especially during the holidays when they were decked out in lights and smelled like Christmas.
Cate pointed to it. “I guess that’s why some families think they need a house that size.”
He laughed. “Still might not be big enough for mine with all our egos.”
Her brows tightened. “You were always confident, but you never came off as cocky.”
“I can’t deny that I have my share of pride. But I know when to back off. The team comes first.”
That had been his mindset for years. His entire life revolved around the SEALs. He lived it, worked it, and breathed it. Which was why he’d told himself he didn’t have room in his life for a relationship. It was too difficult to balance a military career with family obligations, he knew that all too well.
Angelo: A Second Chance Navy SEAL Romance Page 5