Her cheeks were still pink as she set the keys on her kitchen counter. He wondered if she’d been as affected as him by their innocent touch.
“Thank you for adding it. I’ll feel better having the extra lock on the house.”
“No problem. And I know it’s not really my business to keep making suggestions for your home, but have you thought about one of those video doorbells?”
“Yeah. I even asked the landlord if I could install one. They gave me the okay, but I’d have to pay for it myself.” She glanced over and caught the look on his face. “And no, Jackson, you can’t buy me one. You’ve done more than enough already—the cell phone, the deadbolt, the food. I seriously can’t accept anything else.”
He frowned but nodded, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. If he had his way, he’d rush out and buy one right now. He also wanted to know more about her ex. Taryn might not be ready to open up to him, but damn. He wanted to know everything he could about this guy. It sounded like she’d run clear across the country, and here she was, still scared in her own home.
“Do you want to make margaritas, or should I?” he asked.
“Are you having one, too?”
“I’m happy with a beer,” he said with a low chuckle. “I’ll make you one though since you’re busy cooking.”
“Not too strong,” she said quickly.
“No problem,” he said. He moved to her refrigerator, grabbing the limes he’d stuck in there earlier. Unlike the bare shelves she’d had a week ago, it was looking quite full at the moment. He’d ordered more groceries than she needed, but she’d gone and picked up a few small things as well.
Taryn stood at the stove, stirring the ground beef again. Something she’d said in passing earlier was weighing on him. Taryn had mentioned she’d married her ex because she’d been pregnant. She hadn’t mentioned having a child though.
Had she had an abortion? Left her child behind? He couldn’t imagine her doing that, and the fact that she hadn’t mentioned being a mother made him question that scenario. Maybe something had happened to the baby. Jackson cleared his throat. “I don’t mean to bring up bad memories, but you said earlier that you got married because you were pregnant.”
She looked over at him, a sad expression on her face. “Yeah. I was, but I had a miscarriage in the first trimester. Crazy, huh? If we’d waited a few more months, I never would’ve married him. I found out pretty early on that I was pregnant. Austin swept me off my feet. At first, I thought he was everything I’d been looking for. I wasn’t planning to get pregnant—we were careful—but when it happened? It seemed like the perfect step to take. We rushed down to the courthouse the following week.”
“Damn,” Jackson muttered.
“Yeah. It turns out it was the biggest mistake of my life.”
“Did your family know you were married?”
“They did. He was charming and polite when they met. I mean, he was with me, too, when we first started dating. I’m not as much of an idiot as you probably think.”
“I don’t think you’re an idiot.”
“I was young and naïve. And they only met him once. My parents and I aren’t close, and they didn’t know I was pregnant. I never told anyone about it or when I lost the baby. Austin ranted and raved about it.” She shook her head.
“He was an asshole,” Jackson muttered. “He is a complete asshole.”
“Well, he only got worse after that,” she said bitterly.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“No, but I’m sorry you had to deal with any of that. I’m sorry you had to run and leave your entire life behind.”
She took a shaky breath, and Jackson’s chest clenched. He wanted to get to know her better and help her, but maybe he shouldn’t have brought that up. She’d probably tell him more in her own due time.
Jackson finished mixing her margarita and grabbed himself a beer. He was kicking himself for not bringing her a pitcher of some sort. He’d been so pleased with himself for bringing the ingredients, he’d forgotten she probably didn’t have a lot of serving pieces in her kitchen.
He took a pull of his beer, watching her finish cooking. Her sundress swirled around her legs as she moved. He wouldn’t say anything about it because he didn’t want to freak her out, but it was sexy as hell. She had gorgeous, toned legs that he’d love to run his hands up. Nice hips. Full breasts.
He’d never touch her without her consent, but holy hell. Taryn was beautiful.
She left the ground beef in the pan she’d cooked it in but moved toward the fridge, pulling out the homemade salsa, shredded cheddar, and flour tortillas. “I’ll quick warm these in a pan, and we’ll be all set.”
“How’d you make the salsa?” he asked.
“Tomatoes, jalapenos, salt, and a splash of lime juice. I’ve got cilantro to sprinkle on top since I wasn’t sure if you liked it.”
“Who doesn’t like cilantro?” he quipped.
“Right?” she joked. “I don’t usually buy fresh herbs, but I’ll use this up since I love it.”
He handed her the margarita, his lips quirking as she took a sip and smiled. “This is amazing. Where’d you learn to mix drinks like this?”
“I’m self-taught,” he said with a wink. “And I’m thirty-one, so I’ve had plenty of years to perfect it.”
“Hmmm.”
“How old are you?” he asked, watching as she set her drink back down and continued warming the tortillas.
“Twenty-three.”
“Does it bother you that I’m older than you?” he asked, genuinely interested. Some women Taryn’s age were still quite immature—hanging out at bars every weekend, drinking with their friends. Taryn almost seemed like she’d lived a lifetime in her short years. She was independent and had established a career of sorts for herself. She’d dealt with a lot and was still pushing forward.
“Bother me? No. I feel safe with you, Jackson.”
She glanced over at him, and his heart warmed. “I’m glad.”
She shrugged, putting the tortillas onto a plate. “My husband was only a couple of years older than me, but he was a total asshole. He was chauvinistic and abusive. I like that you’re confident and have a career. I mean, he did, too, obviously, but he wasn’t a good guy.”
“So how are you taking classes online if you can’t use your real name?”
“It’s not toward a degree,” she said with a frown. “They’re just technical classes to brush up on my skills. Truthfully, it hurt to pay their fees. Staying up-to-date is important in technology though. I need to know the latest versions of the design software that I use.”
“That makes sense. And while I may be older than you, I have a feeling you’re a hell of a lot smarter than me.”
“I’m not,” she assured him with a laugh. “Go ahead and help yourself.”
He took the plate she handed him and began assembling several tacos for himself.
“Oh, I forgot the avocado!” she groaned. “I meant to grab one at the store the other day.”
“Next time. Not that I’m assuming you’ll feed me again, but if you’re offering, I’ll be here.”
She flushed, and his heart swelled. Had her abusive ex never paid her a compliment? He’d never had someone to come home to and eat dinner with. Not that he expected her to be cooking for him all the time or something, but he appreciated it.
They each carried their plates to the table, Jackson somewhat surprised at how comfortable he felt with Taryn. It almost seemed like he’d known her for months, not a mere week. Their conversation flowed easily, and when they ate contentedly beside one another, it wasn’t awkward.
“I hope I can finish my degree someday,” she admitted. “I started it in my real name though. I can’t very well go back and pick up without risking he’ll find out where I am.”
“Maybe he’ll end up in jail anyway,” Jackson said. “If your ex was that much of an asshole, no doubt he’ll do something els
e rash.”
“I don’t know. Like I said, he’s from the town we lived in. Everyone there thought he could do no wrong. How about you? Did you ever go to college?”
“I joined the Navy right out of high school,” he admitted.
“You seemed to do pretty well for yourself,” she said. “Not everyone can become a Navy SEAL. Not everyone would want to be either,” she added with a laugh. “Walking around the neighborhood is about as adventurous as I get.”
“Where do you walk?” he asked.
“Just around here for exercise. Or I go down to the beach on weekends. I’d love to go early in the morning, when it’s calm and peaceful, but I never felt comfortable there alone. Logically, I know Austin isn’t here in San Diego. I just can’t shake the feeling he’ll find me someday though. I feel safer there with a crowd or just sticking to the neighborhood.”
Jackson frowned. Even if he did convince Taryn to eventually date him for real, she’d always be scared of her ex. And that was unacceptable to him. He knew she didn’t want his help in that regard, but he also knew he’d stop at nothing to protect her.
He needed more information about her husband. Ex-husband.
“I started college,” she said. “That’s where we met actually. I was a sophomore, and Austin was in his fifth year there. I guess he’d failed some classes, and it took him an extra year. Then he went to the police academy. When I got pregnant, we moved back to the small town where he’s from. He convinced me we’d be fine with his police career, and I still did a little design work on the side. But I never finished school. I was away from my family.”
“And he hurt you,” Jackson finished.
“Well, yeah. It sounds ridiculous now. I’m sure you’re wondering why I didn’t leave sooner. I was too terrified to do anything.”
“You’re safe here. Raptor is right next door. Hell, I wish I lived closer, but the second you call me, I’ll be here.”
“Thanks again for getting me a cell phone. I’m not sure how I can repay you—”
“You don’t need to repay me,” he interrupted. “It’s for my peace of mind, too. And while the guys and I have PT early in the mornings, if you’re ever up for a morning walk on a weekend, I’ll take you.”
“You’ll walk on the beach with me?” she asked excitedly.
Jackson chuckled. “Of course, I will. What man would turn down walking on the beach with a beautiful woman?”
She flushed, and he decided he should put her at ease. “I don’t mind avoiding the crowds either, sweetheart. It’s more peaceful then. And I get that it’s secluded and you don’t want to be there alone. I’ll pick you up early tomorrow if you want to go for a walk then.”
“I’m not wearing a bikini,” she said, her cheeks still pink.
“Neither will I.”
She laughed, relaxing a little, and he continued. “Wear whatever you’re comfortable with. If you don’t want to swim, there’s no need for a suit. It’s actually cool this time of year for swimming. The team and I go out in wetsuits.”
“I really just want to walk on the beach. Maybe next summer we can go relax on the beach and swim. I mean, not that I’m expecting you and me….” She trailed off.
“We’ll take things one day at a time,” he assured her. “Personally, I love that you’re already thinking ahead like that. I am, too.”
“I hope I’m not sending you too many mixed signals. I’m scared to ever date again, but I like you, and—” She cut herself off, looking flustered.
“I’m in no rush for anything,” he said in a low voice. “And as for the summer? The guys and I love spending Saturdays on the beach when the weather is good. We can go with the whole team sometime if you want. Ghost loves to surf, and the rest of us toss a football around. We pack a ton of food. Of course, now Raptor and Ghost have women of their own, so you wouldn’t have to worry about being the only woman there with my buddies and me.”
“Those are their nicknames, right?”
“Yep. Every guy on the team has one. Some we got back in BUD/S and others came about a little later.”
“What’s yours?”
“K-Bar.”
“I don’t even know what that means.”
“It’s a knife. We train with all sorts of weapons, as I’m sure you’re aware. I can hit my target dead on and earned my nickname from it.”
“Well, that’s kind of scary,” she said with a shudder.
Jackson looked at her seriously. “Only if you’re the enemy. My team and I do go in and fight the bad guys, so to speak. I’d never harm anyone unnecessarily though. I’d never hurt a woman or child. We go after HVTs—high value targets. We move in only when all the intelligence has been gathered. I don’t take what I do lightly, but I’d never harm someone who didn’t deserve it.”
“I know. I trust you, Jackson. I may not have known you for long, but I can see how Blake is with Clarissa. He’s a good guy, just like you are.”
Jackson nodded then took a pull of his beer. He’d never want to scare Taryn, but she had to realize he was far more deadly than her cop ex-husband. “If you ever did want to turn in your ex to the police, I’d support you. You’d have the support of my entire team.”
“They hardly know me either,” she protested.
“You’re with me now, and that’s all that matters. Whether we date, stay friends, or any combination of the above doesn’t matter. Plus, you’re neighbors with Raptor and Clarissa. Even if I wasn’t sitting here right now, if they heard you were in trouble, they’d be here.”
“I’m not ready to report him,” she said softly.
“Just know that I have your back if you ever want to. You shouldn’t have to live your life afraid, under an assumed name, barely scraping by.”
Jackson watched as Taryn finished her margarita. She didn’t comment, and he didn’t want to push her. Just last week she’d been afraid to even talk to him. Earning her complete trust would take time.
“Would you like another margarita?” he asked, changing the subject.
She shook her head no. “It was delicious, but I better stop at one tonight. Feel free to grab another beer though.”
He nodded and stood, crossing over to her fridge. “I should’ve made something for dessert,” she said, watching as he popped the cap on the longneck. “I was so nervous; I didn’t think of it.” He lifted his eyebrows.
“What? I wanted to make a good impression on you.”
“You have made a good impression on me,” he said with a chuckle. “How about we go out for ice cream?”
“Only if you let me treat.”
“Not a chance,” he said.
“Jackson, I have to pay for something.”
“Says who?” he asked, taking the plates from her as she rose to clear the table. He put them into the sink, chuckling again as she shooed him away.
“Well, I just did, for one.”
He watched in amusement as she wrapped up the rest of the food. Her dress swished around her hips as she moved, and when she stood on her tiptoes to grab a container out of the cupboard, his cock hardened at the sight of her ass.
Damn.
He needed to get a grip.
Crossing the kitchen, he pulled the balcony door shut, making sure it was locked and that the dowel he’d cut earlier fit across the lower track. It was a cheap, easy fix, and it would be impossible to slide the door open if someone jimmied the lock.
“If you’re with me, I’m paying. I’ve got a full-time job for starters. And even if you were working in a full-time position, I wouldn’t let a woman pay for me. I’d lose my man card or something.”
Taryn playfully pouted at him.
“Don’t give me that look,” he joked.
Hell. When Taryn looked at him that way, he’d do just about whatever she wanted. Her cheeks were flushed in amusement, her eyes twinkling as they looked at him. He liked this slightly sassier side of her. She was used to being quiet and acquiescing, but he liked that she was comfo
rtable enough with him to disagree.
“Fine, you can buy the ice cream. But only because I cooked dinner.”
His lips quirked. “Fine. Are you always so stubborn?”
“More so, usually,” she said with a laugh. “I used to be at any rate. You must bring out that side of me.” She crossed over to him, smiling as she looked up and their gazes locked. She was such a tiny little thing in front of him, it was amusing to hear her argue with him about anything.
“I like that you’re getting more comfortable with me.”
Nervously, she licked her lips, and he smiled.
“I feel safe with you.”
His hand reached out, lightly caressing her bare arm. She was soft and vulnerable, and he’d never felt more turned on in his entire life. Taryn was beautiful. It was her reactions around him that made his pulse pound though. He wasn’t sure if she was usually shy or just uncertain how to act around a man like him.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked.
Her cheeks pinkened, but she nodded.
Gently he reached out, cupping her cheek with one hand. She lifted a hand to his shirt, clutching the material at his side, and he could feel her tremble slightly. Jackson ducked down, brushing only the faintest hint of a kiss across her lips. He hesitated, and she moved in, kissing him back, then pulled away, her face beet red.
Jackson carefully traced his knuckles over her soft cheek. Her skin was warm, and he knew she was nervous. “We’ll take things slowly,” he promised her. “Just remember, you’re always the one in control here. I’ll never do anything you don’t want.”
She nodded, relaxing slightly. “I liked kissing you.”
“Me too. Maybe a little too much,” he joked, hoping she hadn’t felt his arousal. Taryn was nervous, and he didn’t need to unintentionally alarm her. He’d love to feel her body pressed against his, but now wasn’t the time. Even their brief kiss had flustered her.
“How about we go get that ice cream?” he asked.
Chapter 9
Taryn walked with Jackson down the boardwalk later that evening. Maybe she should’ve been nervous to be practically alone with a man easily twice her size, but instead she just felt safe. Just like when they’d been alone at her townhouse.
SEAL's Honor (Alpha SEALs Coronado Book 3) Page 9