Page 9 of Sworn to Defend

When he pulled up to his driveway, the spotlights came on. He liked to keep security tight at his place. The house wasn’t huge, but it was way too big for just one person. Still, he’d had been drawn to the landscaping around the pool in the backyard, and it seemed smart to buy a house with a few bedrooms and bathrooms. The exterior was also appealing with its white vinyl siding and tan stacked stone. He parked the truck and shut off the engine.

As he’d been falling from the helo’s rope, it had crossed his mind that he might never see his home again. He’d gotten lucky, and he was going to take more risks in his personal life because of it. Before he met Hannah, he lived and breathed for his work, and while serving his country was still important, he had a new reason to look forward to coming home. He opened the driver’s-side door and walked up to his front porch. He could picture putting a couple of chairs out here, maybe a bench swing, so he and Hannah could watch Collin making chalk pictures in the driveway or blowing bubbles.

He took the steps up to the front door and slid his key inside the lock. As he stepped inside and flipped the lights on, he studied the space with a more critical eye. He had replaced all of the flooring with a light oak. The appliances were new as were the countertops. There was a big center island, which Collin would get a kick out of for stretching dough out on when they made pizza. The living room was bright and airy, if not a bit sparse. A large TV was centered inside a giant media display. A stone fireplace sat adjacent to the dining room table, and off to the side, there was a neighboring office, the master bedroom, and a bathroom with a big soaking tub that he never used. Hannah could stretch out in the deep water with bubbles lacing over her skin. The mental image punched him in the gut, stealing his breath.

The two additional bedrooms and a fenced-in backyard made the house an ideal place to raise a family—although that hadn’t been his line of thought when he purchased it. He’d had more physical exertion today than he’d had in weeks and his leg ached and his head throbbed. Even with his wounds flaring up, he was happy to be meeting Brynn and the other women in the morning. It was always a good time when they were around, and they’d insist on going to lunch and chatting about the best ways to win Hannah’s heart. He’d never turn down that kind of advice.

Branch stripped out of his clothes, the conditioned air blanketing his bare back. The sheets were cool and soft. It was good to be home, but he couldn’t deny that it would be so much better if he had someone to wrap his arms around. Not just someone. Hannah. Other women ceased to exist for him. That was how intensely she pulled at him. If he was the sea, she was the moon turning the tides at her whim. He couldn’t see into the future, but he knew without a doubt that pursuing Hannah would be the single most important adventure of his life.

Chapter Five

Hannah woke up like she always did. Alert and ready to race through her morning routine. She couldn’t remember a day in the last ten years when she’d slept past five o’clock in the morning. She tossed off the covers, threw her legs over the side of the bed, and stilled. There was a tall glass of water sitting on her nightstand. She never kept a drink bedside, not because she didn’t like the idea, but because she knew she’d leave it there, and soon she’d accumulate a graveyard of glasses. Had she been so exhausted she’d carried the drink into her room last night? Or…Hunter!

The events of the previous evening came rushing back. He’d been here after she put Collin to sleep. Asked her why she thought he wouldn’t back up everything he said to Vivienne’s wedding planner. Tingles danced along her hand where Hunter had stroked her skin. She’d wanted to lean in to his touch. He’d opened up about his childhood, and the fact that he disclosed some of his demons first made her more comfortable opening up. For the first time in a very long time, she found herself trusting, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake.

She’d given him the name of the airport where he could book flights. While she hadn’t exactly stripped herself bare like Hunter had, it was a big step for her. One that left her feeling weightless and uncertain in the broad light of day. She unplugged her cell phone from the bedside charger and rolled onto her back. There were several unread text messages, some from Hunter and her group chat with Sam, Brynn, and Joker’s sister, Addison.

Hunter

I sent our flight information to Rochelle. Thank you for trusting me last night. For being so brave.

Hunter

I hope the perfume smell has faded and you don’t wake up with a headache. I’m going to get a tux for the wedding this morning. Maybe we can meet later to talk about plans?

Sam, Brynn, Addison

Brynn: Hunter called last night. So exciting he’s going to Texas with you!!! We’re picking out his tux today. Keep you posted.

Sam: Girrrrrllllll…you better give us every detail

Addison: Try to enjoy

Her pulse quickened as she read the messages. Hunter hadn’t changed his mind. Not only that, but he’d rallied her female friends and was going to pick out wedding attire. He’d thought much further ahead than she had when it came to this event. God, this was really happening. Hunter Green was going to a wedding as her date. And there was more to a Day family event than the main attraction. There would be a welcoming luncheon, rehearsal dinner, and brunch the following day. She wouldn’t even be surprised if there was a sightseeing trip to entertain guests. Given Vivienne’s fiancé’s aspirations as CEO of his father’s company, the guest list would be people her family considered worthy and elite. She swallowed hard. If there ever was a test, this was it. He was going to meet her family.

She texted Hunter first.

Collin has baseball practice tonight. If you’d like to join us, we usually stop for burgers and shakes afterward.

She hit send and promised herself she wouldn’t stare at the phone waiting for a reply. When three little dots appeared, she caught herself smiling and quickly schooled her expression. She couldn’t lose her head, especially with someone as distracting and appealing as Hunter.

Hunter

Sounds great. Did you sleep okay?

It had been a long time since someone asked her a question like that. She couldn’t deny that it felt nice to have someone thinking of her.

Yes. I’m sorry I dozed off on you. And thank you for the water. That was thoughtful.

Hunter

I know this is new, and I don’t want to come on too hard or fast, but you never have to thank me for caring for you. I know you can stand on your own. Been doing it a long time, but like I said last night, you’re not alone, Hannah. Lean on me. Nothing would make me happier.

She held her breath, reading his words. Hunter was coming on strong, but she’d seen the same intensity in her friends’ significant others. They had a dangerous job. They toed the edge of life and death constantly. When they made their minds up about something, they were relentless. Still, if she told Hunter she wasn’t interested or to back off, he would. He’d never force himself on someone.

She drew in a long breath and used her thumbs to type out a response on the small screen.

Be patient with me. It’s been a while since I’ve opened up to someone. We can take things day by day, and if you change your mind at any point, we can go our separate ways without any hard feelings.

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