Page 11 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

I smile, memories of my childhood flooding my mind. “They live in Nevada now, just north of Las Vegas. They were renting out the old house but this year, they decided to sell given the real estate prices being up and they asked me to help sell it. You know, my skills in staging and all that.”

“Did you get a good price?”

“It was a bidding war but they got the price they wanted,” I reply. “Dad finally gets to relax a bit and my mother plays a lot of Bingo with her sisters who live in Henderson.”

Brogan grins, but his expression turns serious. “It must be tough, having them so far away.”

I shrug, my thumb absently rubbing the soft fur of Sir Fluffington. “I left town after high school so I got used to the distance. I didn’t visit as much since they preferred to visit me wherever I was since I was so busy. Now that the house has been sold, there’s nothing that’s keeping me or them here.”

“They’re great people,” Brogan says, his smile warm and genuine. “I remember when your mom would invite me over to have some chicken adobo and pancit.”

I laugh. They must have served him those dishes when I wasn’t home. “I can’t believe you remember the names.”

“How could I forget? And then there was that one night your dad had me try balut.”

I make a face at the thought of eating a dish so exotic it’s sold at night. “I don’t care what people say, but I’ll never try that even if I’m Filipino.”

“I’ve tried it a few times since, actually,” Brogan continues as I stare at him. “It’s hilarious to see guys who wouldn’t think twice about charging the enemy balk at the thought of eating one of those eggs.”

“I can’t blame them,” I say. “You know, my parents couldn’t believe it when they heard you became a SEAL, but they also weren’t surprised. Mom always said you lovedadventure. They’re proud of everything you and Preston have accomplished.”

Brogan becomes quiet. “I never should have treated you the way I did back then.”

I shrug. “It’s ancient history now. But in a way, it motivated me. I worked hard to lose my accent and I got better at speaking English. I didn’t want anyone to have a reason to tease me anymore.”

Brogan leans in closer, his voice lowering. “I know this might be hard to believe because I did tease you about it, but I loved your accent. It was one of the things that made you unique, made you stand out.”

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, my heart fluttering in my chest. “Really?”

“What can I say? I was an idiot for not seeing it then.”

“And I did try to lose weight for a while,” I add. “But I’m just big-boned, I guess. And honestly, I like my body the way it is.”

“I like your body, too.” He pauses. “I mean, not in a creepy way. Just, you know, objectively speaking.”

I laugh. “Smooth, Hollister. Real smooth.”

He brings his hands up in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m trying here. It’s not every day I get to share a bed with a beautiful woman and a giant stuffed panda.”

“For your information, he’s not just any giant stuffed panda,” I declare. “This is Sir Fluffington the Third, remember? And he demands respect.”

“I stand corrected,” Brogan says, grinning. “Again.”

I yawn. “As much as I’d love to continue thisfascinating conversation, I think it’s time for me to get some sleep. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Brogan nods, his own yawn echoing mine. “You’re right. Goodnight, Willy. Sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight, Brogan,” I whisper, reaching out to switch off the light.

As darkness envelops the room, I can’t help but smile. Brogan is funny. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much in one night that my cheeks hurt. Or the last time the butterflies in my stomach fluttered like crazy, my heart racing every time he was near. Still, even with all the strange feelings hitting me, I feel safe and seen in a way I haven’t felt in years.

And although I know this is just pretend, I’ll enjoy every minute of it. Enjoy the warmth of Brogan’s body radiating next to me (even if it’s through poor Sir Fluffington the Third), and the gradual soft rise and fall of his breath in the darkness as he falls asleep.

After all, a girl can dream.

CHAPTER SIX

BROGAN

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