Page 16 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

As he helps me into the buttery leather seat, his hand lingers on mine a moment longer than necessary and it hits me:Too late. I’m already carried away.

As we drive toward the marina, I steal glances atBrogan. He looks nervous, too, his jaw clenched, his fingers tapping against his leg.

I place my hand over his. “We’ve got this. It’s just one night, right?”

He turns to me, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Right. One night. Together.”

The way he says ‘together’ sends a shiver down my spine. For a moment, I let myself imagine this is real. That we’re really a couple, heading to a glamorous party, ready to take on the world.

But as the lights of the marina come into view, reality crashes back in.This is all pretend, Willy. A charade. A lie.

So why does it feel so real?

As the tender speeds toward the Intrepid, the mega-yacht gleams white under the starry sky, decked out in twinkling lights and elegant decorations. Brogan stands beside me, looking like the perfect Prince Charming in his tux.

But even as his hand finds mine, his fingers intertwining with my own, I feel a growing sense of unease. This isn’t my world, not by a long shot. I’m a simple girl from a working-class family, and the extravagance surrounding me is a stark reminder of just how different Brogan and I truly are.

Stepping onto the Intrepid, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer size of it. It’s like a floating palace, all gleaming white and sparkling lights, opulence everywhere.

We’ve barely taken a few steps when Mrs. Hollister appears, looking resplendent in a shimmering gold gown.She eyes me up and down, a calculating smile on her perfectly painted lips.

“Well, well, Willy. Don’t you clean up nicely? Who would have thought the gardener’s daughter could fit in so well among the elite?”

I feel Brogan stiffen beside me, his hand tightening on my waist. But before he can say anything, I plaster on my most dazzling smile.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hollister. It’s amazing what a little bit of hard work and determination can do. I’m sure you can appreciate that, being a successful businesswoman yourself.”

“Of course, dear. Hard work is certainly... admirable.” She turns to Brogan, her smile widening. “Brogan, darling, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. Calvin Beaumont and his lovely daughter, Beatrice. You remember them, don’t you?”

Brogan nods stiffly, his jaw clenched. “Of course, Mother. It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Beaumont, Beatrice.”

Beatrice steps forward, her red hair gleaming under the lights. She’s stunning, all long legs and perfect curves, and I feel a twinge of insecurity.

“Brogan, it’s been far too long,” she purrs, her hand lingering on his arm as he casts me a quick glance. “We really must catch up.”

I clear my throat, holding out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m Willy Genaro, Brogan’s girlfriend.”

The word feels strange on my tongue, but I push through the discomfort. Beatrice’s eyesflick to me, a brief flash of annoyance crossing her features as she shakes my hand.

“Charmed, I’m sure.” She turns back to face Brogan. “Brogan, you simply must save me a dance later. For old times’ sake.”

Brogan looks uncomfortable, but he nods. “Of course, Beatrice. If you’ll excuse us, I think I see some friends of mine.”

He guides me away, his hand pressing against my back. As soon as we’re out of earshot, he leans down, his lips brushing my ear.

“I’m so sorry about that, Willy. My mother... she doesn’t know when to quit.”

I shake my head, taking a deep breath. “It’s okay. I can take care of myself. But Beatrice... she seems rather fond of you.”

Brogan runs a hand through his hair. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. Our families run in the same circles. But there’s never been anything between us, I swear.”

I nod, trying to ignore the jealousy simmering in my gut. “I think we both know your mother isn’t going to give up that easily.”

He takes my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. “Let her try. I’m not going to let her ruin this night for us. Now, what do you say we hit the dance floor and show everyone what a real couple looks like?”

I can’t help but laugh. Real, my ass, but I’ll bite. “Lead the way, Hollister. Let’s give them something to talk about.”

And as Brogan sweeps me into his arms, spinning me around the dance floor, I can feel the eyes of other guests on us. For a moment I’m tempted to shrink away, to hide from their scrutiny. But then Brogan pulls me close, his hand warm and steady on my lower back.

---