Page 22 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

She touches the tip of my nose with her finger. “That way, the others won’t be beating down your door.”

CHAPTER NINE

WILLY

I waketo the sound of waves crashing and the warmth of Brogan’s body pressed against mine. For a moment, I keep my eyes closed, savoring the feeling of his strong arms around me, the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back.

Last night rushes back to me in a flood of memories—our dance on the beach, the intensity in Brogan’s eyes, the way his lips felt on mine. My cheeks flush as I remember the intimacy that followed, the tenderness in his touch, and the ferocity of his lovemaking.

My stomach clenches as I realize that last night wasn’t a dream at all. It was real. It happened.

Brogan’s still asleep, his face peaceful and unguarded. I’ve never seen him look so vulnerable before. It makes my heart ache in a way I’m not prepared for.

This is dangerous, I think to myself. I can’t let myself fall for him. We’re from different worlds.

But as I lie here, listening to his steady breathing, I can’t deny the connection between us. It’s more than just physical attraction. There’s a depth to it that scares me.

I gently extricate myself from Brogan’s arms, careful not to wake him. Standing by the bed, I take a moment to look at him. He looks so different from the arrogant boy who used to tease me mercilessly.When did he become this man who makes my heart race with just a look?

The sudden vibration of my phone startles me out of my reverie. I quickly grab it and slip out of the room, heading downstairs and out onto the deck.

“Hello?” I answer in a whisper, glancing at the clock. It’s nine in the morning, late by work standards.

“Willy? It’s Bryce Holden.”

I straighten up, instantly alert. “Mr. Holden, good morning. Is everything okay?”

“More than okay, Willy. I’ve got some news for you.” There’s excitement in his voice that makes my pulse quicken. “First off, your client, Mrs. Hollister is over the moon about the renovation. She’s been raving about your work to everyone who’ll listen.”

A small smile tugs at my lips. “That’s great to hear.”

“It is. But that’s not why I’m calling.” There’s a pause, and I can almost hear him grinning through the phone. “How would you like to lead the Stanton renovation in Washington State?”

My heart skips a beat. “Lead? As in...?”

“As in, you’d be in charge of the entire project. It’s a big step up, Willy.”

I sink down onto a nearby chair, my mind reeling. “Wow, I... that’s incredible, Bryce. But isn’t Jessica handling that project?”

“Family emergency. She had to bow out last minute. We need someone to take over ASAP.”

“How soon is ASAP?” I ask, a knot forming in my stomach.

“You’d need to fly back to New York today. Get briefed on the project, then head to Washington in two days.”

“Today?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper. Images of Brogan, of last night, flash through my mind.

Bryce must sense my hesitation. “I know it’s sudden, Willy. But this is a huge opportunity. The kind that doesn’t come around often.”

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know, Bryce. I mean, I just finished up here and–”

“Willy,” he cuts me off, his tone gentle but firm. “You’ve been working toward this for years. You’re ready for this. I wouldn’t be offering if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

I’m quiet for a long moment, my thoughts a jumbled mess. On one hand, this is everything I’ve been working for. A chance to prove myself, to take charge of a major project. On the other... there’s Brogan. Whatever this thing is between us, it feels like it’s just beginning.

“Can I have some time to think about it?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

Bryce sighs. “I wish I could give you more time, but we need an answer now. The client is expecting a project lead to be on-site in three days.”

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