Page 25 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

As I walk back to my car, Crystal’s words echo in mymind.Don’t close your heart to love.But as I start the engine, I push those thoughts away.

I have a job to do, a chance to prove myself. That’s what I need to focus on now.

Everything else... well, it’ll just have to wait. Even love.

CHAPTER TEN

BROGAN

After tidyingup the beach house, I head back to the family house, the sound of laughter from the living room greeting me the moment I step through the door. Great. Company’s the last thing I need right now.

As I enter, I see Mother holding court as Calvin and his daughter Beatrice hang on her every word. Mother’s eyes light up when she sees me.

“Brogan, darling! There you are. You arrived just in time.”

I force a smile. “Mr. Beaumont, Beatrice. Nice to see you.”

Mother stands, clasping her hands together. “Beatrice was just saying how much she’d love to see the gardens. Why don’t you show her around, Brogan?”

I can see right through her ploy. “Can I speak with you for a moment? In private?”

In the hallway, Mother beams at me. “Isn’t Beatricelovely? And from such a good family. You two would make a wonderful match.”

“Stop,” I say, my voice low but firm. “Just stop, Mother.”

Her smile falters. “I don’t understand–”

“No, you don’t,” I interrupt. “You don’t understand that you can’t manipulate our lives like this. Preston’s and mine. We’re not puppets you can match up with whomever you deem suitable.”

“But darling, I’m only thinking of your future. Of the family’s future.”

I shake my head. “No, you’re thinking about what you want. Grandchildren, continuing the Hollister legacy. But have you ever stopped to consider what we want?”

“Of course I have. I didn’t stop you from enlisting in the Navy, did I? Even if it meant I was on pins and needles every time I heard about some incident overseas.” She takes a deep breath. “I only want what’s best for you.”

“What’s best for me is making my own choices. Living my own life.” I take a deep breath. “And right now, the woman I want to be with just left for New York.”

Understanding dawns in her eyes. “Willy? But I thought... I mean, she’s gone now, surely–”

“Surely what, Mother? Surely I’d just move on to the next suitable candidate?” The bitterness in my voice surprises even me. “That’s not how love works.”

Mother’s silent for a long moment. When she speaks, her voice is sharp. “Love? Brogan, be realistic. Willy’s gone. She chose her career over you. Doesn’t that tell you how little you mean to her?”

I freeze, my mind racing. “Wait. How do you know Willy’s gone? She just left an hour ago.”

Mother’s eyes widen as if realizing her mistake before composing herself. “Well, I... I assumed. Given her ambition, I figured she’d jump at any opportunity to advance her career.”

But the pieces are already falling into place in my mind. “Her promotion... the sudden job offer... that was you, wasn’t it? You orchestrated all of it.”

Mother’s eyes flash with a mix of defiance and guilt. She lifts her chin, her posture rigid. “What if I did? I was merely providing an opportunity, one that Miss Genaro was clearly eager to accept. From the looks of it, without any regard to your… relationship.”

I feel my anger rising. “You had no right to interfere in her life, in her career.”

“I had every right,” she snaps back. “I’m protecting this family, Brogan. Our name, our legacy. Do you have any idea what people are saying after you took her to the yacht party? She’s the gardener’s daughter, for crying out loud!”

“Garderner’s daughter or not, she has integrity and grit, and I care about her,” I snap. “She’s smart, talented, and hardworking. She challenges me to be better. She sees me for who I am, not for my last name or my bank account. That’s worth more than any society connection.”

Mother looks at me, her expression a mix of frustration and something else... maybe regret? “And what happens when the novelty wears off? When you realize how different your worldsare?”

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