Page 29 of Summer with a Navy SEAL

“But what about the Team?”

He’s quiet for a few moments. “I realize now that I’ve been running away from my family legacy for years, first by enlisting in the Navy as a fuck-you to my family’s wealth, although being a SEAL was my own decision. It soon became my only identity even when I have family right here.”

“But I thought you love being a SEAL.”

“Of course, I do but I can’t do it forever,” he says. “Some of them like Trevor have already transitioned from being on the front line to becoming specialists, in his case, languages. My MOS isn’t the same but I have other skills that I can use right here in Love Beach.” He pauses, his gaze meeting mine as he smiles. “And then there’s you.”

I frown. “What about me?”

“Preston and I have been thinking of expanding the family business beyond hotels, like more sustainable projects,” he continues. “Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to explore that.”

I sit up straighter, intrigued. “What kind of projects?”

“Eco-friendly housing developments, green energy initiatives, that sort of thing,” he explains, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “And who better to lead the design aspects than the brilliant Willy Genaro?”

I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. “Are you offering me a job, Hollister?”

“And snag you from under Bryce Holden’s nose? Not yet.” He chuckles. “But let’s just say I’m keeping my options open. And I want you to know that when you’re ready, there’s a place for you at Hollister Enterprises.”

I’m touched by his offer, by the faith he has in me. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” Brogan murmurs, leaning toward me and kissing me softly on the lips. “Whatever it takes, Willy, whatever we need to do to make this work, I’m all in.”

Hours later, we touch down in Seattle, the city sprawled out before us full of promise and possibility. The Seattle rain I’d heard so much about greets us as we step out of the airport. Thanks to the Hollister connections, there’s a car waiting for us.

“So, where to first?” Brogan asks as he sits behind the wheel.

“Well, I suppose we should find my new apartment.”

He grins mischievously. “I like the sound of that.”

I can’t help but blush as memories of our last night together come rushing in. The way he held me, kissed me… made love to me.

But as we pull away from the airport, I know that it’s more than sex between us. It’s a bond that we share, a connection that runs deeper than I ever imagined. Sure, wemay have started on the wrong foot—with him and his brother teasing the hell out of me—but people change.

And I’ve changed, too. I grew to be stronger than I ever thought possible. I found my passion, my drive, and my self-worth. And somehow, along the way, I found Brogan.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asks, his voice pulling me from my reverie.

“Just thinking about how much has changed in the last few days,” I reply. “One minute I was renovating a beach house and the next, I’m here in Seattle with you.”

He nods, his eyes softening. “I’m just grateful you gave me a chance to show you the man I’ve become.”

As we weave through Seattle’s streets listening to the GPS telling us where to go, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what’s to come. This new job, this new city—it’s all a bit overwhelming. But with Brogan by my side even for just a few days, I feel like I can take on anything.

“I can’t believe you’re really here,” I say softly as we stop at a red light.

Brogan turns to me, his eyes serious. “Willy, I’d do anything for you. I hope you know that.”

And as I look into his deep blue eyes, I realize I do know it. I know that no matter what challenges we face, no matter how far apart we are, we’ll find a way to make it work.

Because it’s real. This isn’t just a summer fling. It’s… love, pure and simple, the kind that inspires cross-country flights and keeping to their side of the bed (though only for as long as possible—I may be single, but I’m not dead).

As we pull up to the apartment building and park inthe garage, away from the rain, I can’t believe this is going to be my new home for a while. A new chapter in my life.

But as I glance at Brogan, his hand reaching for mine as I step out of the car, it hits me that home isn’t just a place.

It’s a person.

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