Page 158 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Ha. I’ll have to remember that.”

Was it her imagination or did a cloud move over his features? It was gone in the next instant as he searched her face. “So, does this mean you’re good with what’s happening between us?”

“That depends.”

He tensed. “On what?”

“On what this is.” She eyed him. “Is this a real thing, or am I a distraction … something to keep you occupied while we’re stuck in this cabin?”

An incredulous laugh left his throat. “Is that what you think?”

She thought for a minute. “No. I think your feelings for me are real. I just wanna hear it from you. I made a grave mistake before, and I’m not about to make that same mistake again.”

He frowned. “I’m not Tuck.”

“I know.”

His voice gathered intensity. “What I feel for you is real, more real than anything I’ve felt before.”

The truth of his words settled around her like a protective cocoon as she snuggled into the curve of his shoulder. He linked his fingers through hers, squeezing her hand. “I’m starting to care about you too,” she admitted. There was one other question she wanted to ask. “So, have there been other girls that you’ve guarded? Ones you’ve spent lots of time with?” She held herbreath, waiting for an answer, realizing that she was starting to care a great deal about him … maybe even love him a little.

“No.”

Relief splattered over her as she turned to face him. “Really?”

A trace of amusement lit his eyes. “Really. You’re the first person I’ve ever protected.”

She frowned. “But I thought you had a long history of working in security.”

“I do, but mostly for bars and institutions, not for individuals. Sutton offered me the job the night of the party.” He paused. “Does that make you nervous? That I’m new at this one-on-one stuff?”

A feeling of bliss danced over her. “On the contrary, I think it’s great that I’m your first assignment.”

He turned to face her, the fervency in his eyes making her wonder if he could see into her soul. “The word assignment doesn’t even begin to describe what you are to me.” His lips turned up in a slight smile.

“What?”

“At the risk of sending you running for the hills, let me just say that from the first moment our eyes connected across that crowded room, I knew we’d end up together.” He studied her. “Does it scare you that I’m so certain?”

“A little,” she admitted, but his words were thrilling at the same time. “Maybe it runs in the family, like Wallace and Lou Ella at the fair.”

He laughed. “Wow, Pops rolled out an entire volume of the Spencer family history in one sitting. That must’ve been a long breakfast.”

“Long enough to get the goods on you,” she teased.

“Oh, no. Now I’m worried.”

She rested her head against him, savoring how safe she felt in his arms.

“So,” he began, “are you feeling a little cooped up in the cabin?”

“I was earlier, but I’m not now that you’re here.”

“You do say the most marvelous things,” he said tightening his hold on her and kissing the top of her head. “What if I told you I have a surprise for you?”

Anticipation thrummed through her veins as she turned to look at him. “I love surprises. What is it?” she asked eagerly.

“Would you like to go skiing? At Bear Claw Resort?”

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