Page 199 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

A shadow darkened her features. “When I heard the gun, I wasn’t sure what to think …” She shivered. “I’m so glad you were there.”

“Me too.” The attacker had an elementary level of combat skill, but he was no match for Maddox’s SEAL training, meaning he wasn’t Special Ops.

After they got some food in their systems, Maddox planned to question Addie in hopes that he’d find a common thread to help him figure out why she was being targeted. “Is there something in the kitchen we can fix for dinner?” he prompted.

“We have a few cans of soup. I can make us some grilled cheese sandwiches.” She scowled. “Thank goodness I put thefood back into the fridge last night after the break-in. Otherwise, the perishables would’ve been ruined.”

He touched her arm as the familiar attraction zinged through him. “I’m sorry for all that you’re going through. I know it’s rough.”

“Thanks,” she said, offering an appreciative smile. Their gazes locked as something akin to attraction flashed in her eyes. For one wild moment, Maddox got the distinct feeling that Addie wanted to kiss him. To his disappointment, she took a step back as if to put as much distance between them as possible.It’s for the best, he reminded himself, even though, he really didn’t believe it.

Addie motioned to the shelf above her desk. “I appreciate you putting things away.” A sheepish grin tugged at her lips as she rocked forward on the balls of her feet. “Sorry I accused you of reading my journal.” Laughter simmered in her eyes. “Read anything interesting?”

His eyes rounded as he coughed. Ouch! The guilt was killing him!

She laughed lightly, brushing his arm. “Just teasing.”

This was the Addie that he craved—the playful one who kept him on his toes. He motioned with his head. “Shall we?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She held up a finger. “As long as I’m the one doing the cooking.”

“Hey.” His face fell. “My cooking’s not that bad.”

“No, it’s great,” she paused, her mouth giving way to a grin, “if you don’t mind Mohave Desert dry and charred like a brick.”

He rolled his eyes. “I burn the pancakes one time and never hear the end of it. Just like a woman to never forget.”

“Never,” she uttered, her eyes holding his.

What in the heck was happening here? A part of him wanted to call Addie out, demand to know why she was sending him mixed signals. But he didn’t want to throw a monkey wrench inthe gears. Better to let it ride … see where the road took them. He offered a slight bow and flourish of his hand. “After you, ma’am.”

She clucked her tongue. “Always the perfect gentleman.” She tipped her head, her emerald-gold eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know I never could resist that Bama boy charm,” she quipped, traipsing out.

He stood there for a moment, befuddled. Watching her move was fascinating. The confident bounce in her step. The graceful lines of her lithe body with just the right amount of curves. Her rich chocolate hair bouncing jauntily on her shoulders. Was Addie flirting with him? Or toying with him?Geez.How in the heck was he supposed to remain unaffected by a woman like her? She was playing him like a fiddle.

“You coming, hotshot?” she called over her shoulder.

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” he uttered, feeling like a gullible moth going helplessly to the flame.

Chapter Eight

Despite the circumstance, being here with Maddox was exhilarating. Addie glanced at his rugged profile, his unruly curls, the determined set of his chin. His penetrating eyes, framed by dark lashes, were a deep ocean blue. He caught her gaze and smiled, displaying his splendid dimples. A goofy grin spilled over her lips, and she felt like she was sixteen again. The prudent thing to do was to remain guarded around Maddox, but the brush with danger had pickled her brain and made her reckless.

Breaking up with Maddox was the biggest mistake of Addie’s life. When she believed him dead, her heart had shattered to pieces. She realized then that not having Maddox in her life was far worse than living with the fear of something terrible happening to him. Then, she learned he was still alive. Oh, how she’d wanted to run to him, beg him to take her back. Then her stubbornness had set in. She hoped he would contact her, but nothing. Well, until today, that is, when he waltzed into the diner.And saved your life, her mind added. She owed him some latitude for that.

While it was tempting to just pick up where they were before the break-up, she had to keep reminding herself that Maddoxwas here because of his loyalty to Corbin. She knew he still cared about her on some level, she could see it in his eyes. Obviously, he hadn’t loved her as deeply as she had him, or he would have contacted her. There never would have been a Felicity. What kind of woman was this Felicity?

“Is everything okay? You have a strange expression on your face.”

She forced a smile. “Yep.” A dry laugh rumbled in her throat, her voice going high-pitched. “Well, aside from the fact that my house was ransacked and someone tried to kidnap me, I’m peachy.”

He frowned. “You’re acting strange.”

“Am I?” She chuckled. “Well, chock it up to the day.”

“Yeah, I guess you have a good excuse, for sure.”

They were sitting side-by-side on the couch. Maddox angled to face her. “Okay, let’s start at the beginning. I want to hear every detail, starting with when Jordan came to the resort.”

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