Page 52 of Rescued by a SEAL

He lightly set her down on her feet again, loving the smile that lit up her face. It had been a stressful couple of hours reporting everything to the police. Imagining how frightened she was every time Eric came over to her apartment. Although she’d told him about some of the times Eric had been coming over, he hadn’t realized the extent of it.

Hell.

He’d been off on missions with his team while she was stuck in her apartment with her ex.

His blood boiled that she hadn’t had anyone to turn to. Sure, she had her best friend that lived across town, but it’s not like she could do much aside from offer Taylor a place to stay.

“Goodness, it’s already after eight,” Taylor said as she glanced at her phone. The sun was just beginning to sink lower in the sky, and Mason again thought how one of these days he’d love to be at the beach at sunrise with her. They’d have to hit up the west coast to see the sun sink over the Pacific, and Mason wasn’t averse to that thought.

Damn.

When had he ever wanted to travel with a woman?

Usually taking his date back to his apartment was enough for him. But Taylor was someone he wanted a future with. He wanted to take her on vacation, take her home to meet his parents. They’d barely begun seeing each other, but somehow he just knew she was it for him.

“Want to get some carry out and eat at my place?” she asked, drawing his mind back to the present.

“Absolutely. I’m famished.”

“Do you think Eric will show up?” she asked nervously.

“If he does, we’ll call the detective. And 911. He probably thinks you’re still at work though.”

“Good point. That doesn’t mean he won’t be waiting around for when my shift ends.”

Mason muttered under his breath, knowing she had a point. All the more reason for him to stay and ensure her safety. The fact that he wanted her in his arms all night was beside the point. An added benefit, perhaps, but his priority was her protection. “Let’s get you home,” he said huskily.

“Thanks again for coming tonight,” Taylor said softly as he opened the passenger door of his SUV for her. “I know you were busy on base all day, but when Eric showed up at work, I was terrified. He seemed different somehow. Angrier. And when I told him that I was seeing someone, he didn’t take it very well.”

“Sweetheart, I was serious when I said I’d protect you. Yes, we’ve just started dating, but I’m not going to let some asshole scare me off. I’m definitely not going to let you deal with this on your own. If we get the restraining order and he keeps showing up, he could end up behind bars. Honestly, that would be a relief.”

Taylor blew out a shaky breath. “I was hoping he’d get over it, get over me, but at this point, I just want him gone. If the police have to be involved, and he ends up in jail, then so be it. I’m done letting him control my life.”

“I’m proud of you,” Mason said. “I know it wasn’t easy talking to your coworkers or going to the police. Hell, you were with the guy for years. He couldn’t always have been such a jackass. But you’re stronger than you know.”

He grabbed the seatbelt and helped her buckle in, his hands lingering on her body.

“I can buckle myself in,” she said with a small laugh.

“Humor me. I like being close to you, like touching you. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

Her breath hitched as their eyes locked, and he ducked lower, his hand curling around the back of her neck as his mouth landed on hers. She tasted sweet, and he simply wanted to devour her. Taylor opened her mouth to his, and he deepened the kiss, loving the soft moan she made.

He kissed her a moment longer before reluctantly pulling back. “Let’s get going before they come out and arrest me for public indecency or something.”

“For a kiss?” she asked with a laugh.

“That was a hell of a kiss. And now I’m hard as a rock,” he said, backing away and shutting the door. He winked at her from outside the window then turned away, willing his body to calm down as he circled the vehicle. He’d barely touched her, and his libido was roaring.

They needed to get home though. Eat. With the way his stomach was rumbling, he knew Taylor had to be starving as well.

All fantasies of claiming her beautiful body, of kissing her and pleasuring her would have to wait until later.

He opened the driver’s side door and climbed in, groaning as he adjusted his half-erect cock.

Taylor giggled and licked her lips mischievously.

“What?” he asked with a chuckle. It was nice to see her relaxed, if only for the moment. She’d been scared at Anchors and stressed out at the police station. Even to see her smile for a few minutes filled his chest with pride. He wanted her to know he’d take care of her. Protect her. Satisfy her in bed and be there for every other part of her life, too.

---