Page 27 of SEAL Ever After

“For sure. Although it’s missing some of the eye candy,” Morgan said. “You may have a man, but I don’t mind watching the shirtless guys jog by on the beach when we eat at the patio of the other Mexican place.”

Sarah snorted. “I hear you. I love eating down by the water anyway. And lunch is on me today. You took the afternoon off to help me do all this wedding planning, so I owe you big time.”

Sarah slid her card into the billfold and signed the receipt a few minutes later when the waitress returned. “All set? Let’s do this! I feel like I’ve got a million things left to do.”

“Sounds good,” Morgan said, glancing down at her phone. “Oh, I need to quick call my office back. They left a message while we were eating. Meet you at the bridal shop?”

“Yep,” Sarah replied. “See you in a few!” She walked down the sidewalk of the shopping center, humming to herself. Lunch had been delicious, and now she was ready to look through some of the sexy lingerie at the bridal shop. Although Ryan loved whatever she had on in the bedroom—including when she had on nothing at all—she wanted something special for their wedding night.

They’d decided to jet off to a tropical island for their honeymoon, so she also wanted a new sundress and bikini to wear. That would have to be a stop for another day though.

“Well hello Sarah!” a male voice called out, and she turned to see Juan, the guy from the beach walking toward her. He had on loose linen pants and a tropical print shirt, and when he stopped in front of her, she could smell the strong scent of his cologne.

“Hi Juan, getting another massage today?” she asked, nodding toward the massage parlor.

“Ah, you know me too well already,” he joked. “I have an appointment, yes. No work today?”

“I took the afternoon off,” she said. “Just doing some wedding stuff with a girlfriend of mine. I had an appointment at a hair salon earlier to try out some wedding hair styles, and it was a total disaster. Not that you care about my hair,” she added. “I’m just stressed.”

“A friend of mine is a hairstylist,” Juan said. “Maybe she can help. When is your wedding?” he asked.

“Two weeks from Saturday.”

“Wow, so soon,” he said, surprise registering across his face. “And your husband—fiancé—isn’t helping with the last-minute planning?”

“No, he’s in the Navy and is busy on base,” she explained. “As long as he can take off for the wedding and honeymoon, we’re good,” she added. “Anyway, I won’t keep you.”

“It’s no trouble,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m on vacation, remember? I could call my hairstylist friend and see if she has any openings today. This is for your wedding day, no?”

“Wow, that’s nice of you, but I’ve got a million things on my plate already today. Plus, I need someone who can do my hair on my actual wedding day, too, so that cuts down on my options, unfortunately. Everyone’s got limited availability at the last minute, you know? Even if she can squeeze me in for a session this week, I need someone for the actual wedding.”

He nodded. “I’ve known her for years—she’s a good friend. Why don’t we exchange contact information? You let me know the time and day you’ll need her, and I’ll see if she’s free.”

“What could it hurt?” Sarah asked with a shrug. “I’ll take any lead I can get at this point.” She pulled her cell phone from her purse and keyed in his cell number, sending him a text so that he had her number, too. “Oh, there’s my friend Morgan,” she said, waving. “We’ve got to finish up this massive to-do list. Thanks again for your help!”

“All right, Sarah, I’ll be in touch.”

“Sounds good. Enjoy your massage!”

She turned and walked down toward the bridal shop, meeting Morgan at the front door. Morgan’s gaze went over her shoulder, watching Juan walk off in the opposite direction.

“Was that the weird guy again?” she asked.

“Juan? He’s not weird; we were just chatting. His friend is a hairstylist, and he’s going to see if she has any openings. At this point, I’ll take all the help I can get. I may not be a total girly-girl, but I want to be pampered a little on my wedding day. Anyway, let’s go inside and check on my dress!”

“Yeah, let’s go inside. That guy still gives me the creeps though.”

“Hun, he’s totally harmless,” Sarah said, linking arms with her best friend. “And besides, my fiancé is a Navy SEAL. What exactly do you think is going to happen?”

Chapter 13

Ryan parked on a side street off Atlantic Avenue on Friday evening and sauntered down the block. He’d changed from his uniform into pressed khakis and a polo shirt, but he still felt overdressed compared to some of the tourists wandering around.

He passed a couple of bars and restaurants along the strand, watching as cars drove down the busy drag with windows down and radios playing. Couples walked along the sidewalk together, friends met up outside bars for happy hour, and families pushed strollers along.

He shook his head with a smirk.

Sarah would love this type of thing—the atmosphere, the party, the crowd. Too bad the night was for him alone.

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