Page 22 of Hot SEAL, Under Pressure

Stefan didn’t have to wait long before his commander said, “I have a special assignment for you.”

His ears perked up. Although thisassignmentcouldn’t be anything good. Command would never allow a civilian to be present for the discussion of an actual op.

“Sir?” Stefan prompted, staunchly ignoring the female and focusing solely on the officer seated opposite him.

“I’ll let Miss Laurens explain.”

Crap. Fighting a scowl, Stefan swiveled just his head to glance at her.

“I work for New Millennia Media.”

“I know,” he said flatly. That fact had been in the papers they’d shoved in front of his face on the course.

“We’re producing a show. Eight two-man teams each comprised of one SEAL and one civilian will compete against each other.”

“I know that too.” It was what she’d told him as her reason for being on the course and in his way in the first place.

He even remembered being impressed with her college basketball bracket analogy as to why seven teams wouldn’t work and she needed eight.

That was before she’d freaked out that he wouldn’t sign her form and had turned into a lunatic, stomping her feet and lecturing him in front of everyone within earshot.

With an expression that looked as if she’d tasted something bitter, she said, “We want you to be the SEAL for the eighth team.”

That part was new.

“Why?” he asked.

“The competition is comprised of a series of challenges based on your SEAL training, that includes the obstacle course.” Her gaze skipped away from his. In fact, she refused to meet his eyes when she said, “You were the fastest one on the obstacle course.”

She was lying. Or at least holding something back.

“And? What else?”

Her gaze skittered to him briefly. “What do you mean?”

“Why do you want me?” he elaborated.

He’d asked around a bit after seeing her that morning. Curiosity, nothing more. He’d learned a bit about her and this show and the SEALs she’d assembled on the beach.

“From what I heard, you managed to secure a whole bunch of team guys who are already out,” he continued. “I don’t know much about making reality shows, but I know the Navy. It would be in your best interest to find one more guy who’s already out of the service.”

“The executive producer wants you,” she said.

The way she still looked a bit uncomfortable led him to think maybe she wasn’t on board with this producer’s choice. He could use that.

“You do understand I’m active duty, right? That means if I get called up, I go. No matter what I’m doing at the time. Even your show.”Especiallythe show.

“Actually, we’ve agreed to pull you from the team for the duration of the filming.”

That blow had his head whipping to face the one ally he’d thought he had in this room. “Sir?”

His lieutenant commander nodded. “After speaking with Miss Rossi today about the benefits and recruitment potential this show would present, we decided your time over the next four weeks would be best spent working with Miss Laurens on this project.”

Stefan felt physically sick to his stomach as he asked, “Is that an order, sir?”

The LT lifted one eyebrow. “Does it need to be?”

The indication was clear in the man’s stare and his tone. Stefan was expected to be a team player. To do as told, no questions asked. Orders or no orders.

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