Page 25 of Hot SEAL, Under Pressure

The pivot in his personality was disconcerting. She wasn’t quite sure what to do with this change in him, or his offer.

The last person she wanted help from was him. But he was also probably the most qualified to give it to her.

Stefan’s assistance would save her from having to bother Alicia and Brian for help, or having to impose even more on Nick or Zach, who’d had to be coerced by their wives into agreeing to do the show in the first place.

As she weighed the pros and the cons of accepting the cocky SEALs help he waited quietly, displaying uncharacteristic patience.

Finally, she let out a breath. “Okay. Thank you. If you could make a list of trainings you think could convert well into challenges for the show—and maybe a brief description of them—I’d appreciate it.”

She dug into her bag, pulled out a slightly battered business card from the side pocket and handed it to him.

“My email address and my cell number are both on there.”

He took it and grinned. “Okay. You got it.”

She frowned, wondering why he looked so happy when what she’d just done was give him what equated to a homework assignment. Something she’d assumed he’d balk about.

Instead, he looked happy as a clam as he said, “I’ll get this list to you tonight.”

“Uh, okay. That’d be great. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Another grin and tip of his head and he ran off. Legitranat like top speed in the opposite direction.

She shook her head at his burst of energy and unexplained glee. But she couldn’t deal with his strange behavior now. She had a show to plan and not nearly enough time to do it.

As she dug out her car key, she realized this situation called for a take-out order of tacos. A big one.

She wasn’t kidding when she’d told him it was going to be an all-nighter. And she’d think far better if she was well fed for it.

ChapterTen

“Hey, sis.”

“Two calls in one week. What’s wrong?” Irina asked.

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Are you going away on a big op?” she asked. “Youarebeing sent to Ukraine, aren’t you?”

“For the last time, no.” And even if he were, he couldn’t tell her. “I have a question.”

“Okay. Mom hasn’t told me what she wants for Mother’s Day, if that’s it.”

“No, but yeah, keep me informed of that if she mentions anything. I uh, wanted to ask what you know about New Millennia Media?” He glanced down at the small white card between his fingers.

“That’s easy. Nothing. Who are they?”

That’s what he was hoping she could answer. But he’d done a bit of recon already himself.

“They produce a bunch of reality shows.” He glanced at the computer on the desk in his room. “Hot House. Trash to Treasure. Cold Feet—”

“Oh my God. I love all those shows. They’re my absolute favorite!” she squealed.

He pulled the cell farther from his ear to save what little hearing he had left after years of being exposed to explosions and weapons fire.

“I thoughtLove Islandwas your favorite.” Which was why he’d been subjected to it for most of his visit home last time.

“It was, untilCold Feet. All of my friends and I got totally addicted to that show. When that hot security guard Nick caught Katia when she fainted—oh my God. I was a goner. And don’t get me started on theTrash to Treasure Weddingshow and Zach. His and Gabby’s wedding was ahh-mazing.” She practically sang the last word, as if he hadn’t already figured out she was over the moon about these stupid shows.

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