Page 72 of Hot SEAL, Under Pressure

She was going to grill him again about where he was and what he was doing. And this time, unlike last time when he’d been lying to her because he wasn’t ready to reveal he was on an island filming a shitty reality show, she’d be right. He was heading into danger. There was always a chance he wouldn’t return.

“Nothing’s happening,” he lied. “I’m just going to be busy so I wanted to say hi to Mom and Dad in case I miss Sunday’s call.”

She was uncharacteristically silent.

“Are they home?” he prompted.

He heard her draw in a shaky breath. “You’re going somewhere bad.”

“No.” Damn. He hated lying. He hated worrying her worse. “Look. I’m going to tell you something and you can’t freak out.”

“Oh, my God.” There were tears in her words.

“I’ve been cast for a reality show. By the same people who make all those dumb shows you love. The trash and wedding ones.”

“Oh, my God!” This time her exclamation was more squeal, filled with excitement rather than fear.

Good. That’s how he wanted to picture his sister when he left.

“What’s the show? What are you doing? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Okay, slow your roll, sis. First, I signed an NDA so I’m not supposed to say anything at all. I’m only telling you because I don’t want you to worry if I don’t call.”

“Because they take the contestants’ cell phones. I know. I read that.”

“Yup. That’s what they do.”

“When will it air?”

“I’m not exactly sure. I think one of the producers said pretty soon.”

“This is amazing!”

“Yup. Amazing,” he repeated with less enthusiasm. “So, Mom and Dad?”

“At the butcher.”

“Again? They were just there.”

“It’s bulk meat sale day.”

Jesus. When he retired, he hoped to have more hobbies than just shopping for food. He ran his hand over his face. “Any chance one or both of them took their cell phones?”

“Hang on. I’ll look.” There was a rustling as she moved. “Nope. Both here plugged into the wall in the kitchen.”

He shook his head at his tech adverse parents. “I bought them phones to take with them in case the car breaks down or something.”

“Dad’s new car has that On Star thing so the car can call for help.”

“Fine.” He breathed in and regrouped. “Please tell them I love them. And I will call as soon as I’m able. And not to worry if it’s a couple of weeks. Okay?”

“Okay! Do good, brother. I’ll be rooting for you. I’m going to go search the internet now and see if I can find anything about a new show.”

“You do that.” He shook his head. “I love you.”

“Love you too, bro.”

He disconnected and headed inside to grab a few things before he headed to the cages to join his team and get his gear together. Next stop—he wished he knew exactly. But he’d soon find out.

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