Page 17 of SEAL the Deal

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Leonie grabbed her bags from an airport conveyor belt and joined the women waiting at the exit. It was nine in the morning and they’d caught the first flight up from San Diego. As maid of honor she was responsible for the group of six. The bachelorette party consisted of two of Ali’s friends from college, her assistant Naomi, a girl she played tennis with and Ernie’s wife, Maria.

“OK ladies, is everyone ready?”

They let out a resounding cheer and Leonie led them out of the arrivals lounge. She spotted TJ standing alongside a minivan. She waved and he strode over.

She gave his cargo pants, checked shirt and baseball cap a once over. “Look at you, all rugged and outdoorsy.”

He frowned at her bulging bags. “You do know you’re only here for two nights.”

“It’s not all for me. I’ve packed vital party supplies.”

He let out a grunt as he lifted the bags. “Lead pipes?” Lowering them into the trunk he slammed it shut. “We’ve got a little over an hours drive. There’s a liquor store on the way. Is there anything else you ladies need before we reach the resort?”

Leonie glanced around the group. Everyone looked to her expectantly. “Sounds good.”

The girls clambered aboard and soon they were on the highway heading south.

“So how come Mrs. Chief wasn’t available for this little foray?” asked Leonie from the passenger seat.

“Emily was keen, but she’s away on a business trip.”

“Ah, that sucks. What line of work is she in?”

“She’s a food critic.”

“Get out of town.”

TJ laughed. “What, too civilized for a sailor?”

“No, just not what I expected.”

“I was a chef before I joined up.”

“Do you clean as well?”

“Huh, I guess so. Why?”

“It’s the ultimate package. Cooks, kills and cleans. You’re Casey goddamn Ryback.” Leonie reached into her handbag and removed a hip flask. “OK ladies, let’s get this party started.”

The van filled with laughter and TJ shook his head. He pressed the accelerator a little harder. The sooner he got to McCredie the sooner he could offload the six women.

ChapterSix

Mike tipped his head and cracked his neck before adjusting his stance and grip on a golf club. He drew back the five iron and drove through the ball.

“Oh yeah,” he murmured as it sailed down the fairway and bounced toward the green. “You see that?” He turned to where Axe was lying on the grass chewing a bone. “Nailed it.” The dog paid him no attention. “Yeah, I thought as much.”

He returned the club to his bag and grabbed the handle. “OK, buddy. Let’s roll.”

Axe picked up his bone and trotted down the fairway alongside him. Mike checked his watch and smiled. He had enough time for a few more holes before meeting Ali at the villa. His thoughts turned to the wedding and how simple Ali was making the whole process. He had literally been to a coffee date, the engagement dinner and a suit fitting. In fact, everyone including his SEAL squad were being super helpful. Hell, he was getting married next week and here he was strolling along a fairway at a five-star resort with his best friend; life was good.

He reached his ball, selected a pitching wedge and lined up. The green was beyond a small rise. He could barely see the top of the flag. Chipping high he watched with satisfaction as the shot sailed toward the pin.

Axe chewed his bone as Mike scanned the green for the ball. There was no sign of it. Hoping for a birdie, he checked the hole; no ball. “You’re kidding me,” he mumbled, searching the grass at the edge of the green. He made his way into the undergrowth. Axe joined him as he poked in the pine needles.

The dog gave a bark and disappeared into the bushes with his tail wagging. “You found it?” he asked, following.

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