Page 16 of SEAL's Temptation

“Wait, seriously?”

“Well, it’s considered unprofessional.Obviously, when sailors return from deployment there are plenty of hugs, kisses, and whatnot.”

“Whatnot,” she teased.

He shrugged, his eyes dancing with amusement.“But, if I was sitting here with you in uniform and enjoying the afternoon, I’d have to keep my hands to myself.And where’s the fun in that?”he asked.

“Thank goodness you changed then,” she said.

“Damn straight,” he agreed, but she didn’t miss the heated look her gave her.His eyes briefly ran over the sundress she had on, and she swore that she could feel his gaze almost like a caress.She’d taken her time to get ready today, wanting to look good for their date.They planned to walk around and sightsee a little bit in Waikiki, then have dinner at Ryan’s place.She was excited to see his home for the first time.He’d sworn he wasn’t much of a cook but was planning to grill them steaks for dinner.

Avery was thrilled.It had been harder and harder to contain her feelings each time she saw him, and to know they were on the same page?Life couldn’t get any sweeter.

Things had been getting more and more heated between them over the past few days, too.They’d spent all weekend together, ending up in Avery’s hotel room watching a movie together Sunday evening.Ryan hadn’t stayed over, and they’d kept their hands to themselves.Mostly.

She could tell he was trying to be respectful.It’s not like they could watch TV in her living room given all she had in the small hotel room was a dresser and bed.He’d offered to bring her back to his place, but since they’d been out sightseeing on Sunday afternoon and her hotel was closer, it just made sense.He’d have to drive her back anyway.She hadn’t felt uncomfortable with him there.Far from it.Avery had snuggled up beside him, and Ryan had seemed content to wrap his arm around her shoulders and sneak in a few kisses.

Avery knew if she’d so much as given him the signal, he’d have pounced.They were attracted to one another, but she wasn’t about to rush things.He’d promised they’d take things at her pace, and clearly, Ryan was a man of his word.

Her mind whirled, recalling all the time they’d spent together these past few months.It was never enough, given she always had to fly home, but hearing his deep, sexy voice in her ear most nights gave her an absolute thrill.The distance had posed a problem—until it hadn’t.Everything had changed between them.Even today, the afternoon felt ripe with possibilities.She’d be leaving soon, and this was probably the last afternoon they’d have some quiet time alone together.The team had training during the week, so she’d see Ryan in the evenings, but after that?

Next weekend she’d be gone.

“So, what are you gonna do with your stuff when you move?”he asked after finishing a bite of his shave ice.“You’ve got an apartment, right?”

“Yep, but I was able to break the lease.I’m putting everything in storage.I’ll bring what I need to Panama, but let’s be real—it won’t be much.I’ll have a roommate, most likely, and I won’t get to see exactly how small the space is until I’m there.”

Ryan looked concerned.“I’ll worry about you, Av.”

“I know,” she said, reaching over and taking his hand.His thick fingers immediately wove between hers, and her body heated.They’d been friendly for so long, it felt incredible to actually be able to reach out and touch him.Kiss him.Giddy excitement coursed through her.

Ryan brought their joined hands up to his mouth, his lips brushing over the back of hers.She shivered, and he flashed her a knowing look.“Imagine if I kissed you like that everywhere.”His voice was low and husky, meant for her alone.

“Maybe I don’t want to just imagine it.”

He let out a groan.“I’m trying to be good.”

She licked her lips, “I know.”Their eyes locked for a beat, and then a laughing child caught their attention, interrupting the moment.They resumed having their frozen treat, Ryan mock-teasing her for making him look like a tourist by eating shave ice near the crowded beach.

“I am a tourist,” she protested.

“Yep.But I’m already looking forward to your being here permanently.”He was quiet for a second, and Avery searched his face.

“You still think I’m making a mistake.”

Ryan cleared his throat.“I’d never tell you what to do Av, but yeah.It’s dangerous as hell there.You might not get good cell reception, so we probably won’t be able to talk very often.I won’t be able to check on you how I’d want.They’ll be times when I’m unavailable, too.We get the word, and I have to go wheels up.No choice in the matter.”

She nodded, swallowing back her worry.

“If anything happened—” His voice cut off, and he jabbed his spoon into his cold treat.

“I’m excited for this job, Ry,” she said softly.

He looked over at her again, his gaze softening.“I know, and I know you’ll do great things there.Doesn’t mean I won’t worry though.Promise me that you’ll be careful and not take any unnecessary risks.”

“Of course.I know I’m not a trained Navy SEAL.”

“I’m not invincible either, Av.”

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