Page 7 of SEAL's Temptation

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HALF AN HOUR LATER, they were seated side-by-side, their thighs touching.Avery practically shivered in delight each time Ryan shifted.His muscular legs were covered with coarse, springy hair, and whenever his leg brushed against her own smooth skin, she swore she felt a jolt in her core.

Ryan was masculine.Virile.And while they hadn’t kissed again, instead simply enjoying breakfast and each other’s company, he kept finding little ways to touch her, each and every one making her heart flutter.He’d brought everything they needed, right down to plastic knives to spread the cream cheese on their bagels.The man was certainly prepared.And when he’d realized the plastic knifes weren’t great for slicing bagels, he’d whipped out a real knife.

Her brother carried something similar.A K-Bar knife, if she recalled.She probably should bring something along those lines with her to Panama.Then again, a knife would do little to stop armed cartel members or other criminals.

Another wave of uneasiness washed over her.

She was just excited, she rationalized.Anxious about her next adventure.There was a lot to pack and organize before she flew there and joined her new colleagues.

She could see herself here with Ryan though—moving to the island, finding a nursing position in Honolulu.Making a life with him.

Avery was getting way, way ahead of herself.She needed to rein it in and focus on her week’s adventure.Finalize her plans for South America.She’d been waiting on this opportunity and would be a fool to give it up now.

She finished her last bite of bagel, flashing him a smile.His big hand landed on her bare thigh, and he gave it a gentle squeeze.“So, was breakfast a good surprise?”he asked.

“It was the perfect surprise,” she admitted.

Ryan licked his lips, smiling at her.“It was good, but I don’t know.That kiss might’ve topped breakfast.”

She felt her face warming.“Yes, but that was spontaneous.You planned the rest of this morning.”

His eyes danced with amusement, light reflecting in his light green irises.“How do you know I didn’t plan to kiss you?”His voice was low and husky.“Maybe I’ve been waiting to make a move for weeks.”

“You do look rather guilty,” she teased.

His low huff of laughter was his only reply before he leaned in for another slow, thorough kiss.Ryan’s mouth was soft and warm, and he kissed her like he meant it.This was no little peck from a man who was unsure.Ryan went for what he wanted, and she loved that about him.His big hand shifted, and her body alighted under his touch.His thumb caressed the nape of her neck, his strokes gentle.Finally, she pulled back.There were more and more people arriving now, and she didn’t want to be the center of attention.

He playfully tweaked her baseball cap as he noticed her blushing.“You’re cute as hell when you blush for me, Av.”

“Ryan,” she pleaded.

He chuckled.“I’m not trying to embarrass you, but it does make me wonder where else that pretty flush is.”She pressed her lips together, and his mouth brushed against her cheek.Her ear.“I can’t wait to find out someday,” he said huskily.

She grabbed onto his muscled forearm, clinging to him.“Someday.”

He licked his lips, his gaze landing on her hands.“I’d never rush you into anything, Av.You call the shots.”

“Okay.”But her voice was soft.Breathless.Something about Ryan made her insides turn to mush.Nerves skittered through her, and his big hand landed atop hers, soothing.

He cleared his throat.“I know you just got into town, but will you have dinner with me tonight?Usually, we do stuff with the group, which is cool, but I’d love to spend some time alone.”

Her face fell.“I’d love to, but I’ve actually got plans with Aaron.You could come, too?”she asked hopefully.

“Is it just Aaron, or will Emersyn be there?”

“Oh, she’ll be there, too,” Avery said with a laugh.“It’s not just a brother/sister bonding night or anything.”

“All right,” he agreed.“I’ll share you if I have to.”He flashed her a look, his gaze hot, and she felt like she’d been zapped.“But Aaron will be pissed when I show up.”

Now it was her turn to laugh.“He will be, but it’s not the first time that’s happened.He’ll also be mad when he learns I’m heading to South America for a year.Your appearance will be minor in comparison.”

Ryan raised his eyebrows.“Aaron doesn’t know yet?”

Her eyes darted back to him.“No.He knew I was interested in a position with Doctors Without Borders and was already against that in general.He worries enough when I volunteer with them.”

“It’s dangerous, Av.And look, I’m not trying to be a dick about it, just pointing out the facts.”

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