Page 6 of SEAL Summer Escape

Again.

Mason clenched his jaw, reaching for his cell phone.

Chapter 2

TAYLOR REYNOLDS FROWNEDas she scanned her small apartment, the evening sunlight coming in through the slatted blinds on her balcony door.A burst of salty ocean air blew into the living room, and she crossed the room, pulling the window beside it shut.

The click of the lock felt like it sealed her fate.

She was stuck inside here for the night.Figuratively at least.

Her stack of books and empty mug were in their regular spot on the coffee table, her camera right beside them.Her jacket and purse tossed onto the arm chair, ready for her to grab before heading into work.

And her ex-boyfriend lay sprawled across her sofa, passed out in another drunken stupor.

Her gaze narrowed.His large frame took up all three sofa cushions, and although at one time she’d been attracted to his muscular, athletic build, now it just intimidated her.

Eric had been showing up more and more lately, and she was starting to feel jittery any time someone knocked on her door, fearful that it was him.Afraid that he’d come by and refuse to leave.Refuse to letherleave.

She couldn’t go into work late and just leave him there in her apartment—he’d be furious if he woke up and she was gone.

Not that she should have answered the door in the first place.

But if she sent him away, drunk, who knows what would happen.She hoped to God he hadn’t driven over here, but she couldn’t exactly send him on his way knowing that he’d be on the road with other drivers.Knowing that he could hurt—kill—someone else.Someone innocent.

She stiffened, inhaling sharply as memories washed over her.Of a drunk driver crashing into her sister’s old Toyota Camry.Of rushing to the hospital to wait with her parents, hoping and praying for a miracle before they finally had to take her off life support.

As much as she detested Eric’s behavior, she couldn’t in good conscience just send him on his way.She hadn’t wanted to let him in, but she knew he’d be furious if she left.It was easier just to call out from work and wait for him to wake up sober.Again.

She’d remind him that they broke up and send him on his way, hoping he finally got it.

Panic rocketed through her as she heard someone in the hallway, and she realized she’d forgotten to text her best friend to cancel her ride.Hurrying toward her front door, she quietly edged it open.She couldn’t exactly play sick since she was dressed and ready to go—makeup on, hair neatly pulled back into a ponytail, Anchors tee shirt worn over her jeans.

Bailey frowned as she saw the expression on Taylor’s face.“What’s wrong?”she immediately asked.“Are you okay?”

“I’m so sorry,” Taylor gushed, “but I forgot to text you.I’m not going into work tonight after all.”

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