Page 53 of Luck Be Mine
She looked him over, blue eyes flirting, and eased out of the car. “Hi, gorgeous. Did the Navy demote you? You make a hot valet.”
Hunt snorted. “Anything for you, honey.”
She stretched to kiss him. He leaned to meet her halfway. Not one for public displays of affection, he shoved aside restraint and kissed her with attention to the softness of her lips and the warmth of her body against his.
She sighed and pulled back. “That’ll hold me for now.” She patted his uniform, smoothing the fabric where she’d gripped his shirt.
Dressed in a navy skirt, royal blue blouse, and navy flats with makeup and hair done, she was recovered and confident. Hunt sucked in a breath. “You look damn beautiful, honey.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant Commander.” She flashed him a smile and grabbed her navy purse from the seat.
“How was your interview at UCSD?” He kept a hand on her arm, but she straightened with no problems.
Eyes shiny, she launched into an account. “It went well. Dr. Gray took me on a tour and explained their procedures. I watched part of a surgery. Most excellent. Some things to work on, but that’s to be expected. I’ve been out a year. How did you beat me home?”
“I avoided Commander Gregg and snuck out the back way.” He put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell.”
She zipped her fingers across her lip and hit a button on her fob.
He shut the door, checked the handle to be sure it was locked, and followed her. Taking her hand, they walked through the warm December afternoon. Kid noises from the apartmentpool, the scent of the red flowers on the walk to their apartment, the traffic sounds from the street beyond – all muted because Cait had his full attention. He hadn’t seen her so animated in months.
He got to the door first and twisted the knob. “Doogie’s here cooking.”
“Great. I don’t feel like it. What’s he making?”
“Didn’t ask. Figured you wouldn’t care.”
“Too true.” She brushed against him and entered first.
“Surprise!” The team with families had invaded safe harbor, bringing signs, balloons, food and party intentions.
Grinning, Hunt watched Cait – frozen in the doorway, hand over her mouth. He hadn’t forgotten the day, but he’d been aware Cait wanted to pass it by. The team remembered the bad and deployed their usual tactic to layer on some good.
“Happy glad you’re not dead day!” Carter blew a party horn and tossed silver confetti at Cait.
The rest of the guests shouted their welcome. Party blowers went off in a rush of celebration followed by blue streamers let loose over the furniture. Red and white balloons with an odd green one covered the ceiling and floor. Over the red sofa, a colorful sign splashed “Glad You’re Not Dead Day” across the living room wall.
Cait turned to Hunt with a frantic, teary gaze. “Did you know?”
“No, but I should have figured it out. I saw Senior Chief’s Suburban and wondered.” He pushed her a few more steps in. Mateo’s wife, Rachel, pulled her into a hug, and he shut the door. He pointed a finger at Doogie who stood in the kitchen grinning like a fool. “Your dinner briefing was lacking a few details.”
His friend laughed like the pirate he was. “I’m glad we pulled it off.”
A cake with chocolate frosting and red and white sprinkles was the centerpiece on the kitchen island. An Army soldier topper stood in a mass of frosting waving a U.S. flag. Across the table space was too much food: potato salad, baked beans, bowls of chips, salsa, a cheese dip with crackers, and a crockpot with what smelled like barbecued chicken. Drinks in a cooler were near the fridge.
Cait shrugged out of her jacket and Melanie Thompson, Tommy’s wife, took it from her and smoothed out the fabric. She hugged her tight. Hunt was close enough to hear what she said. “Glad you’re here. Tommy’s a different person since this team and you.”
Cait hugged her back. “He’ll get there. Stay patient.” Mel raised a brow, but Cait mimed a zipper across her mouth and moved on. Hunt stayed back and let the team and families have their say. She kicked off her shoes and moved through the small living room, hugging kids, spouses, and team members alike.
K-Rock and his husband handed her an envelope. “What’s this?”
Grayson grinned. “Here’s a little something to get you away from the mayhem this team causes everywhere they go. Baxter and Doogie’s moms helped with the gift.”
Cait struggled against the tears again. “Thank you so much.”
A knock on the door interrupted Hunt’s move to Cait. Everyone was here. He made his way through balloons and kids and opened the door.
Quaid, Mackey, and Harrison Scott stood on the stoop. “Can we join?”
