Page 10 of SEAL's Spitfire
“Either, both, just something. This waiting is driving me fucking bonkers.”
“I have a question for you. I know we just met tonight, but would you consider giving me your cell number? I’d really like to keep in touch. And see you when I can get up to DC.”
When he said he had a question, asking for her number was the last thing she’d expected. Why that would be a surprise after the way the rest of the day was going, she had no idea. For the last two hours, she’d talked about Charlie and nibbled on her thumbnail until her finger was sore.
“You want my number?” Isn’t that what he just asked? If he was trying to distract her, he was doing a great job. “Sure, I guess so. I mean why not? Realistically I’ll probably never hear from you again.”
“I wouldn’t say that, but you won’t know until you give me a chance.”
“Okay, it’s two oh two, five five five, five four five three.”
“Thank you, Meghan. Would you like mine?” Well duh. Not that she’d ever call him. But still, he was the sexiest man she’d ever seen, considerate, funny, everything she’d dreamed of for a forever. But the timing sucked donkey balls. It was the story of her life.
“Sure.” She took out her phone, opened up the contact screen, and then typed in his name and entered the numbers as he gave them to her. She was proud of herself when she remembered to click on “save” before she closed the screen.
“You can call me anytime. If I don’t answer, I’m on a mission and I’ll call you back as soon as I’m able. I promise.” Yeah, he was as perfect as perfect could get. Mom would love him. But he was pain just waiting to happen. Men in his line of work didn’t settle down and she wasn’t looking for drive-by dates. Why was she thinking about it when she should be trying to figure out how to help Charlie?
“You’re doing fine. I know you’re worried about your brother. Think about it though, you don’t know for sure he is even in trouble. Take a deep breath and try to relax. If the bar was still open, I’d buy you another drink. But instead, you’re stuck with my sparkling conversation.”
Sparkling conversation? Oh yeah, she’d take that for as long as she could get it. After she got to Atlanta, sparkling anything would be the furthest thing from her mind. Rafe was a good distraction, and he was going all in on keeping her mind entertained and off thoughts of Charlie.
He told her about his team, talking about them like they were his family. Considering what was expected of them she could see why. They were probably closer than most real brothers. As she listened to his descriptions of his team, they materialized in front of her. The detail he painted was like seeing a picture that came to life. It was incredible.
“You should write.”
“Letters?”
“No, I mean books.”
“I don’t think so. It’s not me. I like reading but writing? Nope. No patience for that.”
“It’s a shame. I think you’d sell a ton of books.”
“I’d never write about what I do. It’s classified and changing the names or locations isn’t enough for me.”
“I understand. I write. Sort of. It’s my job. I went to school to be a journalist, to travel the world and report. Instead, I’m stuck sitting at a desk. All I get to do is write obituaries and stories about the latest socialite scandal.”
“You could always do your own blog or something. Set up a site and monetize it.”
“It’s not that easy, and I need my salary to pay the bills. I have been doing this for almost five years. My break has to come sometime.”
“It will.”
“What makes you so sure of that?”
“Because they’d be crazy not to give you a chance. I’ve seen how you scope out your surroundings. I bet I could ask you what anyone in this area was wearing and you’d be able to tell me.”
The color crept up her neck. Of course, he’d have noticed that. He’d done the same thing. “I’m not the only one.”
“I didn’t say you were. But it’s a good skill. For writing and it could save your life one day. You never know. But it goes back to covering stories. That will be a huge asset for you when you get your break.”
“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Meghan replied with a sigh. Rafe squeezed her shoulder and she’d forgotten she’d been leaning against him while they’d been talking.
“Chin up, Spitfire. It will happen.” The nickname brought a grin to her face. When she met his eyes, he returned her grin. There was something different in his eyes this time, but before she could analyze it another announcement started.
“Attention passengers for Delta Flight 393. The repairs have been completed and your crew is on their way. We should be departing within the hour.” Before Jan the gate agent finished her announcement, they’d started cheering. The flight would be mostly empty since there were only about ten of the original passengers out of two hundred still waiting.
It was fine with Meghan. If Rafe didn’t sit with her, she’d be happy to stretch out across a row and try to get a little shut-eye. It felt like days since she’d slept.
