Page 29 of SEAL's Sunshine
“Not as often, but I had one last night at Meghan’s.”
“I know, she told me earlier. She’s worried about you. So am I.”
“They were getting better…”
“Why don’t you want to see someone?”
“I don’t know. I told myself I didn’t want to dredge up all the memories. Talking about them makes it all fresh. But it seems like a stupid excuse. I think I’m just scared.”
“I think it’s something else. Something you’re trying not to remember. You braved so much while they had you captive and survived.”
Was he right? Was there something else she’d blocked from her time in captivity that she was afraid to remember? That made more sense than any other explanation, but it also scared the crap out of her. Everything she remembered was horrible, did she want to remember something that was even worse.
“Maybe that’s it. But if that’s the reason, I’m not sure I want to remember.”
“But if you can work through that, maybe the nightmares will stop.” He had a point, but she needed to not think about it anymore, at least not right then.
“I’ll think about it, but not right now. Okay?”
“I’m not trying to push you, Sunshine. I just want you to not be afraid anymore.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry I woke you.”
“It’s an occupational hazard. Can I get you anything? Some cold water?”
“That would be great. I’m going to splash some cool water on my face.” He kissed her before he let her go, and a little more of the terror evaporated.
Cam had a fresh bottle of water waiting for her when she returned, and he’d put the stereo on with some Paganini. That he’d remembered it was one of her favorite pieces surprised her.
“Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome so much. Do you think you can go back to sleep or do you want to get up?”
“I think I’ll be able to get back to sleep in a little bit. We can lie here and talk.”
They settled into the bed and that’s when she remembered she’d fallen asleep during the movie. He must have brought her in and put her to bed. After another swallow, she tucked herself against his side and listened to his heartbeat.
“What would you like to do tomorrow?”
“I don’t care as long as I’m with you. But it might be fun to go to the beach.”
“Beach it is. Did you bring a bathing suit, or do we need to go shopping first?”
“Oh, I’m not going into the water, besides I don’t want to show my legs with all the scars.”
“I thought we talked about this.”
“Yeah but kids go to the beach, I don’t want to scare them.”
‘Dammit, Miranda.” Cam sighed and she felt bad. She didn’t want to make a big deal about this, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe she did need to go to counseling.
“I’m sorry. Maybe the beach wasn’t a good idea.”
“Sure it was. And we’ll go, and you can dress any way you want to. But hopefully one of these days you’ll realize you don’t have to hide from the world.”
“Thank you.” She leaned up to kiss him, just a quick one on the lips, but when they touched the flames of passion she’d been keeping pushed down flared to life. He took control and rolled her onto her back. Balancing over her, as he lowered his head to take her lips again, she saw the sparkle of his eyes even in the dim light of the room.
Cam’s tongue darted into her mouth, then sucked on her tongue, and the kiss grew more intense as he leaned against her and his hard-on made it clear that he wanted her.
