Page 41 of SEAL's Sunshine
“Yeah, I figured we might as well stay with the theme. So tonight’s feature is Winter Soldier.”
“Have you seen it already?”
“Yes, I have, I liked it too. But this way you won’t have to feel bad if I fall asleep again. Although, I think I’ll be okay today.”
“I did have you up most of the night.” Her blush never failed to make him smile. The rose color spread across her cheekbones and tinged her whole face until she looked like one of the old fashioned china dolls his sister had when she was a kid.
“That’s true. But I’m not complaining.”
“I’m happy to hear that. There is something I have to talk to you about before we start the movie.”
“Okay…” She was stressed and this time it was entirely his fault.
“I’m sorry if I’ve been cranky, none of it has to do with you. Like I said downstairs, you are my Sunshine, just like the song says.”
“Meghan told me you called me that, but until this visit, I never heard you say it.”
“Because we were at your parent’s house and it didn’t seem right. But after this visit, I doubt I’ll be able to hold back next time.”
He handed her a wine glass and took a sip of his. Then leaned back against the sofa and pulled her against his side. Cam needed to touch her, to gauge her reaction, her fear when he told her.
“So what’s going on, Cam. Like I said before, just rip that Band-Aid off and be done with it.”
“Do you remember the man who kept you hostage?”
“Yes,” her voice quivered. “I’ll never forget. I can see his face as clearly as I see yours.”
He hated dredging this up, but they didn’t have any other option. “Well even though we killed him we weren’t able to capture his brother. He’s still out there and he wants revenge.”
“Oh my God. Does he blame me? Is he coming for me?”
“No, baby. Not you, he wants the team, and somehow he found out who we are. We think that’s who was shooting at us yesterday.”
All the color drained out of Miranda’s face and the hand that held the wine glass shook so violently he thought she’d either break the stem or dump it all over. Gently, he took and put both glasses on the table. Then he pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
“Miranda, look at me.” She turned her head and met his eyes. She was still pale as a ghost. “Baby, you are safe. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I told you because you’re here with me. I need you to be vigilant, always aware of your surroundings. If something seems wrong, tell me.”
Hoping to quiet her shaking, he rested his lips against her forehead and whispered over and over again that it would be okay. When he didn’t get a response, he was worried maybe he needed to call Meghan or her mom, but then she relaxed against him.
“Are you okay, baby?”
“As much as I can be. But you’ll keep me safe, right?” And he would. She was his life, and no one was going to take her from him.
“Always, Sunshine. Always.”
What she did next managed to surprise him again. She reached for the wine glass, took a large swallow and then turned to him with a big smile on her face. “So how about that movie now. Unless there’s more we need to talk about?”
“No, that’s everything.”
“Good. I think we both deserve some downtime. You start the movie and I’ll grab more of that popcorn you bought yesterday.” Then she hopped off his lap and headed for the kitchen.
Halo looked just as surprised with the sudden change in mood. Either she was excellent at compartmentalizing or she was in the other room losing it. He’d bet it was the later. But since she wanted privacy, as much as it killed him to do it, he stayed in the living room. Put the movie in and got it set up for when she returned.
If he hadn’t looked closely he wouldn’t have been able to tell she’d been crying, when she came in with the popcorn. But he didn’t say anything, just clicked play and lifted his arm for her to settle against him.
Her breathing calmed as she leaned against him and he hoped she’d be able to relax and enjoy the movie. If not, he had another way to make sure she’d be relaxed and happy and entirely worn out afterward. In fact, he’d prefer that option to the movie anyway.
Chapter 13
