Page 32 of SEAL's Angel
Chapter 8
While Rafe and Jake went through the garage to look for the camping supplies, Dawn sat at the kitchen table and made a list of everything else she could think that they might need for their weekend adventure. As much as she wished it could be a longer trip, it just wasn’t practical. Next week, they all needed to get back on track. The kids had school, and she needed to get back to work. But seeing how excited they were about this trip made her heart ache.
For the last two years, she’d basically stoppedliving.Instead, she’d just been existing, forcing her little family to do the same. She’d kept up with their extra-curricular activities, like Chase’s basketball and Cindy’s dancing, but the little everyday fun they’d had disappeared. Dawn couldn’t remember the last time they’d had a Sunday morning pillow fight or family game night. It had been too painful knowing Bob’s seat would always be empty. As horrible as it had been with Chase missing, it had lifted the veil from her eyes.
Dawn hadn’t expected her heart to flip over when Jake climbed out of the Jeep. For months, she’d tried to ignore her growing feelings for the sexy Navy SEAL. So when she had set eyes on him, the wave of longing was a surprise. Rather than embarrass herself by throwing herself into his arms, she’d focused on Rafe and Cindy. She had loved Bob with all her heart; they’d been childhood sweethearts.
She had been visiting Rafe in Virginia last year when Jake kissed her that first time, and it changed everything. They’d been sitting in Rafe’s backyard at a BBQ he’d had for the team. Somehow, they’d ended up alone. She’d known a second before he kissed her; she’d seen it in his gaze. She’d equally wanted and dreaded that kiss. But when Jake had touched her, it had sent sizzles of desire along her nerve endings, and heat pooled in her belly.
Neither of them had spoken about it afterward, but it had changed their friendship. Even though she was adamant about not getting involved romantically, their friendship had blossomed. But when he’d started asking about coming to visit, she’d panicked. If that first kiss hadn’t been a fluke, she didn’t know how she’d be able to resist him.
They’d lost themselves in each other earlier, and she’d completely forgotten where she was or what she was doing. As his muscled arms flexed under her hands, she’d melted, and when his lips possessed hers, she had to remember to breathe. He’d smelled like pine and tasted like coffee. As their tongues tangled and she pressed herself against his hard body, she’d felt his erection against her belly.
Thank God it had been Rafe that walked in on them and not one of the kids. But now, she couldn’t put off the decision much longer. She’d either have to take the chance and see where a relationship with Jake could go or put a stop to it now. But could she push him away when just thinking about his arms around her and his tongue sweeping against hers made her panties wet?
The main obstacle—his job—hadn’t changed. What if she let herself fall in love with him, and he didn’t come home from a mission? She couldn’t put herself or the kids through that again. It just wasn’t fair to them, and she’d never ask him to give up his job for her. Rafe had explained years ago that becoming a Navy SEAL wasn’t a career; it was a calling.
“Did you think of anything else we need to pick up while we’re out?” Rafe walked into the kitchen with Jake.
Just an inch or so taller than Rafe, Jake was solid muscle. She knew it from when he’d held her against his chest. There wasn’t a soft spot on him. Butterflies flitted around her stomach. He pulled out the chair next to her, and his T-shirt stretched across his chest, accentuating every ripped inch of him.Look away, girl. Just look away.
Swallowing the drool that pooled in her mouth, Dawn handed Rafe the updated list. “Just a few things—food and the crutches. I checked, and they have a pair that will work for him at the medical supply store. You’ll pass it on your way to Walmart.”
“Great. We’ll get going then. If you think of anything else, call or text.”
Dawn got up. “Wait a minute. I need to give you my debit card.”
“Nope, we’ve got this. See you in about an hour.” Rafe turned and went into the living room.
When Jake didn’t get up to follow her brother, Dawn turned toward him, wondering what was going on.
The corner of his mouth twitched as he met her gaze, then he smiled, and her heart pounded in her chest. When he smiled, his chiseled features softened, and that damn dimple appeared in his cheek.
Jake stood when he had her full attention, tilted her chin up with his fingers, and leaned in for a kiss. It was barely more than a peck, but as soon as his warm lips touched hers, goosebumps popped up on her arms. When it came to setting her on fire, he definitely had the secret sauce.
“See you later, angel.” Then he turned and followed Rafe.Damn.
Dawn checked on the kids and grabbed a quick shower. But it didn’t do anything to cool her libido. It was like her body was telling her mind to get with the program.
After she finished getting ready, she helped the kids pack their backpacks and made sure they packed their thermals. The days were still nice, but the nights were getting colder, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for the temperatures to drop below freezing.
As she went through her drawers, pulling out what she’d need to bring, she grinned and got giddy with excitement. It had been too long since she’d done something just for fun, and she loved camping. Her parents had taken her and Rafe camping all the time. Then she’d continued to go with her family.
Double-checking that she had everything she’d need; she went back to the closet and grabbed her Red Wings. With Chase’s injured foot, they might not hike, but she’d be ready if they did.
By the time the guys returned with the supplies, Dawn had everyone packed and ready and had taken care of her list of phone calls except Anne Barlow. She wasn’t ready to talk to Joey’s mom yet. The Barlows had stuck with her after Bob passed, and few of their friends had. She didn’t want to throw that friendship away because their children had a disagreement. Like Rafe said, it was kids being kids.
One call Dawn had made was to reserve their favorite campsite at Bristlecone State Park. When she found out it was available, it seemed like fate. While Jake and Rafe packed the Jeep, she fed the kids lunch and packed some sandwiches for later.
Finally, they were all in the car. Rafe sat in the back with Chase and Cindy. Jake drove while Dawn acted as navigator. It didn’t take long to reach Bristlecone State Park, which was one reason they loved camping there. If storms rolled in, they could pack up and be home in less than an hour.
Rafe entertained the kids with stories about his fiancé, Meghan, and Halo, the Black Eagle team’s K-9, and they hardly uttered a peep for the entire drive.
“This is going to be fun,” Dawn said.
She actually felt bubbly with happiness, and the constant tension pushing down on her had evaporated as soon as she’d climbed into the Jeep. Jake grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. She slid her fingers through his and squeezed back. He shot her a smile that made even more bubbles fill her with joy.
“I think so, too,” Jake said, “I can’t remember the last time I went camping. Although, I guess you could say when we’re on some of our missions, it’s similar. But it’s nowhere near as much fun.”
