Page 35 of SEAL's Harmony
“Like the police dogs on the news?”
“Very similar, except he’s protecting his teammates,” Ry said proudly.
“Maybe I should get a dog,” Harmony mused. “I’ll have to check my lease and see if they’re allowed.”
A moment later, Whiskey returned, and Ry reached inside, flipped a switch to turn on the lights, and pushed the door open wider to give her room to go inside.
“After you, sweetheart. This is your home for as long as you’d like,” Ry said as she walked into the apartment.
Harmony didn’t respond, just looked around at his bachelor pad. It fit him. The light beige walls almost exactly matched the wall-to-wall carpet. He had a brown leather couch in the living room facing the largest TV she’d ever seen. It hung on the wall, and below it was a table with a video game console.
There was a coffee table in front of the couch. Next to that was a huge floor cushion. Probably Whiskey’s bed. A desk with a laptop and printer was in the far corner of the room, opposite the sliding glass doors onto a balcony.
The apartment was an open floor plan, and an island separated the living room from the kitchen. It had lots of cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. To the right of the kitchen was a long hallway.
“You have a lovely place,” Harmony said. Her apartment was much smaller, but perfect for her, and the first place she’d ever called her own.
“Thank you. I should probably do some decorating, but I’m not here all that much. Want to see your room?”
“Yes, please. I’m sure you want to get some sleep,” Harmony said as she followed him down the hallway with Whiskey on her heels.
“I was hoping we could talk for a bit. Unlessyou’retoo tired?” Ry said as he opened the door to the bedroom that would be hers.
Harmony couldn’t have been more surprised when she followed him into the room. Since it was his spare room, she hadn’t expected more than a bed and maybe a table with a lamp. But there was a queen-sized bed with a rose floral comforter and lots of pillows. The nightstands matched the headboard and the triple dresser. It looked like a fancy hotel room.
“You decorated this room?” Harmony asked.
Ry laughed. “Nope, can’t take credit for this. When my sister came down to visit, she did it. It was easier to let her than argue about it. Charli is something else. But I think you’ll really like each other.”
“Her name is Charlie?”
“It’s her nickname, C-H-A-R-L-I. Her real name is Charity. But she can’t stand it. When she started middle school, she told everyone she would only answer to Charli.”
“And your parents didn’t mind?” Harmony couldn’t even fathom getting away with that.
“Nope. My father hates it too, but it’s a family name on my mom’s side. Mine is too. But it’s not as bad as hers.” Ry chuckled.
The deep rumble in his chest warmed her insides and raised goosebumps on her arms. “I like your name. I’ve never heard it before, but it suits you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. The bathroom is the next door over. My room is at the end of the hall. There’s a master bath, so you have this one all to yourself. Get settled and come out to the living room when you’re done. I’m going to make some popcorn.”
Ry stepped into the hallway, but Whiskey didn’t budge from her side. “C’mon, buddy. Let’s give Harmony some space.” But the dog still didn’t move, and Harmony giggled.
“It’s okay, he can stay. I don’t mind.”
“If he gets in your way, just kick him out.”
11
Ry grabbed a beer out of the fridge and took a swig as he leaned against the island while he watched the bag of popcorn fill with air and listened for the kernels to pop. It had been a hell of a day, but he’d protected his woman and now she was safe in his apartment, for now. If the note hadn’t been on her door, he doubted she’d have agreed to stay with him. He’d avoided that issue. But now he had to convince her to tell him about her father.
The popping started as his cell buzzed in his pocket. Josh.
“Hey, bro. How’s it going? Any news?” Ry asked.
“Nothing yet. I wanted to check on your status,” Josh replied. It was like they were still on a mission.
“I’m at home. Harmony came with me, and she’s getting settled in the spare room.”
