Page 14 of SEAL's Providence
“I haven’t heard anything.” It was the best he could do. Tempest didn’t report to him, and she didn’t take part in their missions unless her specific skills were required.
“I’m excited. It’s been forever since I’ve had any pampering,” Grace said excitedly.
Lucky yanked on her and pulled her into his lap next to Hope. “I guess I’ll have to do better.”
Grace kissed his cheek. Hope watched her parents and then planted a big, chocolaty kiss on Lucky’s cheek. The collective aww made Tony chuckle.
“I think I need to work you guys harder next week. You’re all getting soft.”
Doc’s jaw dropped. “He… uh, no way. You can’t loop Quinn and me in with these, uh, I don’t even know what to call them.”
“More like you don’t know what to say without dropping an F-bomb,” Grace said.
Lucky smirked. “Yeah, what she said, because then I’d have to kick your behind.”
Providence leaned close to Tempest and asked, “Is it always like this?”
“Pretty much, but it shouldn’t surprise you. Not after so many years at sea on a floating manopolooza.”
Tony snorted. “What did you just call a naval destroyer?”
“Um, nothing. You weren’t supposed to hear.” Tempest grinned.
“I’m sitting right here. You act like I’m one step from the grave.” It was his turn to stop himself fromcursing. Having a little one around definitely curbed their use of profanity.
Grace snickered. “If the shoe fits…”
Harmony giggled and buried her head in Ry’s shoulder. Whiskey even sat up and grinned. They were giving Tony a complex. He looked over at Providence, and their eyes met. Amusement glittered in her gaze. It should have been a warning.
“Mercy. Y’all shouldn’t be so mean to an old man. Stress is hard on his heart, and he could keel over.” Providence’s attempt at seriousness was ruined the instant she winked.
Damn woman. A heart attack. “Really? Et tu, Brute? I suppose I should count myself lucky there’s a doctor in the yard.”
Providence grinned. “Yes, sir, you absolutely should.”
“Indeed. It would seem that’s my cue to get going before my poor ancient heart stops beating.” Tony grabbed his empty beer bottle from the deck and stood. “It’s been fun, but I’ll leave all you young’uns to it.”
Providence placed her hand over his wrist. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
“Not at all. I have some errands to run.” Then he leaned closer and whispered so only she wouldhear. “I’ll text you later to set up dinner this week. I hope you’ll take me up on the offer.”
A hint of pink colored Providence’s cheeks, and she nodded. He really hoped she wouldn’t decide not to give them a chance. There was something about her that drew her to him, and he wouldn’t give up without a fight.
“I’ll see the rest of you yahoos at zero five hundred Monday.” Tony schooled his expression to one of command and tipped his chin.
As he stepped into the house, he heard their groans and chuckled. He was still grinning as he made his way to his car and got his first look at a bright red Alfa Romeo. It hadn’t been in the driveway when he’d arrived. Tony checked out the tiny sports car, taking his time hoping Providence would follow him out to share a more private goodbye. Not that there was any reason for her to do that at this point. They didn’t have a relationship. Yet.
The car gleamed like a ripe cherry in the afternoon sun. He didn’t remember the car at any of the other parties, and he would have. The car was gorgeous. He’d bet money it was Providence’s since this was the first time she’d attended one of the team parties. Tony’s grin grew as he checked out the car she’d kept in pristine condition. There wereso many facets to the sexy woman. He couldn’t wait to reveal all of them. If she let him.
With a sigh and one last look at the front door, he swallowed down his disappointment. They’d just met. There was plenty of time to get to know her, he told himself as he climbed into the Commander and backed out of the driveway. He hadn’t lied. His to-do list had reached critical levels. He could have put it off until the next day, but they would more relax without him there.
It was after six by the time Tony got home. As he finished putting away the groceries, his stomach growled. If he’d been able to keep his mind off his lunch with Providence, he would have remembered to pick up a couple of ready-made meals. She was something else—soft and sexy, but tough as nails. His mother would have called her a badass wrapped in cotton wool. The memory was bittersweet. If his mom was still alive, she would have loved Providence. But he was jumping ahead of himself. They hadn’t even been on one date yet. Hell, she hadn’t technically agreed to a date, just a friendly dinner. He’d have to fix that.
After making a sandwich, he poured a glass of iced tea and carried them into the living room. He rarely ate at the small kitchen table; it reminded him too much of missed family dinners. With a sigh, he grabbed the remote and flipped to a news channel on the monster TV screen.
The turmoil in Eastern Europe grew daily. Tony could just about guarantee the team would deploy by the end of the month. Twenty-five years in the Navy—a lifetime, really. Yet, he couldn’t remember a time when the unrest had been this bad. They were one step away from an implosion. Just thinking about it soured his appetite. Putting the plate on the coffee table, he leaned back against the soft, tan leather couch and propped his feet on the edge of the coffee table. He clicked through channels and looked for something less aggravating.
A documentary about sharks on the Nat Geo channel caught his eye. Predators of the Ocean. Yes, they were, but at least they didn’t wipe out an entire species. Nope, only mankind would do that shit.
