Page 2 of SEAL's Providence
“Frozen okay?” Tempest asked.
“Definitely.”
“Good choice. Just so you know, Grace goes way overboard with the amount of tequila to mixers and ice.”
“Thank goodness you let me know. The last thing I need is to get plastered in front of everyone the first time I meet them.”
“Eh, even if you did, it wouldn’t matter. Theguys may be intense in the field, but at home they’re like a bunch of cinnamon rolls. And you only have to watch your mouth when Hope’s around.”
Grace nodded in agreement. “They really are. Wait until you see them with Hope. She’s got them all wrapped around her little finger.”
Providence grinned. Now that was something she couldn’t wait to see. Her previous interactions with any SEALs had entailed treatment, surgery, or recertifications to get them back on the active-duty list. Most of the sailors she treated considered her the enemy. As if her sole purpose in life was to keep them from operating. They really made lousy patients.
“Cinnamon rolls? They’re food? Wait, okay. I stepped in that one. But what am I missing?”
Tempest snorted. “You’ve been out to sea too long, woman. It means they’re soft and gooey on the inside like a cinnamon roll.”
“Seriously?” Providence chuckled. “That’s a new one.”
“Probably because you never see that side,” Grace said.
“You’re right, they’re usually a bunch of growling neanderthals when they’re in my exam room.”
“I hope you don’t take it personally.” Tempest handed a frozen margarita to Providence.
“Nope. I’m used to it after all these years. On the ship it’s different, though. Since I’m usually dealing with illnesses, rather than severe injuries.”
Tempest nodded. “What do you think?”
Providence took a sip of the frozen concoction. “Damn, girl, you weren’t kidding about a heavy hand. I’ll have to nurse this one for a while.”
Grace laughed. “We warned you. Maybe have another sip and we’ll go meet the guys.”
Nodding, Providence took a small sip.“ Wait, I have a question before we head outside. Who owns the Jeep Commander?”
“The dark blue one in the driveway?” Tempest asked.
Providence nodded. “Yup, that’s the one.”
“Commander Knox—Tony,” Grace said.
“Really? And he’s here today? I thought you said he doesn’t show up at these.”
“Yes, really. The guys tease him about it incessantly, too. And he rarely comes, but for a change he showed up.” Tempest grabbed her drink.
Grace shrugged her shoulders and laughed. “They can’t understand why he doesn’t get rid of it for a newer model. But he loves it.”
Providence grinned behind her glass as she tookanother sip. She understood the love of an older vehicle. Nothing could make her part with hers. But the ducks. They upped her curiosity about the commander.
Grace opened the sliding glass doors to the backyard, and Providence got her first look at the Red Falcon Team. She’d met Josh a few times when they’d invited her over for dinner but hadn’t met the rest of the team yet.
“That’s Lucky at the grill with Josh. Quinn is the sexy redhead sitting on the chaise. He’s also their team leader. Next to him is Fergus, but everyone calls him Doc, and nope, he’s not one. But he’s their medic.” Grace pointed out each of the men. “Harmony and Ry are over there near the swing set watching Whiskey play with Tony and Hope.”
“That’s the commander?” Providence didn’t even try to hide the surprise in her voice. She’d expected him to be older, much older, and grumpy. Instead, Tony was rolling around in the grass with a giant German shepherd and a toddler.
Josh lifted his beer in greeting. “Hi Providence.”
Providence didn’t drag her gaze away from the commander until Tempest elbowed her. “Oops. Hey Josh, good to see you again.”
