Page 22 of SEAL's Providence
Needing to change the subject, he asked, “Who’s watching Hope tonight if you’re all here?”
“Pavel. The old man turned out to be a real softy for the little girl. He even wears a shirt that says, “Proud Grandpa.”
“I’ve gotta see a photo of that. Pavel Miller is one of the biggest hard asses I ever met. I need proof.”
Josh chuckled. “I’m sure Grace or Lucky have a photo. I’ll have them send it to you.”
“I can’t wait.”
The Ready Room was noisy as usual, and there was no real privacy. Still, if this was the date she wanted, he’d adjust. He wouldn’t waste a moment of their time together.
He waited for a break in her conversation with Harmony and touched her arm to get her attention. “How was your girls’ day?”
“Oh, it was a blast.” She wiggled her bright red fingernails in front of him.
“Beautiful. Is it the same color as your car?”
“Hmm, maybe not exactly, but pretty damn close. You’ve got a good eye. But how do you know what I drive?”
“I figured it out when it saw it at the party. It’s the first time an Alfa Romeo Spider showed up, and it was the first time you did too. An easy deduction.”
“That would give it away, wouldn’t it? I liked all the ducks in your Commander.”
Tony grinned. “It’s technically not the right type of Jeep for ducking, but I get the occasional one, anyway.”
“I’m glad you keep them. They’re cute lined up in there. Commander Knox, I think you might be a secret softy.”
“Oh yeah? You think you’ve got me all figured out?”
“I wouldn’t say all, but maybe a pretty good handle on it.” Providence grinned and poked him in his side. “Yup, hard as nails, but if I dig deeper, what will I find?”
“Now, why would I make it easy for you? You’re going to have to figure that out for yourself.” Tony loved their banter. It was so easy, and she’d made him relax even after the rough meeting earlier. When he’d walked in, he was strung tighter than a steel guitar. Relaxing was the last thing he’d expected from the evening.
“Hmm, okay. Quid pro quo, Tony. Just remember that. I’ll be clinging onto my secrets, too.”
“What? You have secrets? No way,” Tony teased. “You’re too cute for secrets.”
“Eh, don’t let this pretty face fool you.” Providence winked.
Before he could answer, Patience and another waitress he hadn’t met yet showed up with their meals.
“Challenge accepted. And just so you know…” Tony leaned closer so only she’d hear him, and so he could inhale her soft peach fragrance. “I love a challenge.” The thrill of winning escalated his heart rate, but her scent soothed him in ways he didn’t understand.
“Do your toes match?”
The surprise flitting across her expression made him wonder where her thoughts had gone.
“My toes?” After a moment, she smiled. “They sure do. You’ll have to wait to see them another time. If I slip off my shoes now, Whiskey will lick my toes and it kinda freaks me out.”
The dog accompanied Ry everywhere, and usually hung out under the table, waiting for food from everyone.
Tony agreed. He wondered if this woman could be any more perfect. Exuding sass while hiding her gentle center. She made him laugh and want to protect her at the same time.
“Yeah, I’m not a big fan of that either. I swear he knows it too, but does it to antagonize me every chance he gets.”
Her sexy giggle sent shivers of need through him. Tony hoped she didn’t look down, or she’d see exactly how much she affected him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a hard-on from chatting with a woman—maybe never—unless you count when he was in his teens. A strong wind gave him a stiffy back then.
“That’s too funny. He’s a smart dog.”
