Page 7 of SEAL's Providence
“Oh yeah? What did you expect?” He shouldn’t put her on the spot, but his curiosity got the better of him. She was so “real,” and nothing like the women who’d hit on him over the years.
It seemed like he’d spend most of his datestrying to keep them out of his pants or wallet. They’d either wanted to fuck a man in uniform for the street cred or for his money. Besides, most of them were too young for him. Meeting someone closer to his own age, who wasn’t a divorcee looking to score her next sugar daddy, was a breath of fresh air.
Providence gave him an assessing look as she finished chewing. She tucked a strand of her caramel-blonde hair behind her ear before answering. “Well, not that I’d heard anything specific, mind you. But most of the commanders I’ve met over the years were total hard asses. I know they kinda have to be, but some of them could learn to take it down a peg or two, you know? You seem pretty laid back.”
“Thank you, I think.” Tony chuckled. He put his empty plate on the table and leaned back, considering his next words. “Actually, I can be a brutal son of a bitch if I need to be. Ask any of the guys here or any of the other teams under my command. They’ll be happy to give you an ear full, I’m sure. But I suppose I am a little different than some. These men and women risk everything without hesitation for their country and deserve downtime when they’re home. I try to give them as much as possible.”
“Tempest mentioned you don’t always come to these. Is that why?”
“Exactly. I try to come a few times a year. But I couldn’t skip today when I heard that a certain new doctor would be here. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to meet you.” Tony loved the way color flooded her cheeks at his words.
“Why would you want to meet me?” She looked genuinely surprised.
“I told you. Tempest brags on you all the time. Besides, I’d heard through the base gossip mill that we’ve got a beautiful new doctor working with old Doc McHenry. There was no way could I resist meeting you. The old coot needs to retire. I’m hoping having you here will be the nudge he needs.”
“He is a bit of a stick in the mud.” Providence nodded.
“That’s an excellent description for him. Tough as a barnacle, but I’ve seen him break down after losing a patient. He’s got a soft inside buried in there somewhere.”
“I don’t know if I believe you. I sure haven’t seen a soft side. He’s gotten on my nerves a time or two when we’ve worked together. But I’ve heard it’s called a cinnamon roll center.”
Tony chuckled. “Cinnamon roll, huh? Not sure I’d agree, but I get how it could work.”
“Right? He’s a stubborn old coot, but he’s my superior officer. It’s probably a bad idea to talk about him like this.”
“I’m a safe place for you, Providence. I always will be. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is come to me and we’ll get it worked out.”
“I’m sure I’ll be just fine. I’ve been on my own for most of my life. But maybe if I need help to move some heavy furniture, I’ll let you know.” She giggled.
Damn, this woman was perfect. He’d have loved to spend the afternoon sitting with her under the tree, but it wouldn’t be right to monopolize her time. “I’m surprised Tempest hasn’t tried to rescue you yet.”
“Well, she has been looking over here a lot. Probably checking to make sure I don’t signal a mayday.”
“I’m glad you didn’t need to send an SOS. But before you run away, I’d like to ask you to dinner this week.”
Her gaze sharpened. “Commander, are you asking me on a date?”
“Would that be a bad thing?” He sure as hell hoped not.
“No, I guess not. Except we just shared how busy our lives are and we don’t have time for relationships.”
He couldn’t disagree with her either. He’d said those exact words not a half hour ago. If he could take back he would. Instead, he nodded, and waited for her to continue.
“I’ll consider it if we can go as friends? It would be nice to leave my apartment other than for work.”
Tony smiled. If the only way he could see her again was to agree to be friends, then so be it. Neither of them was going anywhere, at least not anytime soon. He had time to wear her down.
After talking to his CO, he had some decisions to make about his future. Not that it mattered since he planned on staying local. Still, it was time to think about what came next after the Navy.
He handed her his phone. “Would you put your contact info in so we can figure out a day and time?”
She took it and added her information, then handed it back, their fingers brushing. She caught her breath as they touched, and he knew exactly what she was feeling. Friend zone? Nope, he was going to have to dissuade her from going down that path. The sooner the better.
Tony checked his phone and grinned. She’d putherself in as Dr. Providence Sheridan. So formal. He sent her a text to make sure it connected. Not that he didn’t trust her, but old habits made him check to ensure it went through.
Knox: Tony here. The sexy CO of the Red Falcons.
After he sent it, he wondered if he’d come on too strong. He watched her eyebrows rise as she read it and hid his expression behind his hand.
