Page 23 of SEAL's Providence
“Yes, he is. And he’s saved their lives a few times, too.”
“Really? I knew he was a working dog, but I guess I didn’t think about what that meant.”
“Most people don’t. He’ll probably retire in a few years. I’m sure Ry and Harmony will adopt him when that time comes. It happens a lot.”
“I’ve known and treated a lot of SEALs over the years, but this is the first time I’ve gotten to really know any. Or women, for that matter. Ship life is so different.”
Nodding, as her soft voice washed over him like velvet. The traces of her Mississippi accent grew stronger when she got emotional. Her guard was down, and that surprised him. At lunch last weekend, he couldn’t read her like he could now.
Tony would see how this played out. He didn’t have to push her hard. Neither of them was going anywhere, and at this point in his career, risks to his life were minimal. He rarely left base these days.
They continued to chat as they ate, occasionally being interrupted by the guys or one of the other women. Patience stopped by to take away their empty plates and refill their drinks. They’d been so engrossed in each other that Tony hadn’t noticed as the others left. Not until Josh interrupted them.
“Hey, we’re going to hit the road. Providence, we can drop you at Grace’s to pick up your car?”
“What?” it appeared she hadn’t noticed the others leaving either. “Did Grace leave already? And Lucky?”
“Yeah.” Josh grinned. “They left about an hour ago. Grace said she needed to put Hope down. Apparently, her dad has a habit of keeping her up and then she’s a cranky baby the next day. We told her we’d give you a lift if you needed one.”
“Oh okay. I should probably head out. Thanks for not leaving me stranded.” Providence gave him a half smile. It was obvious she wasn’t ready to leave yet.
He didn’t want her unhappy even for a minute if he could help it. “I could take you when you’re ready to go?” Tony suggested, hoping she’d take him up on his offer. He wasn’t ready for their evening to end, especially if they were finally going to be alone.
“Are you sure? It’s probably out of your way.” Providence hesitated and brought her thumbnail to her mouth and nibbled.
“You’re going to ruin your new manicure.”
“What? Oh, silly me. You know what? If you’re really sure it’s no bother?”
Tony nodded. “None at all.”
“Okay, then I’m going to let Tony take me. This way, you’ll get more alone time with your beautiful woman.”
Tempest chuckled. “Hell, I won’t turn it down. That’s for sure.”
“If you’re positive?” Josh asked.
Tony was ready to kick him in the balls for trying to cockblock his date. Not that he had any intention of taking it out of his pants, but it was the principle of the thing. “The lady answered you. Unless you want extra PT Monday?”
“No, sir. I’m good.”
Tempest grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. “Have a good night. I’ll call you tomorrow, Providence.”
“Sounds good. Thank you again for everything.” Providence waved as they left.
Tony wondered what that was about. They’d gone to a salon. What could Tempest have done to help her? Hmm, another layer revealed.
When she turned back to face him, he smiled. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For staying. I wasn’t ready to say goodnight yet.” If he had his way, he’d sit there until the Ready Room closed.
“Honestly, I wasn’t either. I—” She hesitated and grabbed her margarita.
“You what? Providence, you can tell me anything. I won’t ever lie to you. I know we talked about not having time for relationships. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was an excuse. One I don’t want to use with you.” His gaze never left hers as a myriad of emotions flashed across her face. He wanted to lay it all out there. Better to know now if she felt strongly about the friends only thing before he got in any deeper.
“Dang. You don’t pull any punches, do you, Commander?”
