Watch Over Me: A Military Romance (Uncharted SEALs Book 1) Read online

  Her breaths were already shorter, sexy little gasps intermixed with laughing moans. “You’re cruel,” she whispered.

  “You started this game.” One that raised his heart rate with lusty anticipation.

  “It’s not a game,” she said, her voice huskier now.

  Incredibly sexy. Her eyes were wide, her mouth moist and round. His control snapped. He reached for the scrap of material she’d discarded, which was caught beneath her body, and pulled it away. Then he held it up, dangling from a single finger. “Time to cover up. You are not walking through the hotel lobby naked.”

  “You’d mind?” She batted her eyelashes and grinned.

  “Hell no, but I can’t promise I wouldn’t bend you over the first sofa I found. That would raise a few eyebrows.”

  A hint of heat flashed in her liquid eyes. “I think I like you.”

  “Like” was not the word he’d hoped for. He dropped his eyelids to half-mast. “Since I’m about to kiss you, I’m relieved.”

  Her laughter was tense, but her widening smile took away his breath. How had things gotten so out of hand so fast?

  “Move the arm,” he growled.

  She slid it slowly to her side, waiting docilely while he spread the fabric cups over her breasts, his fingers light, only glancing over her distended nipples, and then he pulled the strings around her sides. She leaned up on an arm, her chest coming against his as he reached around to knot the strings across her back and at her neck. Only through sheer will did he keep himself from inhaling the scent of her hair.

  Then he bent to the side and scooped up his towel which he stuffed into her beach bag along with the tanning lotion. “Anything else you need?”

  At the shake of her head, he stood, the bag giving him some much needed camouflage, and reached for her hand.

  When he pulled her to her feet, he was surprised. She was tall. She barely had to tilt back her head to meet his gaze—and she fit perfectly against him, another thing his body approved of.

  Remembering where they were, what he was supposed to be doing, he flicked a quick glance around the beach and into the bar. Nothing amiss caught his eye. Not a single prickle lifted the hair on the back of his neck. The sixth sense he’d developed after dozens of ops gave no warning.

  Then glancing back down at her, he did the thing he’d been telling himself he shouldn’t. Not here. Not with her.

  He kissed Nicky.

  Chapter Two

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  Nicky couldn’t believe this was happening. Yes, she’d been attracted from the moment he’d stepped out of the hotel and taken a seat nearby, barely able to drag away her gaze as she’d watched him from the corner of her eye. The man was kryptonite, weakening her usually SEAL-proof will. She’d met so many over the years due to her daddy’s career, but had never succumbed to the fascination.

  This time was different. She’d taken in the broad, muscled chest and thick thighs before she’d turned away, holding her breath as she listened while he’d seated himself a short distance away. Before she’d turned, the intensity of his hazel gaze as it swept over her that first time, the patient way he’d nursed the two drinks the grumpy waitress brought him—likely pure juice—and yes, his killer body, had clued her in pretty quickly as to exactly what he was. Even before she noted the pink scar from a bullet hole riding the waistband of his swimming trunks. Her father had been so adamant about her staying home and inside that his capitulation the day after she’d booked her flight seemed suspicious. She should have known he’d send someone to shadow her every move.

  Not that she didn’t understand the need, but she’d chosen this island because it wasn’t a big tourist draw and would make logistics harder for the sort of threat that might follow her. Frankly, she was relieved her father had gone to such lengths. And now that she’d gotten an up close and personal look at her bodyguard, she was tempted to play this out. He was a SEAL. And his duty was to keep her safe. Something she found sexy as hell, so why fight the attraction that had blossomed so quickly between them? Too much time had gone by since she’d enjoyed a sexy, casual liaison with a man. And she’d never taken her pleasure with a SEAL. Growing up in that small, incestuous community where her every date was vetted and intimidated by a gauntlet of her daddy’s buddies pretty much killed any secret crush she’d ever had. But this time, she was far from the community and prying eyes.

  Plus this hardened warrior wouldn’t report her antics to her daddy. No, this situation was getting more delicious by the minute. First, his callused hands rasping over her skin had made her quiver and tension wind tightly inside her core. And now his kiss…

  His lips circled, dragging on her mouth, rotating so sweetly, she had to follow. She gasped to draw a deeper breath, and his tongue plunged inside her mouth, taking control. Enjoying the hint of fruit and his own distinct flavor, she knew where this was leading. This was a prelude to further delights. Thrilled, she surrendered, her arms encircling his back, fingers tracing over hard, ropey muscles and the deep indention of his spine. No, this man was far, far different from the desk jockeys she’d dated over the years.

  When he drew back, she sighed. “Wow,” she whispered.

  “Yeah,” he said, his jaw tightening a second later. “I’ll follow you to your room. To make sure you’re locked up tight.”

  “With you?” she asked with a waggle of her eyebrows.

  “Only if you ask.” His lips twitched. “I’m supposed to watch over you.”

  “Even while I sleep?”

  “You tired?” he drawled.

  She laughed and dropped her head, sliding her cheek on his bare shoulder. “Not in the least.”

  “Good.” And then he turned her, his hand slipping down to the small of her back as he escorted her inside the hotel.

  Nicky wasn’t really into whirlwind affairs. Her last boyfriend had wooed her for a good six months before she’d let him into her bed, but this tall, intense man had a very visceral effect on her. Her body shivered, her breasts were tight—and there, between her legs, she was already wet. Arousal stirred inside her, so strong, so immediate, she wasn’t going to ignore her need. No, she intended to enjoy this for as long as it lasted.

  “I’m on the third floor,” she said, stepping into the elevator.

  He punched the button, his gaze darting outward to scan the lobby as they left.

  She liked the way he kept focused on the job while his hand was there, radiating heat against her hip. “You know my name, do I get the same courtesy?” she asked, giving him a flirty sideways glance.

  “I’m Deacon Warrick. But everyone calls me Deke.”

  Everyone wasn’t a woman. She preferred Deacon, liked the way the two names rolled together on her tongue as she silently repeated them, but said aloud, “Hi Deke,” and then tilted her chin.

  His mouth was curved in a slight smile. His gaze was direct, but questioning.

  She probably wore the same bemused look. This was happening so fast.

  “I’m not usually this fast,” he said.

  Interesting how his words echoed her thoughts. “Me neither.”

  “Good to know.”

  She liked that he wasn’t much of a talker. That his sentences were narrowing to sparse, bullet-like phrases. The tension between them was building; her tummy was tight, her nipples ripening, something his flicking glance didn’t miss.

  That he didn’t ask her the room number probably meant he’d already scoped out her room and had likely registered in one near hers. Right now, she liked his efficiency. Her gaze swept his chest, broad and lightly furred, muscled in a way that had nothing to do with a gym.

  When the elevator chimed on the third floor, her heart beat faster. And a sudden note of anxiety caused her breaths to shorten. Reality intruded.

  An unwanted niggling of doubt intruded.

  Was she really going to do this? If he was vetted by her dad, he was a good guy. But the closer they strode toward her door, the more her doubts over whether th
is was a wise act grew exponentially. If they followed through on the unspoken promises their embrace had made, she’d be nude inside a minute. With a complete stranger. Her boldness on the beach had been fueled by a spike of anger at her father for not respecting her wishes, which had escalated when she’d gotten a good look at her protector. She’d acted rashly, without considering consequences.

  They stopped at her door. His hand withdrew from her back, and he held out her large tote.

  Her hand trembled as she dug into her bag, keeping her head down to hide her expression. When her fingers wrapped around her key card, she at last looked up.

  His gaze flickered over her face. In the space of a breath, his expression shuttered.

  Now what? Her stomach dove to her toes. She’d liked the heat and interest in his eyes and felt guilty over the fact that he’d read her second thoughts. She was ready to be persuaded again. He could do it. And so easily. If he kissed her now, he’d remind her body of just how good it had felt being held.

  Instead, he straightened, jerking his chin to the door across the hallway from hers. “I’ll knock on your door at seven. We’re having dinner together.”

  She touched his arm as he began to turn away. “Deke…”

  “No.” He gave a shake of his head. “You’re right. Things got out of hand. I have a job to do.”

  “And I’m the job?”

  “You’re my responsibility until wheels go up.”

  Nodding, she glanced away. She should have been relieved he was being sensible, but instead felt disappointed…in herself. “I’ll be ready at seven.”

  “Don’t leave your room without letting me know. Flip the deadbolt.”

  That tone. Her chin rose, annoyance sweeping away her disappointment. She was grateful for the reminder he was every bit as stubborn and dictatorial as her father. “I won’t cause you any problems.”

  A deep sigh drew her gaze. His firm mouth was a straight line, but his eyes, more green than blue at the moment, roamed her face, dropping to her chest and below. “Don’t think I’m not tempted to kiss you again,” he said, his voice a deep rasp.

  That rumble felt like a caress feathering down her spine. And just that quickly, her skin prickled into gooseflesh. The man’s attraction was powerful. Her own glance raked down his body, pausing on the apex of his thighs where his interest was impossible to hide.

  She glanced up from beneath her eyelashes, studying his mouth.

  “Stop. Swipe the damn lock,” he said, his voice gruffer than before.

  “I’d be so much safer if you were inside my room, rather than all the way across the hall,” she murmured, only half teasing.

  “And a moment ago, you had cold feet. Or an attack of good sense.” He held up a staying hand. “Doesn’t matter what you call it. We met two seconds ago.”

  Of course, he was right. And she did have misgivings. Not because she feared he’d harm her but because everything about him fired every nerve ending in her body. She was hot and cold, her body shivering, excited at the prospect of his hands roaming over her skin. The fact she was so deeply attracted should have rung alarm bells. He walked in a world she’d escaped when her mother left her father. So, why was she being so adamant? Was it because he was the one holding back now, and she didn’t like the thought he could close off his desire so quickly?

  She snorted. “And you’ve never hustled a girl to bed this fast before? You’re a big bad SEAL. I imagine you have women falling all over themselves for a chance with you under the sheets.”

  His gaze narrowed, and he reached out to take the card from her fingers.

  A flush of excitement warmed her head to toe as he swiped the lock. He hadn’t liked her jibe—probably all too true. The snick of the lock was overloud, but so were her shortening breaths. They’d be alone. There was still a chance her case of nerves and his stubbornness would be swept away.

  He pushed open the door then preceded her inside, tapping the bathroom door to push it open, and leaning in the doorway to give the room a quick glance, before taking a few more steps to the closet to open it.

  Then his gaze went to the French doors that opened to the balcony. He strode toward the far wall, opening the curtains, and then the door, to step outside. Sunlight glinted red on his brown hair as he turned to stare.

  “Room’s safe?” she asked, hitching her hip provocatively while her hands reached behind her to snag the end of one string. This time, she didn’t question her action. The seesaw of her emotions had swung toward the need to challenge him again. She slowly drew open the bow, feeling the cups to her miniscule bra loosen then fall away from her breasts.

  His gaze dropped and his eyelids flickered for just a second. His chest billowed around a deep indrawn breath. But he shook his head, a smile quirking up one corner of his mouth. “Pretty tits. I’ll see you at seven.”

  Then he strode past her, leaving her standing in the middle of her room, wondering why she was smiling over the fact he’d walked away.

  Dinner was a quiet affair. They barely spoke over their meal of pulled pork and spicy rice. She slowly nursed her second glass of wine, hoping he didn’t notice she couldn’t keep from staring.

  Deke looked gorgeous, the clothing blunting the shape of the hard body it covered—white shirt with the collar open, sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows, and dark slacks. Anyone looking at him would note was he was in excellent shape, but wouldn’t have a clue about just how ripped he really was. Intimately aware of what the crisp cotton hid, she couldn’t stop the images of his nude upper torso from bombarding her thoughts, and her fingers curled, remembering the thick muscle she’d pressed against.

  However, other than a murmured, You look nice, when she’d opened her door, she didn’t detect the same heated awareness on his part that he’d demonstrated earlier. His lack of interest was deflating since she’d gone to extra effort with her appearance. Her navy sheath hugged her breasts and hips. Her legs were bare except for a gleaming application of perfumed oil. She’d curled her hair into easy waves that brushed her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle, but she’d taken extra care with her mouth, lining it, staining it with carmine and glossing it—to draw his gaze and invite another scorching kiss.

  You look nice. She’d been tempted to kick him, then and there, but instead, had lifted her chin and gave him a chilly glare. A gesture he didn’t seem to notice as he cupped her elbow and led her to the elevator.

  Even now, she sat forward, the scoop neck of her dress displaying the rounded tops of her breasts. His gaze had flicked over her, but once again turned toward the view of the ocean. Moonlight sparkling on rippling waves was pretty enough, but seriously?

  Her muscles tight with irritation, she turned to stare at the dark ocean. Was he wishing he was a million miles away? She’d never been in this position with a man before. Not that she expected him to be entranced or anything, but a little healthy interest would have gone a long way to soothing her bruised ego. She knew she looked better than nice.

  With any other date, she would have been busy fielding innuendos, flirting with desire, while she decided whether she was truly interested enough to accept the guy into her bed. In her work at the bank, she met plenty of eligible, attractive men from all walks of life. Firemen, business men, lawyers, doctors—everyone applied for a loan at some time, and she had never been a shy woman. If she was attracted, she followed that attraction until the man proved to be a toad. Her last boyfriend had outlasted the others. He’d been a nice man but her desire for him, beyond companionship, hadn’t grown. She’d never felt the intense attraction she felt for the man sitting quietly across from the table and ignoring her this very moment.

  “Your father says you’re staying a week.”

  Watching him from the corner of her eye while she pretended to look at the water, she said, “Are you hoping I’ll cut my vacation short? Do you have plans I’m ruining?” Maybe her tone was a bit too snippy, but the first night of her vacation was turning into a f
laming dud. Her hopes dashed. The most attractive man she’d ever seen in the flesh wasn’t feeling the heat like she was.

  “I’m attempting polite conversation.”

  The stiffness of his tone pulled her attention back to his face. His eyes were narrowed. A dark look that made her heart skip a beat. Anger was better than boredom. She jutted out her chin. “If you want to be polite, you could start by complimenting me. I went to a lot of effort to look this good.”

  He blinked and the corners of his mouth curved upward. “I said you looked nice.”

  “Nice is something you tell your mother.”

  Leaning a forearm on the table, he pressed his lips into a straight line and arched a brow. “Are you angry with me?”

  Nicky sniffed and placed her glass on the table, her cheeks warming from embarrassment. She sounded like a spoiled brat, but she’d never before had to beg a man for a compliment. Maybe it was time to end this awkwardness. “Thank you for dinner.”

  “Don’t. Your father’s picking up the tab.”

  The smile she gave him was thin and brittle as she gripped the edge of the table and stood. “Then I should have ordered filet mignon and lobster.”

  “You should have ordered what you wanted to begin with.”

  How can he be so calm? “What I wanted wasn’t on the menu.”

  Slowly, he stood.

  His height and breadth instantly made her feel overwhelmed and a little light-headed as she tilted her head to hold his stare.

  “Let’s walk.”

  Spoken in a low growl, those words shouldn’t have had the effect they did. Apparently, her body wasn’t heeding the warning bells going off in her head, telling her she’d poked a bear with a stick. Heat licked across her skin.

  His hand snagged hers and he turned, tugging her behind him. His rapid steps didn’t take her heels into consideration, and she skipped behind him to keep up. He pulled her to a side door, which opened onto a white stucco staircase leading to the beach. Once there, he dropped her hand and quickly knelt, lifting one of her feet to slip off her shoe, then the other. When he stood, glaring down at her, he toed off his own shoes and placed both pairs on a ledge, then quickly unbuttoned his shirt.