Matty: A Navy SEAL Romance Read online

  Why was she acting so weird? She put the pillow back on the sofa. Sleeping there probably wasn’t the most comfortable, yet he hadn’t complained.

  He’d lived through experiences she couldn’t even begin to understand. And yet, he still had that gentle side. The way he gave Lola and Trixie as much attention as they wanted warmed her. And taking Trixie out for a walk today went above and beyond what he’d agreed to do. Funny, how he’d called her a rat at first and today they went out as if they were buddies.

  Jenna sighed. At least, Matty was back here in Newport and safe. Although he still considered himself on some sort of mission with her, she could at least make it enjoyable. After their intense workout at the stadium, she would definitely avoid anything requiring strenuous activity. Seeing him like that, forcing a smile through the pain, tugged at her.

  She sat down and pulled out her laptop to search for ideas. To start, she could make sure he was well fed. Like he said, the DeMarchis men loved to eat. Picking a restaurant would be an easy enough task. There were plenty of delicious spots in town. What about after dinner? He wanted to go out. Something that would keep any pressure of his leg was a better choice.

  A movie? Perhaps. He was a diehard sports fan, so maybe a game. Hmm, nothing was scheduled nearby that night. She searched for more listings in Newport tonight to give them some options for later.

  A text from Matty came through. Hey, I overdid it today. I’m going to stay at my parents’ tonight. Raincheck for tomorrow?

  A wave of disappointment mixed in with compassion. She was looking forward to seeing him again—even if it just meant caring for him while he rested his leg on her sofa.

  Instead, she replied, Of course.

  Saturday evening, Jenna sifted through her closet while Matty waited in the living room as she searched for something suitable to wear. The number of articles of clothing she’d pulled out and discarded was ridiculous. Why was she being so indecisive about what to wear? Tonight was nothing more than two friends going out to eat.

  She frowned. It was more than that since they’d be pretending to be a couple. Once again, she questioned what had gotten into Roberto lately with his pursuit. Why come back into her life after all that shit that had gone down between them? She doubted his feelings were genuine. More like another challenge for him. He craved power and money. Getting her back would be seizing his power over her once again and claiming her as his prize.

  Enough. She wasn’t going to spare him another thought. Instead, she bit her lip and assessed the contents of her closet again. A dress that was nice but not too dressy would work. She found a royal purple wrap around one, some leggings that were thick enough for the cold and a pair of dark gray heeled boots.

  After dressing, she turned and appraised herself in the mirror. The dress clung to her curves in a flattering way that made her feel feminine. Yes, this would do. Suitable for a night out yet not too formal.

  Jenna set her hair with hot rollers and applied makeup. She put on some silver jewelry and gave herself one final assessment. The flush of excitement on her face warned she might be too excited about the night ahead considering it wasn’t even a real date.

  She entered the living room and announced, “I’m ready.”

  Matty put down his phone and stared at her. “Damn, Jenna. You look hot.”

  Flutters of excitement shot through her, the ones becoming all too familiar when Matty looked at her that way.

  “Thanks.”

  His expression turned sheepish. “I didn’t mean hot.” He rubbed his beard. “Shit. You know what I mean. You look good.”

  She grinned. “I’m glad. I didn’t get ready to go out looking like crap.”

  They started their night at a seafood restaurant down at the wharf. Matty walked with a slight limp as he held her hand, but he assured her that his leg was fine. He scanned everyone in the area before they went in, no doubt looking for Roberto. She followed suit. No sign of him.

  Matty’s taut expression relaxed, and they entered.

  They sat at a table with a view of the bay. Boats bobbed under the lights from the nearby stores and restaurants. One of the things she loved about Newport was the access to views like this.

  She ordered a glass of prosecco, he ordered a beer, and they each started with a cup of clam chowder.

  “What did you do today?” she asked.

  “After being a lump last night, I helped my parents with some yard cleanup today. After lunch, I rested my leg some more while I browsed some apartment and job listings.”

  “In Newport?” She tried to keep the hope from her voice, but the lilt in her voice betrayed her.

  “Yeah and beyond. Maybe Providence. Angelo thought I should check out opportunities there.”

  After the server brought their drinks and chowder, Matty asked, “Are you working tomorrow?”

  “No. I have one more day off.”

  “Are you up for a trip to Providence?”

  She furrowed her brows. “Are you looking for an apartment?”

  “That’s not why I’m going, but I can keep an eye out while I’m there. Angelo and Catherine invited us up for dinner.”

  “Us?” she repeated. A current of heat flowed through her body.

  “Yes, you and me,” Matty replied. “They know the situation.”

  “Oh.” Right, the ruse.

  “They said we could go to an escape room that opened near them. Apparently, Vince had convinced them to give it a try the last time he’d visited, and they got hooked.”

  It sounded like a couples date, but she knew better. Still, she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend more time with Matty.

  “Sounds like fun.” She took a sip. “I’m volunteering at the cat shelter in the morning. Interesting in coming along?”

  “I’m more of a dog guy.”

  She scoffed. “Please. I’ve seen you with Lola. She’s growing more attached to you than me. And I’m the one who feeds her!”

  Matty laughed. “True. She makes her demands for chin rubs known and I can’t turn her down.” He shrugged. “All right, I’ll go.”

  A fluttering feeling rose inside. She couldn’t think of anyone she’d want to share that experience with more than Matty.

  It was too bad he shut down when she brought up the organization with retired K-9s. Maybe she’d find a way to broach the subject again.

  During dinner, they shared a fisherman’s platter. She leaned back, unable to eat another bite. “I’m too stuffed to move.”

  “Don’t bail on me, girl. We’re going out tonight, right?”

  “If you’re up for it. I looked up some options. There are the movies, theater, and a band playing nearby.”

  “After we leave, let’s walk some of this meal off and then play it by ear.”

  Twenty minutes later, they walked along the waterfront, passing other couples who were out to enjoy the night. The moon loomed large and high over the water and the temperature was comfortable enough for a light jacket to offset the sea breeze. Scents from restaurants punctuated that of the bay.

  A couple in their twenties held hands and laughed, clearly enjoying each other’s company as they were out for the night. She felt that way about Matty. Too bad they weren’t a real couple.

  “Are you sure you should be walking?” She asked. “It can’t be good for your leg.”

  His expression turned grim. “I can still feel how I overdid it yesterday, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to call it a night and go home.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s a Saturday night and I’m out with a beautiful woman. I’m still in my twenties. My injury might have ended my military career, but I can’t let it define me. I rested my leg plenty, but I still need to live my life.”

  Her heart ached for him. “I admire you for thinking that way.” So many others would have succumbed and felt sorry for themselves. Not Matty.

  His expression darkened, and he shrugged. “I don’t deserve that. I’ve had pl
enty of bleak moments.”

  “Still,” she said. “You still see the good.”

  Matty exhaled with a shaky breath. “I’ve gone through months of therapy—both physical and mental—to get to this point. And I can’t complain. Many others have it worse. I was able to keep my leg. I can walk. I can even run again. As long as I don’t overdo it—which I’m learning the hard way.” He flashed her his boyish smile.

  Instinctively, she reached out and took his hand. She just wanted to erase some of that pain, but didn’t have a clue how. He glanced down at their joined hands. She flushed. How foolish of her. She started to pull her hand away, but he held onto it.

  His gaze rose to meet hers, and her heart thundered. The twinkling lights of Newport reflected on the water seemed to streak and blur. All she saw was Matty. His deep brown eyes. The mischievous glint in his eyes was gone, replaced by one more—more intense.

  She swallowed. “I wish I could take some of your pain away.”

  He took in an audibly shaky breath. “You already have.”

  He stepped closer to her, gaze lowering to her lips. She swallowed and waited as anticipation left her on fire.

  He leaned down, and it felt like slow motion. She rose to her tiptoes and her lips parted. Her pulse raced and body burned, waiting, waiting…

  Finally, his lips met hers. Sparks of heat danced through her all the way to her feet. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. She melted against his muscular chest and sighed against his mouth.

  His tongue pressed against the seam of her mouth and she parted her lips. When he deepened the kiss, she reached one hand around the back of his neck, never wanting to let him go.

  All too soon, Matty broke away and leaned his forehead against hers. Her heart pounded in her head. He remained as still as a statue. Why did he stop?

  Eight thousand seconds later, he bent to her ear and whispered, “Sorry if I took that too far.”

  When he stood straight, she glanced at him, his expression appeared tormented as if he was wrestling with something. A flash later, it was gone.

  “Too far?” she repeated through quickened breaths. They’d barely gotten started.

  “I thought it might look like a romantic moment. In case he was watching.”

  She blinked a few times, trying to clear the pleasurable haze. Oh no, the kiss had been all part of the act. Embarrassment iced into a self-reprimand at thinking it was more.

  She tried to play it off with a casual motion, running her hand through her hair. “No, not at all.”

  He turned forward and tugged at her hand. “Come on. Enough of me playing the world’s smallest violin. Let’s go check out that band you mentioned. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to live music.”

  Matty

  Shit, shit, shit. What the hell was wrong with him? Why had he kissed her like that? He gazed out to the darkness of the bay as they walked along the wharf while keeping watch out for her ex. He had no business doing so.

  Remember what Derek said.

  Right, no sleeping with his sister. As if Matty would ever forget those fantasy-killing words.

  But damn, he’d never been so drawn to anyone before. And Jenna’s hand felt so right in his.

  He repeated the explanation he’d been trying to sell himself for days.

  It’s just your protector role going into overdrive because you’ve known her for a long time. And care for her.

  Ha. That didn’t explain the urge to kiss her. Luckily, he came up with that lame-ass excuse of selling it as part of their act. She had seemed to be caught up in that kiss as much as he was, but then went along with his crap of an explanation to dismiss it as part of the act.

  He’d never forget the passion in her eyes. She appeared flustered by his action—and hell, so was he. But it was better this way. He had to keep his mind on the task to look out for Jenna—not make moves on her.

  They waited in line for a few minutes outside the club. Each time someone opened the door, the music flooded out. It sounded like a cover band playing the Rolling Stones.

  Once they showed their IDs and entered the dimly lit room crowded with patrons, he surveilled the interior searching both for her ex and any other potential threats. He was programmed that way, to search for danger. Would that be a lifelong trait?

  The cover band switched into the Stones’ Satisfaction. They weren’t that great, but tolerable.

  He faced Jenna. “What can I get you? A Prosecco?”

  “How about a sangria this time?”

  “Adding fruit?” He winked. “Living on the edge.”

  He turned to the bar and waited for his turn. Once again, he scanned the people nearby like a damn surveillance camera, even though this was Newport, Rhode Island, and not some of the dangerous locales where the American military was considered the enemy.

  Once he paid for their drinks, he led them to the back of the bar. He didn’t want to get too close to the stage and have his ears assaulted by the volume of the music, so he suggested a spot near the back. With the crowd packed tightly, he moved behind her, placing a protective hand on her side.

  He might be taking their subterfuge too far, but she smelled good. So close to her, he breathed in her scent. That hint of roses that reminded him of something sensual yet innocent.

  When the band started playing Wild Horses, Jenna swayed slightly with the music. He felt her movements through his hand, which he still hadn’t pulled away. It felt comfortable. Like a silent promise that he’d take care of her. That he wouldn’t let anybody hurt her.

  And maybe, it signaled a warning to every other guy in the club to stay away. Damn, he was acting like an alpha male declaring to all the other men that she was his.

  Only she wasn’t.

  He had to get out of his head and stop overthinking this.

  Jenna turned over her shoulder and smiled. “They’re pretty good, aren’t they?”

  Matty didn’t give a shit about the song anymore. They could play Baby Shark on loop as long as he could continue to touch her as she moved this way. “Sure.”

  “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  He considered it. Despite all the alpha male protectiveness, he was happy. “I am.”

  She turned back to face the band and resumed her sway. His awareness of her grew painful. The lyrics put foolish ideas in his head. Their bodies were so close, but all he had was this connection with his hand.

  He wanted more.

  Too bad he had this damn beer in his hand. He could step closer and wrap both arms around her, press her body against his.

  The growing attraction to Jenna was growing too difficult to ignore, pinning him in an agonizing situation. He’d just made a promise to Derek not to mess with Jenna.

  At the time, it had been a painful promise. With Jenna so close, it was damn near excruciating.

  Could Matty make it through the night before doing something stupid and screwing it all up?

  The singer encouraged them all to sing the final chorus. Jenna joined in, moving her hips more in tune with the music.

  Forget the night. Could Matty even make it through this song?

  Jenna gasped and jerked back, jostling beer out of his glass. Her body tightened, shoulders hunched.

  “What is it?”

  She turned to face him. “Roberto. He was watching us.”

  Matty’s muscles hardened to ice. He straightened. “Where?”

  She pointed across the club. “He was right there, but he’s gone. When I caught his eye, he sneered and walked out.”

  Was the fucker following them?

  “Shit. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

  Matty put his beer down on the nearest table and rushed to the front door, muttering, “Excuse me” as he pushed through the crowd. When he finally made it out the front door, he searched in all directions along the wharf.

  No sign of the prick.

  He rushed in one direction, searching into nooks or paths where Roberto might have fle
d. It must have rained while they were in the club since the red bricks beneath his feet were wet and shiny under the streetlamps and the night air felt damp on Matty’s skin.

  Nothing.

  He then moved in the other direction, continuing the search. When it yielded no results, he muttered, “Come out, you coward.”

  As he headed back into the club, he cursed himself. Had he not allowed himself to be so distracted by Jenna, he might have seen the bastard. It snapped him out of desire like plunging into a half-frozen lake during extreme SEAL cold weather training. A vicious reminder that he had to get his mind off his dick and keep his head in the mission.

  The only business he had with Jenna was to keep her safe.

  Chapter 12

  Matty

  Pain throbbing in his leg woke Matty at four am, a stern reminder not to be an idiot again. He took more ibuprofen and raised his leg with pillows stacked on Jenna’s couch. While he waited for it to kick in, he looked for something to distract him. He turned on the lamp next to the couch and spotted one of Jenna’s true crime paperbacks. It was a better option than the textbooks.

  As she’d mentioned, this one was a crime of passion that appeared to stem from a wife discovering her husband cheating on her. She’d shot them both. When he thought of his sweet Jenna getting a vicarious thrill out of reading this—maybe envisioning revenge against her ex—he smiled. She was stronger than she thought.

  By the time he’d started the second chapter, rain had started to fall. Ah, he should have sensed that. His leg was now like some intuitive meteorological device. He’d guess it was from the stadium, but the atmospheric pressure or whatever it was that triggered the pain didn’t help. A perfect storm of stressors.

  He read up to chapter five before the throbbing faded and he fell back asleep and didn’t wake up until Jenna woke him to see if he was still up for the cat shelter.