Angelo: A Second Chance Navy SEAL Romance Read online

  Angelo, you’re doing it again.

  What?

  It’s the third time I’ve seen you scan the windows like an intruder is going to burst through them.

  Sorry.

  Remember our deal.

  Food and sex, how could I forget? Every man’s dream.

  He struggled to tone down his surveillance so as not to freak her out. Still, he’d remain vigilant for anything—or anyone—intrusive.

  The route he rode today took him along the sea and through woodlands, which offered the respite of shade under the summer sun warming his skin. Birds sang overhead as if they didn’t have a care in the world. After several miles of riding, he took a break where water surrounded the path on both sides. The more time he spent here along the shore, the more he sensed he was slowly healing. The serene natural beauty was like a balm to his battered soul. He took out his water bottle, drank, and then fortified himself with an energy bar before he continued the ride.

  The end of his leave loomed ahead. Leave days zoomed by so much faster than those on deployment. Perhaps because while he was away, he was often counting down the times before he would return to the States. Like most everyone did. He was married to the SEALs as the saying went, but that didn’t mean deployments were a honeymoon. Far from it. They were a shit show most of the time. Little sleep, no hot water, and the constant vigilance of knowing someone wanted you dead.

  But hey, that was the life he’d chosen, and he had no regrets. He was proud to be a SEAL and grateful to have saved lives.

  This leave whipped by even faster because of Cate. He enjoyed every moment with her. He couldn’t wait for the weekend when they could spend more time together.

  Angelo stopped in an Italian market he spotted to pick up some fresh pasta. He planned to cook chicken and eggplant parmesan with a side Caesar salad. And buy a good bottle of wine to go with it.

  She’d given him a key that morning so he could get dinner started while she finished up at work. His brothers had teased him about it endlessly. Ribbing him about playing house. Perhaps that was the case, but hell, he loved to cook. Cate had a great little kitchen for cooking for two. Or a small family.

  He grunted. Don’t go there.

  Right, no need to mess his head up with unrealistic ideas. He picked up his backpack and then rode the last few minutes to her apartment and let himself in. The kittens ran up to him as they did each time, meowing as if they hadn’t seen him for months and were starved for affection.

  “Hey girls, calm down. I’m here. I’ll get you some treats.” He bent down and rubbed each of their chins. They couldn’t seem to get enough, rubbing their faces against his hand. When he focused on one, the other rubbed against his leg. Marking him. He laughed. “Don’t get too used to me, kitties. I’m only around another week.”

  They’d forget him soon enough. All they wanted was the human who would provide food and treats. Maybe some affection too.

  A strange sort of ache filled him. Would Cate forget him so soon, too?

  Angelo rinsed the sweat off from the bike ride with a quick shower. Then he got to work in the kitchen.

  He emptied the bag of groceries and washed the vegetables. He set up his workstation and timed what he needed to do to have the pasta boiled at the right time when the chicken and eggplant was ready.

  While he prepped, he thought about Cate. Had this guy contacted her again? What did he want from her? Was he an actual threat or was Angelo letting his combat experiences cloud his vision?

  He glanced at the clock. It was 4:15. Cate would get home after five and he wanted her to walk into her place to the smell of a delicious meal. That didn’t happen often, if ever, for someone who lived alone.

  Unless, she’d had other lovers who she’d given the keys to…

  He growled. He’d just have to make sure his meal and presentation were unforgettable.

  Angelo glanced around her kitchen for whatever else he could do to enhance the dining experience. He found an apron hanging on a hook and spread it out. It read Warning, Mad Scientist. Explosions happen. It gave him an idea. He could keep things lighter the way she wanted and not rattle her with his higher vigilance.

  He took off his clothes in her bedroom and put on the apron. Then he returned to the kitchen with a sly smile on his face.

  Catherine

  Despite how wonderful it was to have Angelo stay at her place, his heightened awareness was like a new roommate. He searched for threats like he was a programmed surveillance system. The tension wrapped around her as well, escalating her wariness.

  Maybe she shouldn’t have told him.

  When she reached the university, Catherine forced herself to push his concerns out of her mind. After all, nobody else was giving it a second thought.

  Then again, Trent appeared to contact her more often than most—and in more ways.

  At least, she had plenty to distract her. That was what she’d loved about her job. She could lose herself while studying an image of the brain, searching for clues as if piecing together a puzzle. The brain was fascinating with so much still to be discovered.

  Excited about meeting up with Angelo for dinner, she left work earlier than planned. The scent of tomato sauce cooking wafted out of her kitchen window as she approached her door. Fireflies zipped about inside her, sending a fluttering sensation that rose as she turned the knob. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

  When she opened the door, his back faced her as he cooked over the stove. Her gaze dropped to his bare ass, and her mouth fell open. It was a fine muscular butt that made her gaze linger—but why was he wearing nothing while he cooked dinner?

  “Angelo? You’re naked.”

  He spun around with a smirk. “Not completely. Yet.”

  He wore an apron, her Mad Scientist one. It was a joke gift from her family after a disastrous meal she’d tried to cook them when she first bought the townhouse. The pasta and sauce had burned, the smoke detectors had gone off, and they’d ended up going out to a restaurant. A muscular Navy SEAL wearing nothing else but that. She burst out with a laugh.

  He raised a cooking spoon and gave her a mock affronted look. “I cook dinner for you, and you laugh in my face?”

  “You look ridiculous. And you know it. You got the exact reaction that you were going for.”

  “Well, not exactly.” He put the spoon down on the spoon holder and approached her with a dark glimmer in his eyes. “Maybe I was hoping you’d see me half naked and wouldn’t be able to resist jumping on me.” He tapped the counter. “Beg me to take you right here.”

  That wasn’t a bad idea. Especially when his seductive glance made her think of all the decadent things they could be doing—flashing back to some of those naughty things that they’d already done.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and greeted him with a kiss. “Hi. Thank you for making me dinner. It smells delicious.”

  “You’re welcome. That’s better.”

  She gave him a suggestive glance. “How about taking off that apron and taking me instead?”

  His face spread into a broad grin. “One second.” He turned off the oven and said, “Dinner can wait.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Angelo

  “Wow,” Catherine murmured in between quick breaths. “I can’t believe we christened the counter.”

  His heart still raced, and his body burned hotter than the heat in her kitchen. He lowered his forehead to touch Cate’s. “That was quite the appetizer.”

  She murmured, “Very tasty.”

  He pulled himself out of her with reluctance. “I better clean up and serve dinner.”

  Minutes later, he served the chicken onto her crisp white dinner plates. She poured them glasses of chardonnay. He had to get a hold of himself. Whenever he was near her, he couldn’t seem to greet her without his libido firing off like a rocket-propelled grenade.

  They sat at her oval wood table and finally ate. Watching her enjoy the dinner he’d prepared filled
his chest with warmth.

  “How was work?” He kept his voice neutral to avoid triggering her wariness.

  “Fine. A typical day.”

  “So, no contact from the guy?”

  Her expression tightened with discomfort. Why had he blurted that out?

  “No, Angelo.” Her voice came out lower.

  “Would you tell me if he did?”

  What the fuck was wrong with him? Why not call her a straight up liar?

  She picked up the napkin and wiped her mouth. “Don’t do this.” She placed her hands on her lap. “This is a wonderful meal, and I want to enjoy it with you. Not talk about that.”

  “Okay.”

  “The situation already stresses me out. When I’m with you, that’s the last thing I want to think about.”

  His jaw tightened. “Got it.”

  “How was the day with your family?” she asked with a smile.

  She steered the conversation back to him because she was uncomfortable about that discussion. He was picking up on her quirks and that was a Catherine Boudreaux standard.

  “We ate a big lunch, we gave each other shit about stupid things, you know—our usual.”

  She laughed. Once they were finished, she covered her stomach. “That was delicious, Angelo. Thank you.”

  A strange heated tingle spread throughout him. “I’m glad you liked it.”

  “I’m so full. Want to head out for a walk?”

  “Sure.” It would be good to get out of her house where he wouldn’t be tempted to take her on the couch. Or the rug. Or her bed. Or the counter—again.

  “Where are we headed?” he asked.

  “Just around the neighborhood. Thought we’d get outside and get some fresh air, rather than keeping you cooped up in my place your entire leave.”

  He grinned. “I’ve been quite content to be holed up with you and all your womanly wiles.”

  “And you and all your manly—” she glanced down at his lower body and then returned her gaze to his face with a naughty look. “—cooking.”

  He laughed. “Is that the only reason you enjoy having me around?” He pulled her into his arms and glanced down at her. “My cooking skills?”

  She tilted her head. “You might have a few other skills I appreciate as well.”

  He cupped her ass and squeezed. “I might try to figure out what you appreciate about me most.”

  “Later.” With a raised brow she added, “Definitely later.” She moved out of his embrace and grabbed his hand. “Come on. Let’s head out.”

  As they walked out of her neighborhood, he didn’t release her hand. She didn’t pull it away either, a good sign. Funny, he wasn’t much of a hand holder. It was something he associated with old married couples, not young lovers. But Cate complicated his attempt at maintaining a distance. She was different. Like a close friend, but with killer sexual attraction.

  Whatever it was, he liked it. It wasn’t just comfortable, it felt right.

  He scanned the environment for anything off. It was a habit to search for threats and entrance and exit routes. This residential area where she lived seemed quiet and sleepy, not dangerous like some of the urban environments he’d been in. It was full of townhouses and multi-family homes, many with pristine landscaping and gardens. But for this guy who sounded like a stalker, it provided many concealed spaces for him to hide.

  All appeared quiet. Shit, he had to relax with the overprotectiveness.

  They turned onto a main road full of commercial buildings and walked by numerous stores and restaurants. The mouth-watering aromas would have called to him had they not just eaten. The flashing lights of a venue with video games lured him over.

  He pointed. “We have to go in here.”

  She laughed. “What are you, ten?”

  “Trust me, it’s fun. It’s a different feel from staying in a room by yourself playing a video game, staring at your computer or TV. You get the energy from everyone around you.”

  “It’s your time off.” She gave him a smile that melted him. “You can spend it however you like.”

  “Nice.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’ll kick your butt in some old-school arcade games.” When he playfully swatted her rear, she yelped.

  “Game on,” she affirmed.

  Her spirited expression with a gleam in her eyes reminded him of her competitive streak in high school—academically. She didn’t care about sports, but when it came to math or science competitions, she was fierce.

  Catherine raised her index finger. “But no, I’m not going up against you in any shooting games.” She planted her hands on her hips. “Not with a SEAL.”

  He laughed and put his arm around her shoulder. “I’ll win you a stuffed bunny or something.”

  They spent the next hour navigating through people and machines, surrounded by colorful lights and the excited beeps of the arcade. Scents of buttery popcorn and fried food wafted around them. Angelo not only won her a stuffed bunny, he accumulated a roll of tickets from video games and skee ball. She earned a fair share, as well.

  “Do you want these?” He held up his tickets.

  “No, I don’t need anything else.”

  He scanned the people around them looking for kids. A boy and girl who appeared to be in elementary school were counting their tickets while looking at the prizes they could redeem them for that were behind the glass counter.

  “Here are some more for you to share.” He offered his stash.

  They stared at them as if he’d offered him a treasure box full of toys and candy. After thanking him, they gushed over their expanded prize options.

  Catherine tapped his arm as they walked away from the kids. “That was nice of you. You could have claimed a few hundred Tootsie Rolls for yourself.”

  He flashed her a one-sided grin. “It was tough to give them up.” When he spotted the air hockey table, he turned to her and said, “You have to play this with me.”

  She laughed. “You’re like a kid in here, rather than a big, tough SEAL. It’s good to see you having fun.”

  He arched a brow. “Maybe it’s not just the arcade, but the company.” It was the truth. He enjoyed spending time with her. Hell, he’d be content if they were still at her place, sitting on her couch. Sure, he’d probably find another way to play with her, most likely slipping his hands under her shirt and in between her legs.

  “Hold on, let me give my tickets away too,” she said. “Where’s a kid who doesn’t have any?”

  As she scanned the kids, he watched her. That was thoughtful for her to think that way. Sure, maybe a part of him had been trying to impress her. He was acting like a big goofball in the arcade, winning her prizes and showing off his rifle skills in the old saloon, which of course he nailed just about every shot. He would have given the tickets to kids even if she wasn’t there, but definitely basked in the appreciative glint.

  A young girl with glasses and her brown hair pulled into a ponytail stood behind two older boys who were playing a video game. Although they had stacks of tickets, she had only a handful and tried to peer in. Were they her older brothers? They appeared to be in middle school and laughed and commented to each other as they played the game but ignored her.

  Catherine walked over to the girl. “I have these tickets that I’m not going to use and I’m wondering if you’d like them?”

  The girl’s eyes widened. “Yes.” She accepted with an eager nod and said, “Thanks.” Her gaze drifted to the fluffy white bunny in Cate’s other arm. “Wow, did you win that?”

  “No, he did.” Cate nodded toward Angelo.

  “Wow,” the girl repeated.

  Cate turned over her shoulder. Somehow, she asked the question without saying the words. He nodded.

  “I don’t have a good place to put it.” She handed the bunny to the little girl. “Would you be able to give it a good home?”

  The girl nodded with eagerness. “Thank you.” She hugged it to her chest. Then she trotted over to her brothers r
aising her hands to show her prize and all her tickets.

  “Did you win all those?” one asked her.

  The girl grinned and glanced back at Cate.

  When she walked back to Angelo, he slung his arm over her shoulder. “You one-upped me with the bunny,” he teased.

  She shrugged and then smiled. “I couldn’t help it. It made her so happy.” She furrowed her brows. “Sorry I gave your gift away.”

  He laughed. “That’s okay. I’ll win something else for you another time.”

  A heavy weight of sadness passed through him, blocking his happiness. Since he was shipping out soon, if or when he’d have another opportunity wasn’t a certainty. He lived in the moment with Cate, enjoying their limited time. He wasn’t going to ruin it by brooding.

  Back at the air hockey table, he raised the puck. “It’s on.”

  She giggled. “That’s some cutting smack talk.”

  He moved into position and grinned. “Don’t need verbal sparring. I’ll let my skills speak for themselves.”

  After losing three games, she conceded, “Fine, you kicked my ass. Are you good at everything?”

  He shook his head. “Of course not.”

  “But, kind of. Football captain, Honor Roll, SEAL—and now, supreme air hockey challenger.” With a sly grin, she added, “My competitive side isn’t going to take this loss well.”

  “Can I soften the blow with a drink?”

  She replied with an arched brow. “Yes, there’s a pub nearby.”

  Twenty minutes later, they each had a cold ale in front of them as they sat at a high-top table in an Irish pub. Compared to the lively arcade, the dark-paneled bar was subdued. The din of conversation surrounded them.

  “You keep staring at the pool tables,” Angelo pointed out. “Do you want to play?”

  “I do.” She tilted her head. “Do you play?”

  “Sure.”

  Both tables were occupied. He motioned to the dart board. “We can play darts instead.”