Matty: A Navy SEAL Romance Read online

  She opened it and gaped at Matty on her threshold, his muscular body filling up the space. His eyes twinkled as he glanced down at her. All her self-talk vanished. She attempted to say hi, but her voice got caught in her throat and came out as a strangled gasp.

  He straightened his posture and pumped his chest out. “Reporting for duty to escort you to your place of employment.”

  She cleared her throat. “Hi.”

  What a profound statement. She suppressed a groan.

  The mischievous grin that followed was pure Matty—the same guy who had teased her when they were younger.

  Her lips tugged into a smile. “This is weird, don’t you think?”

  “It sure is.” His eyes glimmered with excitement and he extended his arm out to her. “But, we made a plan and we have to carry it through. Or else, Derek is gonna hop back on a plane from Japan and give us hell.”

  “Uh huh.” She groaned. “True. For someone who has been living on the other side of the world for half a decade, he sure can be protective.”

  “Of course. He’s your big brother. I’m the youngest and see that protective streak all the time with Angelo; he’s always trying to take care of us, even though we’re adults now.” He cocked his head with a half-nod. “I’m guessing it’s different if you have a little sister.”

  “The blight of being in that role.” She chuckled. “Someone is always trying to baby me. Whether it’s our parents or him. Does that happen to you?” She grimaced. “Er, being the youngest, I mean. Not the little sister.”

  He chuckled. “Sure does. My mother always says no matter how big I am—no matter that I’m a SEAL and taller than my brothers—I’ll always be her baby. But, I have to admit—I like it. When you’re gone from home for so long, it’s good to know that someone in the world cares about you. Know what I mean?”

  She caught his gaze and nodded in silent agreement. When she’d married Roberto, she thought that their love was unconditional. She was wrong. “I do.”

  He extended his arm out to the side. “Why don’t you hook your arm through mine and we’ll start the playbook.”

  “Playbook?” She arched a brow. “Is this a game?”

  “In a way. Or a performance.”

  “And I thought you couldn’t act,” she teased.

  He waggled his brows. “I’m up for any challenge.”

  A sensual challenge came to mind. Her cheeks burned.

  What a difference from his reaction on Saturday night when they’d concocted this half-assed plan. Matty appeared like he might actually enjoy himself. But, then he’d always been lighthearted with an exuberant vibe that was part of his charm.

  “Now are you going to take my arm or am I going to stand here like a coat rack?”

  She giggled. “No, I won’t leave you hanging.” She grabbed her coat and purse, locked her door, and hooked her arm through his. Heat swirled where they touched.

  It’s only pretend. It’s only pretend.

  As they walked down the tree-lined sidewalk away from her apartment, flutters of excitement bubbled through her. Here she was walking with the guy she’d crushed on hard once upon a time. How many fantasies had she had like this when they were teens? How many variations of them going to the prom together?

  That hadn’t happened. He went to his prom with some stick-figure blonde cheerleader, and he was long gone by the time Jenna’s prom came around. It was just a fantasy.

  And this was just an act, so she had to ignore any comparisons to the past. What Matty was doing here now was a favor to her brother. She meant nothing to him. Nothing at all.

  He led them to a blue Subaru and opened the passenger door for her.

  “Nice car.”

  “Just a rental. I need to get my own eventually.”

  After he climbed into the driver’s seat, she asked, “Why did you go for a rental when you’re living here now?”

  “It takes time to start your life over. Lots of decisions to make.”

  “Oh, right. I can relate to that—well, starting over. I was in a much different scenario.”

  He glanced at her and started the car. “After the divorce?”

  She pursed her lips. “Right.” She clasped her hands together. That period had been the most difficult time in her life. No, that had been a turning point for the better. A new start. The worst part was her marriage unraveling and the long, slow journey of accepting that it was too damaged to be fixed.

  Matty put the car in drive and they headed along the back streets of Newport to the vet’s office. He didn’t ask any follow-up questions about her divorce to which she was relieved. She didn’t want to ruminate on that hellish period.

  “How are you adjusting?” she asked.

  He stiffened beside her. Was her question too intrusive?

  She faced him. “Forget I asked. It’s far too personal.”

  “It’s not that. I’m just thinking about what you said. Angelo and I were talking about this recently.” He ran a hand over his beard. “It’s strange, but playing the role of your boyfriend kind of helps.”

  She furrowed her brows. “How so?”

  “Because I’d spent the past nine years having something to do and someone telling me what to do. This is the first time that I’ve been on my own. A part of me loves it, but the other part…” He shrugged. “I’m a little lost.”

  His words tugged at her. She had so many questions about what his life had been like, where he’d been, and what he’d done, but didn’t want to pry. “Is there any comfort in being back here?”

  “Yes and no. It’s familiar, but different. That’s probably just me.”

  Her curiosity got the best of her. "What made you decide to leave the Navy?”

  He clenched his jaw. His beard masked much of the movement, but she caught it.

  “Circumstances.”

  That one-word answer didn’t reveal much, spiking her curiosity, but his curt tone didn’t invite a follow-up question about it.

  “Oh.” She smoothed her hands over her lap. “Do you plan to stay in Newport?”

  “I’ve given myself a month to figure that out.”

  She stared at his profile. The slight bump on his nose gave him more character and somehow fit with his strong warrior presence. “You look good, Matty. And you seem—so grown-up.”

  He flashed her a knowing grin. “I could say the same thing about you.”

  “Yeah.” She waved her hand. “I’m not a kid anymore.”

  He glanced at her, all signs of that grin gone, replaced by a more intense look. “Don’t I know it.”

  Matty pulled over to the curb and parked in front of the vet clinic with the burgundy awning over the wide glass windows. He climbed out of the car and scanned the area, no doubt searching for any signs of her ex.

  She grinned. “Looks like you’re a pro. You must have done this before.”

  “Not quite in this way.” He walked toward the sidewalk.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Walking in with you.”

  She stared, flabbergasted. “I don’t need you to escort me in.”

  “Better to be safe.”

  “But still. The door is right there.” She motioned toward the glass door beneath the maroon awning. “This isn’t Iraq or Afghanistan or Syria--or wherever you’ve been.”

  “I’ve been to all those places.” His gaze slowly returned to hers.

  When he caught her eyes, she swallowed. “I’ll be fine walking in on my own.”

  He pulled his lips into a tight line. “Okay.”

  “Thanks, Matty. I’ll see you later.”

  He bent down and kissed her cheek. For some insane reason, she turned to meet his lips, which turned into an awkward mashing of her face against his as he pulled away. Heat engulfed her as she realized her mistake.

  His brows furrowed and expression turned perplexed. He then nodded and leaned in. “Ah, yes, good idea. We’ll have to figure out how we want to play our roles.”

>   After he turned and headed back to the car, she resisted putting her hand over the warmth on her cheek where his lips touched.

  It’s just pretend.

  Chapter 5

  “Who’s that hottie?” Sophie looked up from a file and asked after Jenna entered.

  “Just an old family friend.” Jenna removed her coat and hung it on the rack and then smiled when she remembered Matty’s reference to hanging like one when he picked her up.

  Sophie raised her perfectly shaped brows. “You seemed to look quite dazzled by that goodbye kiss.”

  “Err…” Jenna’s cheeks still burned as she walked over the front desk. Had Matty noticed as well? Jeez, she may not be the best at hiding her emotions. They spilled onto her face like a flashing neon sign. No point in hiding what they were doing. “There’s a story involved.”

  “Ooh.” Sophie’s dark eyes sparkled with excitement. “I love a good story.”

  “Let me grab a coffee first.” Jenna headed to the machine and fixed herself a hazelnut blend with plenty of cream and sugar. “Okay, here goes.” She revealed everything, from the crush she’d had on Matty when she was young to how he was pretending to be her boyfriend now to scare Roberto off.

  Sophie listened with keen interest, asking questions when Jenna rushed through. “Do you still have feelings for him?”

  “No!” Jenna answered too quickly.

  “Jenna…” Sophie prodded.

  Jenna shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s confusing. I just ran into him again after so many years. We’ve each grown up and don’t know anything about our lives during all that time. How do you untangle what’s real and what’s just clinging to the past?”

  Sophie nodded with a thoughtful look. “I guess you wait and see.”

  Matty

  In Matty’s old bedroom, now a guest room, at his parents’ house, he searched for more information on Jenna’s ex online. Picture after picture, Roberto’s cold or smug expression confirmed the impression that he was a prick. Of course Matty was biased, but still.

  He didn’t find an arrest record, but that didn’t mean her ex was clean. He had money for sure from his expensive style and mentions tying him to business acquisitions and enterprises.

  On a deeper dive, Matty found photos linking the prick to reputed members of the mafia in Providence. Shit. Matty leaned back in his chair. How strong were these connections? And what did that mean for Jenna? Would a guy like that ever let her go?

  He continued to dig, but found nothing of any significance.

  When his mother came home from work, she knocked on the door and entered. “You going to be here for dinner?”

  “Not tonight, Ma, I have plans.”

  She nodded, but didn’t push him on what they were. She looked tired. He could see it in her eyes.

  “Tough day at work?” he asked.

  She nodded. “One of my longer days.” She exhaled. “I’m glad your father is cooking dinner tonight as I just want to unwind in a bath with a book. Maybe watch some TV.”

  “That sounds good,” he noted. “Tomorrow, I’ll pick up something.”

  “I know this isn’t what you planned, but I’m happy that you’re home.” She smiled and left the room.

  Could he one day be happy about it too?

  That evening, he waited outside the vet clinic for Jenna to finish up work. He strode in a leisurely pace by the brick medical building next door. A few clouds partially occluded the sun, yet there was still plenty of light.

  A few minutes later, she walked out of the glass door of the clinic holding her pink pea coat. She paused, glanced around, and then put it on. His gaze lowered, raking over the sweet curves as her shirt stretched over her breasts. She tossed her shiny brown hair over her shoulders and his brain locked on the image, replaying it in slow-motion like in some movie with a teenage boy’s fantasy of his dream girl. When she caught his gaze, his body stilled, and his heart pounded with a sudden, erratic jolt.

  Act normal. He swallowed and forced his frozen muscles to move. He strode over to her, limbs sluggish as if he was now caught in the movie in his brain.

  When he finally reached her, he smiled. “How was work?”

  “Busy.” She tilted her head and beamed. “It’s kitten season.”

  “Can’t wait to hear all about it. Hungry?”

  “Oh yes.”

  It was strange to be alone with her after all this time, but it soon passed. While they walked, Jenna told him about the many kittens they’d immunized that day and her eyes lit up. Caught up in her stories, he almost forgot that this wasn’t just a casual outing. He found himself instinctively moving closer to her. Although it would fit the role he was playing, he had to keep himself in check.

  As they continued downtown, he scanned their surroundings for any signs of her ex, paying particular attention to the shadows near buildings and trees.

  After they entered the small Mexican restaurant with a great drink selection and vibrant, colorful décor, he inhaled the spicy fragrances. “Mmm, smells good in here.” His mouth watered. He told himself it was only for food.

  They were seated at a booth. Jenna pointed to the menu. “We should have come on Tuesday.”

  He read the specials. “Right, Taco Tuesday.” He leaned back in the booth. “Any day is a good day for tacos for me.”

  She nodded. “True. Can’t go wrong with tacos.”

  The server came by to take their order. Jenna ordered a mango margarita, and he ordered a cerveza with lime. Once they handed the menus back and the server walked away, Matty grew aware of her closeness across the red tile table with a colorful border.

  Jenna caught his stare again and a frisson of energy stirred inside him. Why did she have to look at him like that? Her eyes alone could capture him and render him speechless.

  He shifted in his seat and took a sip of ice water. “Tell me more about what you do at the clinic.”

  “It’s a pretty small operation since it’s only the veterinarian, Sophie, me, and another part-time assistant. We mostly see dogs and cats. I spend a lot of my time with clients, scheduling appointments and dealing with paperwork, but once I finish the veterinary technician program, I’ll be able to help out more with the animals.”

  Once again, she brightened as she told him about her work with animals, captivating him in the process.

  The server returned soon after with chips and salsa. “In case you didn’t see it, we’re having a stand-up comedy show at 8.”

  Matty addressed Jenna. “Sounds good to me. You’re not going to turn into a pumpkin at eight are you?”

  She laughed. “No, I think we’re safe.”

  “We have some board games you can bring to your table as well.” Their server pointed to a bookshelf with some options.

  Matty glanced over. “Uno,” he declared. “You in?”

  Jenna smiled. “Sure.”

  After tacos were delivered, they devoured them quickly.

  “The fish tacos are clearly the best,” she declared.

  “No way. Beef for the win.” He glanced at her nearly empty glass. “Up for another round?”

  After they ordered more drinks, Jenna said, “Now it’s your turn. Tell me more about what you’ve been up to these past years.”

  Matty exhaled from his nostrils and picked up the pepper shaker. “Not much else to tell. Military life isn’t that exciting.”

  “Come on now, that can’t be true.”

  He shrugged. “It has some intense moments.” He rubbed one eyebrow. “But that’s not something I want to talk about now.” He glanced around for a distraction and grabbed the box of Uno. “Not when we have the chance to play a game before the show starts.”

  She studied him for a moment as if onto his deflection, but didn’t call him out on it. He shuffled the cards and dealt. While they played, he livened up the game with dramatic narration, which he’d been doing since he was a kid.

  “She attempts to annihilate him in a wave of destruction w
ith Draw Twos. And then the killer blow he might never recover from—the dreaded Draw Four!”

  Jenna laughed at his cheesy descriptions, sometimes joining in. “I remember you used to do this when you played board games with Derek.”

  “Sometimes you’d join us.”

  Jenna grunted. “Thanks to you. Derek had enough of me in his hair growing up. He’d only let me play if you stuck up for me.” She tilted her head and smiled. “I probably never thanked you back then, so thank you.”

  Her look of appreciation did nothing to stifle his already heightened awareness of her. When she flipped the last card, he picked up the deck and shuffled. “I kept up the ridiculous narration in the Navy too. During downtime, we could usually find someone with a deck of cards.” He shrugged. “I tried to keep spirits up.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure they appreciated it. I always loved to listen.”

  Some just thought he was a joker who never took anything seriously. Of course he did. Life was as serious as shit. If you didn’t look for the brightness and humor, you could be swallowed by the darkness. That was something he’d been struggling with more since the blast.

  He put down the deck. "The last round may have been yours, my queen,” he announced in the same dramatic tone, “but prepare for slaughter.”

  The game kept them occupied, allowing him to avoid talking about his past, but it didn’t keep him from being distracted by her lips. When she took a sip of her margarita, which left a wet sheen on her lips, he stared for far too long. She snapped him out of it to remind him it was his turn.

  After she said Uno and then won putting down her final card, she declared, “Crown me the Queen of Mean!”

  He leaned forward, putting an imaginary crown on her head. Then he bowed forward three times, imitating Wayne’s World as he repeated, “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy.”

  An announcer walked onto the stage at the opposite end of the restaurant and announced the first comic. It took a few minutes for the twenty-something guy to get into his rhythm, but soon they were laughing with the rest of the crowd at his self-deprecating jokes.