“What about Caleb?” Brynna asks Matt. “Was he always the strong silent type?”
“No,” Matt replies, watching his brother thoughtfully. “That happened after the first year or so with the SEALs.”
“You were a SEAL?” I ask, my eyes wide. Holy shit, that explains his hot body.
“Yeah.” Caleb concentrates on his beer bottle.
“Thank you for your service,” I reply softly and smile when his eyes find mine. “My dad was Army. He was in Viet Nam.”
Caleb nods and meets Matt’s gaze. Something unsaid passes between them, and then Matt’s phone rings.
“Fuck, it’s Asher.” He puts the phone to his ear. “Yeah.”
“I hope he doesn’t have to leave,” Brynna murmurs.
“This can’t wait until tomorrow morning? He’s not going anywhere,” Matt mutters and then curses and pushes his hand through his hair, a sure sign of frustration. “Okay, I’ll be there in a bit.”
He clicks off and shoves his phone in his pocket, then looks at me apologetically. “I guess it’s good we brought separate cars. I have to go in to work.”
“Okay.” I lift a shoulder, as though it’s no big deal and try not to be disappointed. This is his job.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s your job, Matt. It’s fine.”
“Give us a moment,” Matt murmurs to Caleb and Bryn, kissing Bryn’s cheek before he takes my hand, leading me into the house. “Thanks for dinner. I’ll call you tomorrow, man.”
Once in the kitchen, Matt pulls me into his arms and kisses me senseless. His fingers dive into my hair, and he holds on almost desperately as he devours my mouth, as though he’s branding me.
Finally, he pulls away, breathless. His blue eyes are bright with lust.
“This is not how I planned to spend the night,” he informs me. “I was very much looking forward to taking you home and losing myself in you for a few hours.”
I swallow hard and then smile bravely. “Rain check.”
“I’m sorry,” he repeats.
“Matt, this is just how it is. You’re a cop. I’m proud of you. Go do your job.”
He sighs and hugs me close, rocking back and forth for a moment before planting his lips on my forehead and taking a deep breath.
“I’ll call you later,” he murmurs.
“Sounds good.”
He kisses me once more and then heads out to his car.
“I should probably go, too,” I announce when I walk back out onto the deck.
“Can I have a word with you before you go?” Brynna asks.
“Of course,” I reply and reclaim my chair.
“Do you mind if I stay?” Caleb asks.
I look between their faces, both sober and serious, and I start to feel very nervous. This is where they tell me I’m not good enough for him.
“I don’t mind,” I reply softly.
“I just have to offer you a little advice,” Brynna informs me. “I was married to a cop. The twins’ biological dad,” she adds at my look of surprise. “It’s not easy, Nic. Don’t ask him to choose between you and his job. Neither choice would make him happy.”
“I would never do that,” I reply with a scowl. “And the fact that you’d say that says that you don’t think very highly of me.”
“That’s not true,” Brynna disagrees with a shake of her head. “I’m just warning you that cops aren’t easy to be involved with. And, honestly, I’m not trying to sound like a bitch, which I just realized, I kind of am. Matt is one of the best men I’ve ever known. He’s done a lot for my family, Nic. Including knocking some sense into this one.” She points at Caleb with her thumb and offers me a small smile. “I love him. I just don’t want him to get hurt.”
“He’ll never make you think that you take a back seat to the job,” Caleb adds.
“I have no complaints about Matt’s job,” I reply honestly. “I’m proud of him. He’s a good cop. I know it’s demanding, and I’m sure there will be times that it’s damn inconvenient, but it is what it is.”
I shrug, and both Brynna and Caleb seem to visibly relax.
“I like you,” Caleb comments. “I think you’re very good for my brother.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I hope you’re right.”
***
I can’t stop thinking about him. I lay my e-reader on the end table and rub my eyes with the pads of my fingers.
I have no idea how long I’ve been staring at the same paragraph, thinking about Matt. I haven’t heard from him yet, but that doesn’t surprise me. If he got called in, he’s busy.
How is it that I miss having him here in my bed with me and we’ve only been seeing each other for such a short time? Maybe he’d read to me, or watch a movie.
Or make love.
My body flares at the thought, and I shift my hips, rubbing my legs together, trying to ease the ache between them.
I want him.
Finally, I pick up my phone and send him a text.
Please get out of my head. I’m trying to sleep.
I watch the phone intently for several minutes, and finally he responds.
You’re always in my head. Are you okay?
I grin and begin to type.
Yes, I’m fine. Miss u. Wish u were here. I’m naked.
I giggle and roll onto my belly, waiting impatiently for his response.