The SEAL's Valentine (Operation: Family) (10 page)

Setting his sweating glass of ice water to the patio table, he sighed. “I’ve been busy.”

“Making plans to visit Jack?”

“And other things.” They used to share such an easy camaraderie. What changed? Why did it matter?

“You’ve done so much for my small family. Is there anything we can do for you?”

On his feet, he paced. “It’s no secret this town is brimming with matchmakers. I miss talking with you, too. But the last thing I want is for you—or your nosy neighbor—to get the wrong idea.”

“Is that all?” She bit her lip not to laugh. “Are you afraid of ruining my reputation or the other way around?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Sure. Vivian never fails to remind me how spectacular a male specimen you are...” The moment the words left her mouth, Brynn felt her cheeks heat.

As if he knew exactly how good his body was, he looked away and chuckled.

“Regardless, aside from Georgia and your mom, you’re the first real friend I’ve made in this town and I don’t want to lose you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” But he was. Sooner than she’d like, he’d return to his Virginia Beach base. Then where would she be? Save for her children, once again alone. Which is what she thought she’d wanted. Now she wasn’t sure. Raising one child on her own was tough enough. Two? Most nights she all but collapsed into bed, only to wake a few hours later to feed Mackenzie. But was surrendering herself to a man once again truly the answer? Besides which, Tristan had never even shown so much as an interest in kissing her, so why had these crazy thoughts taken hold now?

“Mom?” Cayden shouted from the fort.

“What, sweetie?” Tristan’s gaze never left hers.

“Can I spend the night at Dom’s? He called his mom on his cell and she says it’s okay.”

“Crazy, isn’t it?” Tristan said. “Kids his age having their own phones.”

“Mom? Can I go?”

“Sure, but be home early. Mackenzie has a doctor’s appointment in the morning.” Why, when her son and his best friend took off laughing down the block, was she suddenly jubilant, too?

“I should get going.” Tristan gathered his glass and the napkin his cookies had been on.

“No.” She took the items from him, in the process, grazing her fingers against his. The electricity was as undeniable as it was unwanted and unbelievably pleasurable.

“No?”
Eyebrows raised, he blasted her again with his sexy-slow grin.

“Stay. Let’s watch a movie or load Mackenzie into her stroller and take a walk.”
I just don’t want to be alone.

“Sure.” He hadn’t budged and neither had she. The continued contact shimmered through her in delicious waves. “Although you do know when I’m not back at my mother’s by eight, rumors are going to fly?”

She laughed. “Trust me, I’ve faced worse.”

“That you have.” Had she imagined it, or did he deliberately brush his thumb against hers? In the process, igniting cravings for more tantalizing complications than Brynn was equipped to handle.

Chapter Ten

What’re you doing, man?

Tristan followed Brynn into the house, telling himself he wasn’t checking out her new and improved behind. While she may have lost her baby bump, she’d kept the best of her curves. For all the denying he’d done regarding his attraction for Brynn, he struggled with the truth that had he met her under different circumstances, he might’ve made a play for her affections. But he’d had his shot at the whole family thing and blown it. She deserved more than he’d ever be able to give.

“Hungry for more than cookies?” she asked, looking far too pretty in faded cutoffs and a pink tank that accentuated full breasts. With her hair in braids, she looked fresh from his every naughty farm-girl fantasy.

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I really should get going.”

“What’s wrong?” she asked, voice raspy with what he could only guess was the same confusion dogging him. “You used to be the only person I could talk to—about anything. But ever since I had Mackenzie, you’ve been distant.”

“Sorry.” He drew out a chair at the kitchen table, turning it backward to sit astride, resting his arms on the railed top. “Truth is, with the baby, I feel awkward being around you. Like you’re some kind of saint someone like me has no business being around.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Hands over her face, she shook her head.

“Hear me out. I’m getting antsy to get back on base. Meanwhile, you’re getting more firmly entrenched here in Ruin Bayou. The two of us...” He shrugged.

“We can’t be friends? Because that’s all I’m asking for.”

He cocked his head. “Really?”

Everything about her flirty stance, from her full, pouty lips to her heightened color, told him she was a woman amenable to being kissed. Lord help him, but Tristan was up for the job. But Brynn was hardly the one-night-stand kind of girl he dallied with back in Virginia Beach. They knew up front he was only interested in fun and were okay with it. He suspected Brynn, on the other hand, didn’t have a clue what she genuinely wanted—especially in regard to him.

“Of course.” Hands on her hips, she snapped, “What? You think I asked you in for a booty call?”

“No.”
Yes.
Was he so rusty with the fairer sex that he’d totally misread her?

From over the baby monitor, Mackenzie cried.

Brynn said, “Be right back.”

“I’ll come with.”

“Suit yourself.” Miffed? Although why she’d be upset with him, he wouldn’t know.

In the nursery, sweet reminiscences did him in. At this age, didn’t matter if the child was a boy or girl, visceral memories raised an instant knot in his throat. The scents of pink lotion and powder and baby shampoo. His time with Jack had been so fleeting, he’d cherished every bath and even diaper changes.

“What’s up, pumpkin?” Lifting her baby from the crib and into her arms, Brynn’s voice had grown intoxicatingly soft. “Hungry?”

Tristan found Brynn and the infant mesmerizing, especially so when Brynn settled into a rocker, tossing a fuzzy pink blanket over her shoulder to provide modesty while feeding Mackenzie.

He used to love watching Andrea feed Jack. When he’d been home, he’d stayed up with her late at night. Sometimes watching TV, sometimes quietly talking. Had Brynn shared the same memories with Mack? For reasons Tristan couldn’t fathom, he didn’t want to know.

Picturing Brynn with another man brought on an irrational jealous streak he had no right to feel, but it was there all the same.

When Brynn had finished, she changed the baby’s diaper.

Before tucking Mackenzie back in her bed, Tristan asked, “Mind if I hold her a minute?”

Wordlessly, Brynn passed the infant into his arms.

Cradling Mackenzie to his chest, nuzzling the underside of his chin to her downy hair, he closed his eyes, breathing in her sweet, clean scent. Again, he was struck with an almost painful rush of emotions. He’d missed so much with his son. Great gulps of time he’d never get back. The worst part was, now that he realized the error of his actions, it was too late. Short of moving to California—out of the question unless he gave up the only life he knew as a SEAL.

Eyes welling, he swallowed hard, passing the sleeping baby to her mom. “Sh-she’s gorgeous. You did good.”

“Thanks.” Once Mackenzie drifted off to sleep, they tiptoed from the room.

“Wow...” In the upstairs hall with the nursery door closed, Tristan leaned against the wall, bracing his hands on his knees.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” He reinforced his lie with a firm nod. “I’m good. Guess I wasn’t prepared for the kinds of memories holding sleepy Mackenzie would evoke.”

“You held her at the hospital and seemed fine.” Brynn ran her hand in warm, comforting strokes up his arm.

“That was different. This felt more like home. More intimate, you know?”

Nodding, she said, “I used to hate it when Mack was on the road when Cayden was this little. While in my head, I understand there are times a man—or woman—can’t be with his or her child, in my heart, I don’t like it. Cayden hated when his father was gone.”

“How’s he doing with Mackenzie? Any better?”

Brynn slid down the wall, sitting cross-legged alongside him. “I don’t know. When he’s with you or Coach Jason or his friends, he’s a totally different boy than when he’s with me.”

“Still sullen? Resenting his sister?”

“Yep. He’s got some crazy idea in his head that just because she’s here, I love him less.”

Tristan took a moment to mull that over. “Kids are weird. Strange things go through their heads—at least I know that was the case with me.” He laughed. “He’ll be all right. Just give him time.” The advice was easy enough to give, but so far, what had time done for Tristan other than leave him infinitely more confused?

* * *

“
T
HIS
IS
DELICIOUS
.
” G
EORGIA
tagged along with Brynn to Cayden’s Saturday afternoon game. “Can’t remember the last time I’ve had a hot dog.”

“Save room for dessert,” Brynn advised. “Cotton candy’s the best.”

Georgia nodded, smiling through her latest bite.

The weatherman and gray skies forecasted rain, but so far, it’d held off. Though the humidity was off the charts, at least they didn’t also have to contend with blazing sun.

While her son looked adorable in his uniform, Tristan looked—whew, Brynn fanned herself with a magazine she’d found in her purse. His red Mud Bug jersey clung to him in all the right places and she appreciated both coaches following the tradition of wearing team uniforms. Nothing accentuated the male derriere quite like a pair of booty-hugging baseball pants.

“Did I miss anything?” Out of breath, Donna sat on the bleachers next to Brynn. Vivian hung with a group of team moms a little farther down. Mackenzie lounged in her carrier beside Georgia.

“Not yet,” Brynn said. “Cayden’s next up to bat. I swear if my heart beats any harder, I’ll need CPR.”

“Let’s not go there,” Donna urged. “I finally got to the doctor yesterday and he still wants me to lower my cholesterol.”

“How’s your weight?” Georgia asked. “I think you look great.”

“Thanks.” Donna blasted them with a smile. “I’m down twenty-two pounds, but the doc wants thirty more. Personally, I think I’m in more danger from starving to death than heart issues.”

“Don’t quit,” Brynn said, surprising herself by giving the woman a spontaneous hug. “I’d like to keep you around a lot longer.”

“Aw, you’re a sweetheart—which must be why my boy stayed at your house till after midnight last night?” She winked.

Brynn turned ten shades of pink.

Georgia snapped, “Donna Bartoni, I told you not to bring that up. Now Brynn’s going to think I’m a snoop.”

“Which you are,” Brynn interjected.

“Sorry,” Donna said without looking the least bit apologetic. “It’s not exactly a secret I think Brynn and my son would make an adorable family. I’m excited to see progress is finally being made.” To Brynn, she asked, “So? I’m assuming at some point during the night you two finally got around to kissing?”

Mouth clamped tight, Brynn covered her flaming face with her hands. Even worse than Donna’s questioning was the fact that no, she hadn’t gotten a kiss. Though she’d shamefully very much wanted one!

Georgia finished her hot dog and started on a bag of chips. “I’m taking all that silent blushing as a positive sign.”

“Both of you hush,” Brynn begged. “It’s finally Cayden’s turn to bat.” Pulse hammering, barely able to breathe, she clenched her hands, praying he at least touched the ball with his bat.

“He’ll do fine.” Donna patted her leg. “Tristan says he’s already come a long way.”

“Strike one!” the ump called when Cayden missed his first pitch.

Brynn crossed her fingers and couldn’t stop jiggling her right leg. “Come on, Cayden! You can do it!”

“Strike two!”

“Lord have mercy,” Georgia muttered. “Come on, Cayden!”

On the third pitch, Cayden hit the ball so beautifully, it seemed to sail right on into the next county, and then...plopped right into an outfielder’s mitt.

“Out!”

Though Cayden had made it to first base, he was now trudging back to the dugout. Tristan jogged his way, putting his arm around the boy’s shoulders, saying something supportive that had her son nodding and almost smiling. If there was anything Tristan could do to make her like him even more, restoring her son’s happiness topped her list.

* * *

M
ONDAY
MORNING
, T
RISTAN
LED
his mom down the fresh fruits and vegetables aisle. “If you’re bored with carrots, try jicama.”

“Who said I’m bored with anything—other than how long it’s taking you to get a romance brewing with Brynn?”

He sighed. “Not only am I damaged goods, but she has no interest.”

She smacked his behind. “Don’t you
ever
say that about yourself again. True, you were gone an awful lot from Andrea and Jack, but it wasn’t like you could tell your commanding officer you didn’t want to go. As for Brynn having no interest—ha! You should’ve seen her checking out your buns at the ballpark.”

“Mom!” He looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening. The more he was with Brynn, the more he found in her to like. But that didn’t mean he was ready to take things further. “Give it a rest. Brynn and I are
just
friends.”

She grabbed a tub of cherry tomatoes. “Then why were you at her house till midnight?”

“The embarrassing truth? We got to playing one of Cayden’s video games and she beat the pants off me.”

Donna raised her eyebrows. “So pants
were
off?”

Tristan shook his head.

* * *

H
AVING
DROPPED
C
AYDEN
AT
HIS
team practice, Thursday afternoon Brynn balanced her checkbook to find her account total less than thrilling. Supposedly the assets she and Mack had shared were unfrozen, but she didn’t trust the money was hers. As for the St. Louis house, she’d already contacted a Realtor about selling it. If there was anything the past year had taught her, it was to be more self-reliant.

“Want to help Mommy find a job?” she asked in a sing-song voice to Mackenzie.

The baby made an adorable gurgling coo.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Seated with Mackenzie on the sofa, Brynn searched the
Ruin Bayou Gazette
for jobs. There were a few commission-only sales positions that held zero appeal, an opening for a new high school guidance counselor and a part-time position working at Morgan Hill Nursery. “You know, pumpkin, that sounds like something I might actually be qualified for. Only I’m not sure what to do with you.”

Mackenzie just stared at her.

“It’s a small place. Think they’d let me bring you? I could carry you around in one of those baby backpacks. We could have fun. Be like mommy and baby kangaroos.”

Through the open windows came the sound of Tristan’s truck crunching on the gravel drive. How sad was it that she not only recognized the specific sound of his vehicle, but her heart raced every time he brought Cayden home.

When two sets of footsteps clomped across the front porch, Brynn fluffed her hair. Just because she and Tristan were only friends, didn’t mean she couldn’t look her best.

“Mom! Mom!” Cayden threw open the screen door. “I made a homerun!”

“That’s awesome!” On her feet, she held Mackenzie on her hip while hugging him. “Tell me everything.”

“Well, since it was only practice, Frank was pitching, and I just tried real hard to remember everything Coach Tristan taught me, and then
bam!
I hit it really, really hard and the ball went so far into the swamp, we couldn’t find it and had to get a new one.”

“Whoa...that’s pretty cool.” She looked over her son to Tristan, who’d helped make this miracle possible and mouthed,
Thank you.

He mouthed back,
You’re welcome.

Maybe she was caught up in the fun of the moment, but she felt his words as clearly as if he’d whispered them in her ear. She imagined his breath, warm on her neck, and despite the day’s heat she shivered. Something about the silent exchange struck her as intimate. And good. And she never wanted the feeling to end. “We should totally celebrate. Cayden, think we should invite Coach Tristan for a night of minigolf?”

“Yeah!” Her son jumped up and down. “
Pleeease,
Tristan! It’ll be fun!”

All the excitement must’ve spooked Mackenzie, as she started to cry.

Cayden shot her a dirty look. “Stupid baby! Why you gotta ruin everything?”

“Hey,” Tristan warned. “Not cool.”

“Apologize,” Brynn said.

“Why?” he sassed. “It’s not like she’s even smart enough to know what anyone says.”

Pointing up the stairs, Brynn said, “Go to your room.”

“But I thought we were playing minigolf?”

“All you’re going to do is think about improving your attitude.”

With Cayden in his room, having slammed his door behind him, Brynn finally exhaled.