SEAL's Sunshine - Lynne St Jame, page 5
part #2 of Black Eagle Series
Meghan sat her down at the kitchen table and then refilled her coffee mug. “Listen to me. I heard you last night, and no you’re not the only one with nightmares. I don’t like to admit it but it’s nothing to be ashamed about. You went through hell and came out the other side. Do you know how amazing that is?”
“I didn’t do anything. I just sat there until Cam and the team saved me.”
“No, you survived. You. Survived. That was fucking hard, I know just how hard.”
Chrissy sat across from Miranda and nodded her head with a solemn expression on her face. “It’s true. I’ve been through this with Meghan too. Have you been to counseling?”
“No. I guess I didn’t want to have to explain it to anyone else.”
“Damn, you and Meghan could be twins. But luckily Rafe made her go. Tell her, Meggy. You know it helped.”
“Yes, I have to admit, it did help. If you want, I’ll call Dr. Marsh and see if she can fit you in while you’re here. She’s wonderful.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it. I promise. If they guys don’t get back soon, then maybe.”
“Didn’t you check your phone yet? They’re on their way. Should be here in a few hours if my math is right.”
“Really?” Miranda couldn’t contain her excitement and trepidation. Their relationship was still so new, and she’d been making lots of decisions about her future, some of them based on a relationship with him. What if he didn’t want a long term relationship with her?
“Whatever you’re thinking, just stop,” Meghan said. “I hope you don’t play poker because everything you think shows up plain as day on your face.”
“Yeah, I know. I could never fool my parents.”
“What are you worried about?” Chrissy asked.
“Me. Cam. Us. I don’t know. We’ve had a half dozen dates, lots of phone calls and Skype calls, but I’m not the same girl he rescued or the one who was recovering the last time we were together. What if he doesn’t like this version of me?”
“Why wouldn’t he? You’re amazing?”
“No, I’m not. I’m just me, trying to find a way to help in this world.”
“And you can’t see yourself the way others do. You’re sweet, caring, and innocent of so much.”
“I’m not innocent. I may have been sheltered growing up…” Miranda ruffled at the words she’d heard most of her adult life.
“Maybe that was a poor choice, but you still believe in so much good. You’re not jaded by the reality of life like so many others. You’re a bright light in the darkness. I’m sure that’s what Cam sees.”
“Really? Because I don’t feel that way at all.”
Meghan hugged her again and looked into her eyes. “Don’t worry about Cam. He’s one of the good guys. If Halo loves him he has to be.”
“That’s true. Dogs are the best judge of character ever,” Chrissy said. “Maybe I need to get a dog.”
“You could have Ryan.” Miranda hadn’t meant to say that out loud. But when she’d come to the housewarming party for Meghan and Rafe, she’d seen the way the big SEAL had watched every move Chrissy had made. His eyes followed her everywhere.
“Didn’t we have this discussion last night? Were you two so drunk you don’t remember?”
“I remember, but I also know how he looks at you.”
Miranda nodded. “And when I was here for the one party, he watched you all night. He never took his eyes off of you.”
“You’re both crazy, or maybe just hungover and imagining this shit. He hasn’t said more than two words to me since I met him at the party.”
“Maybe he’s shy.” Miranda giggled as she said it. Shy? The big SEAL was the last person she’d call shy.
“He probably isn’t sure if you’re interested.”
“What am I supposed to do? Hang up a shingle? Sexy SEALs apply here?”
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you just said that,” Miranda snorted and almost spewed coffee across the table.
“See what I have to deal with? I hope you move here. We’ll be like the three musketeers.”
“That would be great. But first I have to get through the next trip and figure out what I can do for work.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something. You can always move in with me if you want,” Chrissy offered.
“Thank you. That’s so sweet of you. But I might be a horror to live with, you hardly know me.”
“I think we fixed most of that last night, Sunshine.”
“Where is this Sunshine coming from?”
“Oh, sorry. It’s what Cam calls you when he talks about you.”
“He calls me sunshine? And he talks about me?”
Meghan laughed. “Are you kidding? He doesn’t stop talking about you when he visits. Not so much around all the guys but definitely around Rafe. I think he feels like it’s something they have in common. Both having rescued their ‘girls’ from danger.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.”
“Yeah. Everything is ‘sunshine this and sunshine that’ until Rafe threatens to drown him in the ocean if he says your name one more time. He’s kidding of course. It’s so funny.”
“Wow. I had no idea. I was worried I was more a fling really. That if I was here all the time he’d feel pressured.”
“I can’t speak for him, but I bet if you tell him what you’re thinking he’ll be thrilled.”
“I’m so surprised.”
“I told you that you were amazing,” Chrissy said as she poured another cup of coffee.
“You guys weren’t kidding when you said you drank a lot of coffee,” Miranda commented as she watched Chrissy set up another pot to brew.
“Nope. We’re hardcore.” Meghan giggled. “Maybe we should come up with a team name and get tattoos. We can be the Coffee Crew or something?”
“I’m up for it. I might have to be drunk first though.”
“You’re not allowed to be drunk when you get one.”
“Says who?”
“The rules.”
“And when have I followed them, or you for that matter. Hell, Beyotch, you went to Afghanistan to rescue your brother from the Taliban on your own. If that’s not breaking the rules then I don’t know what is.”
Miranda had to agree with Chrissy’s assessment, but she wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of a tattoo. Maybe the idea would grow on her like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. She was coming into her real self.
“I’m going to grab my phone to see if Cam sent me a text. When I get back I’m going to make us something to eat before we float away on the coffee express.” Their laughter followed her down the hallway to her room.
There were several messages on her phone and not just from Cam. Her mother had called five times, texted three times, and sent email. She loved her, but dang it, she needed to start letting go. She’d always been over-protective but now it was crazy, and she felt stifled. It’s the main reason she’d been trying to figure out what she wanted.
Choosing to read Cam’s text messages first, she clicked on the first one.
Cam: We are almost back to the states. Can’t wait to see you.
Reading his words helped ease the worry that had been causing her stomach to do flip-flops. Not that she hadn’t believed Meghan, but she couldn’t help herself. She’d never felt about anyone the way she did with Cam.
Cam: We landed. Have to get clear then heading to Meghan’s.
Miranda: Can’t wait to see you. 😊
Not expecting him to answer, she’d clicked on the first of her mom’s text messages. But then his message popped up.
Cam: It won’t be long now.
Miranda: Yay.
Before she had a chance to do anything else, she heard the apartment door open and Meghan’s squeal as she yelled Rafe’s name. Her mother’s messages ignored, she dropped the phone on the bed and ran out of the room.
Chapter 6
“Remember, nothing about her father.”
“Fuck you, Rafe. I’m a SEAL, not your little brother. I know not to say anything.”
“Just a sanity check, okay.”
“Got it. Now leave it alone. Or I’ll have Halo take a bite out of your happy ass and we’ll see how Meghan likes that.”
Rafe laughed. Halo wouldn’t bite him no matter what Cam said, but Rafe didn’t know that for sure. He hid his smile as he watched Rafe glance in the rearview to check on Halo.
The last couple of miles dragged until his Sunshine answered his text messages. Rafe told him they’d had a girl’s night and would most likely have drunk a lot. It explained why she hadn’t answered his earlier texts right away.
Not being able to see her more often was hard, and then the deployment complicated matters even further. Somehow she’d wormed her way into his heart. At first, it was all about keeping her calm, getting her out of that cave without hurting her further. But her toughness had impressed him. No whining as they’d expected, and she’d earned their respect.
The more time he spent with her the more he wanted to spend. She was like a breath of fresh air in his life. A special operator saw the worst in the world, and she was his sunshine. But would she want to deal with the life he led?
“Stop worrying, kid. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t be at our place waiting for you.”
“I know. It’s just something her father said, that I’m playing out of my league.”
“Fuck him. He has no idea.”
“He might. He is ex-CIA.”
“They’re a bunch of pansy asses.”
“Don’t let Lynch hear you say that.”
“No shit, right? It doesn’t matter what her father thinks. She’s a grown woman.”
“A grown woman who still lives at home.”
“But you said it wasn’t her choice. Besides, she needed a place to recover. Right?”
“Take a breath. You’re a SEAL. You’ve got this.”
He’d better since Rafe pulled his truck into the parking space and turned off the ignition. “Ready?”
“Hell yeah. Halo.” Cam pulled the seat forward for the dog to get out. He looked just as excited to be home as they were.
As soon as Rafe’s key turned in the lock, they heard Meghan’s squeal. Then she flew into his arms when he opened the door.
“Get a room.”
Meghan pulled back from kissing Rafe and gave him a smile. “Well hello to you too, froggy. Nice to see you and Halo.”
Cam smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek while she was still in Rafe’s arms. “Thanks for taking care of Sunshine.”
“We had a blast. Rafe, you’d better put me down before Cam knocks us over to get to his woman.”
“It’s my house if I want to stand in the doorway kissing my woman, then I will.”
Cam laughed. He’d find a way to get him back for this, and payback was always a bitch.
When he finally pushed Rafe out of the way, he got his first look at the woman who’d filled his thoughts for the last three months. His Sunshine was standing in the kitchen doorway next to Chrissy. She was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her, and she took his breath away. Her wavy pale blonde hair looked like spun silk as it framed her face and his fingers itched to sift through the tresses.
Focused on his target, he strode across the living room and pulled Miranda into his arms. She was real, not a vision. Warm, soft, and finally his. “Hello, Sunshine.”
“Hey.” She sounded almost shy and a pang of worry sliced through his joy. He’d deal with it if she’d changed her mind about them, but he’d never get over her.
Still holding her in his arms, he leaned his head close to hers and whispered, “I’ve been waiting for this for ninety-one days, twelve hours, and sixteen minutes. Can I please kiss you?” He waited for what seemed like an eternity for her to answer him. But it was only a heartbeat or two.
Instead of words, she leaned closer until her lips touched his, and she slid her arms around his neck. All the tension drained as he kissed her with all the feelings that had been pent up for months. Pouring all his passion into that kiss and sliding his tongue inside and tasting her as she responded.
“Umm, get a room will ya?” Rafe said over Cam’s shoulder. Reality came rushing back as he realized where he was. Setting Miranda onto her feet, her cheeks were bright pink and made her blue eyes shine even brighter. Her hair was tousled, and she looked well loved. All he could think about was getting her all alone and showing her how much he’d missed her. Mouthing the word “sorry,” he turned around and almost tripped over Halo who had followed him and was now getting lots of loving from Miranda.
“I learned from the best,” Cam responded to Rafe with a wink.
“I suppose you did. Just remember all the lessons.” Cam bit his tongue instead of replying. The last thing he wanted was to discuss any of this in front of the women, not because they were women, but they were civilians. Rafe had deliberately baited him like he was testing him. He could see it if he was new to the team, but he’d been with them long enough to have proven himself. Maybe it was just part of the process. Since he’d never had a serious relationship before, and certainly not with anyone who related to their missions, maybe it was protocol. If it kept up, he’d go to Jake though, because it was already old.
“Are you okay? No injuries? I can’t believe I’m here with you,” Miranda said as she grasped his hand.
“I’m fine, we’re all good. I can’t believe it either. I’m so glad you’re here though.”
“Me too. And even though I missed you last night, hanging out with Meghan and Chrissy was so much fun. They’re hysterical.”
“Yes, and troublemakers.”
“Who? Us?” Chrissy asked as she overheard their conversation. “We didn’t do anything.”
“Nope, they weren’t troublemakers at all, except for loading me with calories.”
“Well, that’s no big deal. You’d be perfect no matter what.” He hadn’t meant to make her blush again.
“You nailed that one, Cam. Good for you,” Chrissy said with a laugh.
“What’s going on over there?” Meghan asked looking like she needed to recover from Rafe’s greeting. As soon as Cam had pushed past him, he’d carried Meghan through the door and closed it behind them. He had quite the technique.
“Nothing at all. Just complimenting Cam on his silver tongue.”
“Oh really?” Rafe laughed. “Now this I’ve got to hear.”
‘No, you don’t.” Miranda surprised them all when she answered.
Meghan elbowed Rafe in the side and laughed. “She sure told you.” Cam laughed too, but when he saw Miranda’s face he whispered into her ear, “it’s okay. You are fine. And I love that you stuck up for me.” His words relaxed her, and she grinned.
“You’ll get used to all of us soon. We’re just one big family,” Cam said. “And now that you, Meghan and Chrissy are part of it, it’s a bit bigger.”
Rafe nodded. “Exactly.”
“I’m part of the family too?” Chrissy asked, obviously surprised to be included.
“Of course, silly. You’re my best friend, you damn well better be included,” Meghan said.
“But I’m not part of a couple…”
“That doesn’t matter. Geesh, woman, do you think we’re that shallow. We’re SEALs, not jackasses,” Rafe said before Meghan could answer.
“He’s right, you came with Meghan, kind of like a packaged deal,” Cam added, and Miranda laughed.
“A package deal?”
“Yeah, that works. Doesn’t it?”
“I guess kind of. But I might have chosen a different way to say it.”
“I guess my silver-tongued status is lost, huh?”
“Nah, I wouldn’t say that, maybe just a little tarnished. We’ll have you shined up in no time,” Chrissy said and giggled.
Cam rolled his eyes, that woman worried him. She was too smart and was always up to something with Meghan.
“How long do you have off?” Miranda asked the question first. He’d been wondering if it would be her or Meghan.
“Since we’re just back from deployment we should get at least a week off. But as always it depends,” Rafe answered and exchanged a look with Cam. Their status could change instantly and had more times than they could remember.
“Excellent. My return flight isn’t until a week from Monday. I figured if it was too long and you had to go back to work, I could change it too.”
“Perfect.”
“Umm, this is going to sound weird but what are the living arrangements going to be for this trip? Miranda are you going to stay here with us…” Meghan’s voice trailed off and left the sentence just hanging out there.
“She’s staying with me, right Sunshine?” Cam answered before Miranda could, and hoped he’d said the right thing.
“Yeah, you two need your privacy after all this time. And if Cam pisses me off I’ll go stay with Chrissy.” His woman was getting feistier by the minute and it was one more thing to love about her.
“Sounds good. I’ll be happy to have the company.”
“I bet you would, but don’t worry, she will be very happy with me.”
“You know I’m standing here, right?”
Cam kissed her softly on the lips. “I’d never forget something like that.”
“Now that’s settled. How about some food. I don’t know about you, but Cam and I are starving.”
Before he could agree with Rafe his stomach growled loud enough for all of them to hear.
“We have some leftover pizza, eggs, or we can go out.”
“I vote for out. I don’t think I can even look at another slice of pizza after last night,” Chrissy said. Miranda nodded in agreement and Cam wondered if she’d tell him what this girl’s night thing had entailed.
“How about the Ice House? They have just about everything,” Rafe recommended. It was one of their favorites with excellent food and large servings. It was their first choice when they weren’t going out to drink.
“That works for me. Miranda, is it okay with you?”
“Yup, it sounds good. I wasn’t a fan of more pizza right now either.”
