SEAL of Approval Page 9

  Leonie groaned. “Let's not talk about that. Tell me all the details of this new man. I bet he's got a massive…” She wiggled her finger suggestively.

  Ali snorted into her coffee, dribbling it down the front of her scrubs. “Leonie, I haven’t slept with him.”

  “Yeah, but I bet you’ve felt it through his jeans all thick and throbbing.”

  “Leonie, we’re not having this conversation.”

  “Oh, we just did baby. That one's going straight in the double click bin.”

  “The what?”

  “You know. The place I store mental images for when I double click the mouse.”

  She raised her hand. “Enough. I love you sis but that's too much information.”

  “Not at all. By the way, I’ll be here tomorrow for all the juicy details.”

  “I won't be here. I'm taking the day off and, Mike is too.”

  “Ooh, a lazy day of sex… that's even better.”

  Standing she kissed her sister on the cheek. “Get the hell out of here. I've got work to do.”

  “Is that how you order your SEAL around?”

  “Out!”

  “Fine, I'm going. But tomorrow, I want all the details.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mike wrapped his arm around Ali’s shoulders as they left the Ken Cinema and walked the dark streets of the city. Despite the late hour she felt safe nestled against her SEAL. “What did you think of the movie?”

  She felt him shrug.

  “Ah… It was good.”

  “The truth please.”

  He chuckled. “OK, I thought it was a little cheesy.”

  Ali laughed. “It’s a romcom. What did you expect from Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds? It’s meant to be cheesy. That’s the point.”

  Mike dropped his hand to her waist. “I have to admit, I’ve always liked Sandra Bullock.”

  She smiled. “Oh, really. Here’s me thinking you’re more of a Reece Witherspoon kind of guy.”

  “No way, Bullock is sassy and seriously sexy. I’ve seen everything she’s in.”

  “Me too. Which one’s your favorite?”

  “You mean, apart from the Proposal?” He winked. “I loved her in Miss Congeniality.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “Nope, I really like that movie.”

  She snuggled in against his arm. “Me too. I must have watched it at least fifty times.”

  “Let’s dig it out on a rainy day,” said Mike as they turned into a park and walked along a gravel path. “Although I’m not watching the sequel, it was crap.”

  “Yes it was.”

  “Ali, I hope tonight’s made up for the debacle on the mountain.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s been perfect. I’ve never had the chef hand deliver his signature dish before.”

  “And I’m sure he’s never had someone ask to take the bones home in a doggy bag.”

  She shot him a frown. “I bet he’s never met a dog like Axe either.”

  Stopping, he stepped in front of her, ducked his head and kissed her. “And that’s why Axe… loves you.”

  “Just Axe?” she murmured.

  As he kissed her again he expected to feel panic at her words… but he didn’t. He’d never been with a woman who made him feel so elated yet at the same time content. It was the piece that had been missing in all his relationships. “He’s had more time with you.”

  She smiled. “This is true.”

  As they continued along the path Mike reflected on the date. TJ’s contact had pulled out all the stops for them. If he didn’t know better he’d suspect that the Chief was setting him up for some kind of test.

  Pausing, Mike scanned the park ahead of them. His eyes darted across the dim landscape. He could see a jogger in the distance and someone walking a dog. Nothing that suggested trouble, and yet he couldn’t shrug off the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

  “You OK?”

  His eyes snapped back to her. “Hey, yeah I’m good.” Almost instantly the feeling of uneasiness was replaced with something else. Exhaling softly, he took a moment to appreciate her beauty. Her eyes shone in the soft glow cast from the park’s lights. Tipping his head, he pressed his lips against hers and wrapped his arms around her waist. She responded eagerly and seconds turned into minutes as they embraced.

  “Hey, pal.”

  The voice was slurred.

  Mike spun toward the figure approaching them and stepped protectively in front of Ali. “How can I help you?”

  “You can give me your wallet, asshole,” the man hissed, pulling a knife from under his grubby jacket.

  Ali gasped.

  Mike quickly assessed their assailant. His hair and beard were matted, his eyes bloodshot. The stench of body odor filled the air as he approached. When he wasn’t talking his jaw was clenched and grinding. “Let’s not do anything stupid.”

  “Listen, punk,” the mugger slurred.

  Mike sprung into action. One hand clamped down on the wrist of the knife hand, the other further up the arm. Wrenching the man’s wrist backward he forced him to his knees. The knife clattered on the sidewalk and he kicked it clear.

  “Stop, it hurts,” he wailed as Mike forced him onto his stomach and locked his arm behind him. Only then did he check on Ali. “You OK?”

  She stared at him with wide eyes. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine.”

  “Can you call 9-1-1?”

  She fumbled with her purse. “Of course.”

  A patrol car responded in a matter of minutes and in no time the perp was cuffed and detained inside. Mike gave the officer a statement before they continued their walk.

  “I’m really sorry you had to see that,” said Mike softly.

  Ali stopped, grabbed his face and kissed him. “You’re amazing. I feel so safe when I’m with you and now I know why.”

  They broke and he smiled. “No, you’re amazing and I’ve got a dog that can walk now to prove it.”

  “Shall we go see him?”

  “It’s your night, babe. I thought you might like to grab some gelato for dessert.”

  Her teeth flashed, a cheeky grin. “I’ve got some in my freezer.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Mike glanced over his shoulder as they left the park. He couldn’t shake the feeling they were still in danger.

  ***

  Ali lived in a quiet, semi-rural suburb on the outskirts of San Diego. It was a short drive from the clinic where they’d stopped to feed Axe the remains of Ali’s T-bone. Then, bidding goodnight to the dog, they had driven to her townhouse.

  As Mike killed the engine, she faced him smiling. “Thanks for a wonderful evening.”

  “An absolute pleasure.” He leant across and planted a long kiss on her. Lifting his head, he said, “Let me get your door.”

  As he made his way around to her side of the truck, Ali smiled to herself. Say what you would about military guys, but they were gentlemen. Or at least Mike was. One look at her tight dress and heels and he had taken it upon himself to lift her in and out of the truck. That was fine with her. His hands on her waist and the scent of his cologne sent her heart racing, every time.

  A moment later he opened the door. “Here you are, little lady.”

  She stepped onto the running board and kissed him again as he wrapped his hands around her waist. He was hard against her as they pashed. Leonie was right, she could feel how large he was.

  “I think we should take this inside,” she managed between bouts of passion.

  He cupped her buttocks. “You sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.” She moaned as he lifted her out of the truck. Pushing the cab door closed he carried her across the lawn to the porch. Somehow, between kisses, she found her keys and he unlocked the front door. “Where to?”

  “Second room on the right.”

  He swept down the hall into the master bedroom. As he lowered her gently onto the bed he kicked off his loafers. In the soft light from the street lamps o
utside her window she caught his cheeky smile.

  “What?”

  “Damn you’re sexy.”

  She moaned as he lowered himself on to her, his lips traced her ear lobe and she shuddered with delight. All thoughts of playing hard to get were out the window as she unbuttoned his shirt.

  “So, we’re not going to take this slow?”

  “Are you kidding me?” Her voice was husky. “I’ve wanted your hands on me all night.”

  “I’ve made a good impression then?”

  She managed to completely undo his shirt exposing his chiseled abdomen. “You could say that.”

  Mike slid his hand under her dress and ran it up her leg to her waist as he kissed her. His touch was electric. She arched her back as his hand slid to her inner thigh.

  “I want you now,” she gasped as he redirected his attention back to the lobe of her ear.

  “I’ve wanted you since we first kissed.”

  His warm breath sent her into overdrive. “Not before then?”

  “OK, maybe when you hit that first bullseye.” He bunched her dress up on both sides of her hips and slid it over her head. Kissing her neck, he unsnapped her bra and freed her breasts.

  She bit her lip as his mouth found her nipple and he took it gently between his teeth. His hands roamed her body, stoking the fire that burned inside. “Promise me I’m not just another notch on your belt,” she said as he kissed her neck.

  He paused. “I like you, Ali, I like you a lot.”

  Her full lips formed a smile. “Then why are your clothes still on?”

  Mike slid off the bed and out of his pants in one smooth maneuver. Noticing that the curtains were open he reached across to close them. Glancing out the window he spotted a white sedan parked across the street.

  Ali let out a sigh. “Are you teasing me on purpose or just giving my neighbors something to look at?”

  Mike pushed the car from his mind as he turned. Laughing, he climbed onto the bed and lowered himself on top of her.

  She gazed up at him with lustful eyes. “I hope you weren’t planning on sleeping tonight.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Mike slipped through the door to the briefing room. The unit’s intelligence officer had already begun his presentation to the platoon. Ducking into the back row he took a seat next to Rick.

  “Where you been?” whispered Rick. “TJ ain’t happy you weren’t in for the run this morning.”

  “I slept in. What have I missed?”

  Rick’s brow shot up. “You slept in?”

  “Yeah.”

  Grinning, Rick lifted his hand. “High-five, brother.”

  Mike left him hanging. “Anything new on the Butcher?”

  “Nope. He’s gone to ground.”

  “Damn.”

  At the front of the room the intelligence officer paused and advanced his slides. “That concludes the latest target updates. What I’m going on with now is the assessment from Homeland Security.”

  “This ought to be good,” mumbled Rick.

  Among the SEALs, Homeland Security had a reputation for releasing alarmist reporting that they usually ignored.

  “The latest assessment indicates that, due to recent successes against the Mexican cartels, there may be an increased threat to military personnel in the San Diego area. Although the Butcher has gone to ground, Homeland thinks he might be looking to conduct a revenge attack stateside. Team Five has been identified as a potential target.”

  One of the SEALs thrust his hand in the air. “Hey, sir.”

  “What’s up, Dean?”

  “If Barbosa wants revenge won’t that make him easier to target. I mean he’s got to coordinate that shit, right?”

  “True, but it also means we need to be vigilant. Guys, you need to report any suspect behavior. When off base make sure you maintain a low profile. That means no military style training shirts, no Oakleys and no cargo pants. Remind your wives that dressing kids in cammo or SEAL branding is a bad idea.”

  Rick lifted his hand. “What about Team Five limited edition assless chaps. Is Mike still allowed to wear them?”

  The officer chuckled. “Rick, what you and Mike wear in the Blue Oyster is completely up to you. OK, if there’s no other questions, we’re done here.”

  As the SEAL operators filed out of the room TJ rose and made eye contact with each of the squad. “Alpha, we’re staying.” He waited till they were alone. “Mike, good of you to join us.”

  Rick slapped Mike on the shoulder. “He slept in.”

  He shook his head. “Thanks, bud.”

  “Well, I hope you’re all rested up because we’re moving into the final phase of the selection course.”

  Mike sighed. “Come on guys, Ali–”

  “Still hasn’t passed,” shot Rick. “Bro, you made a promise. You gonna break a promise to your team-mates?”

  He shook his head.

  TJ fixed him with a steely gaze. “Good, because tonight is stir-Friday.”

  “Except it’s Thursday, essé,” corrected Ernie.

  “Yeah, it’s a joke,” said TJ.

  Ernie snorted. “Not funny, you shouldn’t tell jokes, Chief.”

  “You know what is funny?” TJ said. “Beach running in waterlogged dive masks.”

  “OK, I take it back. It’s funny.”

  “I thought as much. Alright, tonight Mike is going to cook for the lady.”

  “Yeah, we went through it yesterday, I’ve got it,” said Mike. “I make the pasta and you guys run the mission. Look, this might be nothing but I keep seeing the same white sedan around town.”

  TJ frowned. “You think it might be related to the Homeland assessment?”

  Mike shrugged. “It could be nothing.”

  “It could be something, you get plates?”

  “Negative, there wasn’t one on the back. I haven’t seen it from the front.”

  “Well, let’s keep an eye out and if turns up again we’ll check it out.”

  ***

  Later that evening, only a few miles from Coronado, Ali arrived at Mike’s fifth floor apartment. He gave her a quick tour, before returning to the preparation of their dinner. It was pretty much exactly as Ali expected a military guy’s place to look. Sleek, clean and with the exception of a few photos, completely devoid of personal effects. With a glass of wine in hand, she checked out the balcony and the view. Even at night it was spectacular. She could see all the way out across the parklands to the USS Midway museum.

  “Great place and a killer view,” she said, reentering the apartment.

  Mike turned from the stove. “Thanks, I don't get to spend as much time here as I’d like. Although, I'm thinking I’ll have to move. Once Axe is better he's going to need a yard.”

  Leaning against the bench top she watched him chop fresh parsley. “They won't let him go back to work?”

  The knife paused, mid slice. “Do you think he’ll be physically able?”

  “In time, yes. He's made great progress in the last week.”

  “That would be awesome. However, I'd need the Army vet to retract his original assessment.”

  “I could definitely help with that. I can be very persuasive when I need to be.”

  Mike rinsed his hands in the sink and dried them on his apron before leaning across the counter and kissing her. “Don't I know it.”

  “So what exactly are you cooking?” she asked as he returned to preparing food.

  He dipped a wooden spoon in the pot and tasted the contents. It's an Italian dish that my mom taught me to make. I hope you like pasta.”

  “Love it.” She watched him open the oven, letting steam escape into the room. The rich smells of chocolate and whiskey flooded her nostrils. “Oh, my god, what is that smell?”

  “That's the piece de resistance. My mom’s Mississippi mud cake. It’s a secret family recipe.” Taking a baking tin from the oven he placed it on the bench top and draped it with a clean dishcloth. “Now, all that’s left is to c
ook the pasta and we're in business. I hope you're hungry.”

  Ali slid around the granite island and stood behind him as he reached into an overhead cupboard. “Yeah, about that.” She kissed the back of his neck and slipped her hands around to his hard stomach. “I was kind of hoping we could take a few minutes to work up an appetite.”

  Mike abandoned his search for the pasta. Turning his head, he muttered against her lips, “That sounds like a good idea.”

  As she pressed her breasts against his back, her fingers slid beneath the waistband of his jeans. “I thought you might like it.”

  He moaned as he tensed against her. Then, turning, he scooped her off the ground so she was straddling him. They kissed as he sat her on the bench and she wrapped her legs around him. “You have all the best ideas,” he managed, sliding off her T-shirt.

  Her jeans followed a moment later, tossed into the corner of the kitchen.

  “You better turn off that sauce or it's going to burn,” panted Ali.

  He reached out and flicked the cooktop off. “We can always eat cake.”

  “Sex and cake? You're possibly the sexiest man I've ever met.” She ripped off his shirt as he dropped his pants.

  “Yeah, well I'm not letting you leave. For the next twenty-four hours you're mine.”

  ***

  Ali relaxed in a deck chair on Mike's balcony, enjoying her coffee and a bowl of cereal. She and Mike had spent the morning in bed. He’d made breakfast, then dashed out for a run while she took the opportunity to check her emails and grab some sun.

  A thump on the door startled her. She shrugged a bathrobe on over her underwear and walked across the apartment. “Who is it?”

  “Delivery for a Michael Saunders.”

  She opened the door, but left the security chain in place.

  The man on the other side stuffed a letter through the gap. “Where's Mister Saunders?” he demanded.

  Ali could see the guy was big and middle aged. She put him in his late forties, possibly fifties. He had grey hair, a weathered face and intense grey eyes.

  “Can I take a message?”

  “So he lives here. Good. Give him this letter and tell him this is a courtesy call. If he doesn't pay up, we're going to take his truck.”