A SEAL at Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

cups was a wise move for this crowd and had been arranged by the NSW fund-raiser coordinator. Glass could become dangerous. But the way this waitress looked at Jack had Laurie understanding a new kind of threat.
    “We’ll take two.” Laurie snagged a couple of napkins from the girl’s tray, cleaned her hand off, and began fishing in her purse for some singles, until she spied a five-dollar bill. Searching for the proper change was helping to steady her nerves and she owed this guy for rescuing her. Perhaps the use of we would make this waitress take the hint.
    The waitress looked at Laurie for a long moment, caught the hint, and moved off. “Enjoy yourselves,” she added with a big smile.
    “I believe we will,” Laurie said as she presented a cup to Jack and lifted one to her own lips. She drank deeply. In truth, she was more of a “vodka and grapefruit juice” girl, but this would do in a pinch. A Girl Scout like her knew how to make the best of any situation.
    He drained his cup and then said, “So, Laurie, tell me about yourself. Do you live in San Diego?”
    “Point Loma.” It was dorky, but she liked the way he said her name, as if it had tons of syllables. “What about you?”
    “Coronado,” he said. She noticed he watched her as she finished the beer and then placed both of their cups on a side table. She liked the way his eyes stayed on her—as if he didn’t want to miss one movement she made.
    “Nice place, Coronado,” she confirmed. It had been a long time since she dated anyone, and she’d lying if she didn’t admit she was intrigued by this man’s singular attentions. She couldn’t stand the men who flirted as they scanned the room for someone to upgrade to, or worse yet, make an overt swap or substitution call for their original date.
    “I’d like to get to know you better,” he said flatly.
    No way! Did he just say that? Isn’t that the lamest line in the world, right up there with “What’s your sign?” At least he’s honest about it.
    “Me, too.” The words popped out.
    A grin lit his face. “Come with me.” Taking her hand, he led her closer to the wall and the wished for possibility of silence. The music cranked up louder, canceling any chance of a stolen moment or a few audible words.
    He said something.
    She shook her head.
    This silent-movie version of events was getting old, fast.
    His body language spoke volumes as he leaned closer. The scent of aftershave tickled her nose. Not bad. Definitely spicy! Those wide shoulders and huge biceps practically had her panting, too.
    “Isn’t there any other place we could talk?” she yelled. He sure was cute, with his buzzed blond hair, gorgeous eyes, and chiseled features, but she didn’t really get physical on a first date. Not that this was a real date.
    The music stopped pulsing and for a few seconds there was an abrupt silence. As voices started to fill in the break, she took her chance.
    “Jack, do you, ah?” She licked her lips again and watched his eyes follow the movement of her tongue. Heavens, I’m sweating! The man is making me perspire. I hope my deodorant holds up. “Do you work in the area?”
    “Yeah, Laurie.” His voice sounded like clover honey. “What about you?”
    “I have my own practice.” Her words were cut off by music blasting through the speakers.
    He took her hand. Every nerve ending fired again as he held it.
    Damn, I need to get a grip! Going all gooey while surrounded by half her childhood friends would undoubtedly make her die of embarrassment.
    On the other hand, her secretary would say, “Way to go! It’s only been… how long?”
    “So, you’re donating a gift to the auction.” The corners of his lips turned up at the edge. What gorgeous full lips.
    “Yes.” She swallowed hard. She thought to ask him how he was associated with the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, but the muscles of his biceps flexed, stretching the fabric of his shirt, and the thought drifted away.
    Heaven