THE KISS OF A SEAL Read Online Free PDF Page A

Franklin’s. “Perfect, Frogman. Thanks.”
    Franklin nodded. “Good luck.” His wife, Samantha had stuck by his side through the accident—really, through thick and thin—and their relationship was stronger than ever. She’d gone back to work as a lawyer, and had even bailed a few Teammates out of some rather sticky situations. With four healthy and happy kids, this family was thriving. If anyone knew what it meant to find love and get it to stick, Franklin Tori did. They had married within 72 hours of meeting and had never looked back once, or so the legend of their relationship went.
    “Don’t need it. This…is meant. You know.”
    Franklin smiled. Eyebrows rose over weathered eyes as his grin grew. “I get it. Big time.”
    They stared at each for a few seconds. It was an exchange, gratitude on both of their parts, for the connection of brotherhood. The unspoken language that held great meaning for both of them; a dialogue of friendship, having each other’s backs, and wanting the best for each other as well as being dedicated to being there in a pinch. Then, Lincoln turned away. “Catch you later.”
    “Hop, hop, hop,” replied Franklin with another grin.
    As the door closed behind him, Lincoln knew he was making the right decision. He’d seen all sorts of things go on through his years in the Teams. Dating. Strippers. One nighters. Girl friends. Wives. The most important thing he had learned was…having the right partner at your back was right up there with making the Teams or becoming an Admiral. It changed your life experience for the better. And, if it was the wrong soul…well, that never stuck.
    Lincoln knew he was willing to risk it, because Jessa was everything he’d ever hoped for and sought. Her strength, her determination, her laughter and her passion, and that the undeniable core of joy was the essence of her being. He was going to make every effort to see that this proposal to her worked, and that Jessa Grainger became his.

Chapter Five
    ‡
    S he was a morning person, a robin as opposed to a nighthawk. Jessa could hardly wait to bounce out of bed and start her day. Maybe she had been born this way, thinking that every day was a gift that opened with sunshine, fresh air, and big smile. Very little could affect her mood, too, not even the grumpy sour-grape she worked for.
    “People. Let’s gather.” Rick Javitt frowned as he lifted the clipboard and tapped the edge with a pencil. “I’m serious. Let’s move.”
    Jessa watched the sunlight filter in from the large windows, bathing the gym equipment in sunbeams. She was anxious to get outside and run.
    “We have just enough time for a quick review of today’s tasks.” Dressed in tan slacks with a Navy blue Spec War polo shirt and white tennis shoes, Javitt was the poster-boy of preppy perfection but in desperate need of a colonic or something cleansing to get rid of his dour attitude.
    Jessa waved at one of her friends as she hurried past the window. Kelley Winger smiled at her as she rushed toward the Quarterdeck of ST-3.
    “You’re not making this easy, people. Settle!” Javitt’s face was turning red. Even his thinning hairline seemed to scream…just right. With his degrees from Harvard and Northwestern, he was the self-appointed expert of their group, though none of them relied on his advice or word only. He tended to think more about himself and his appearance of compliance rather than the Special Operators under their charge.
    Jessa stretched and then yawned. She didn’t even try to suppress the movements. She wished Javitt would take the hint and the meeting would end quickly, so she could get a short workout in and wake up. The chairs had already been set in a semi-circle, and Jessa took the one closest to the door in case someone walked in. She wouldn’t mind having to leave the daily meeting; in truth, it would be a superb distraction for the concerns flip-flopping in her mind.
    Jim elbowed her gently and smiled. He