Alsoby CamiChecketts
AChance forCharity
Impossible Treasure
Impossible Escape
Impossible Sail
Impossible Climb
Impossible Crusade
Impossible Thrills
Impossible Chase
Impossible Rapids
Billionaire BodyguardRomance
Protecting the Athlete
Coleville RanchRomance
The Recluse & The Fugitive Christmas inAugustine
The Royal Captain and the Designer
The Wounded Guard and the Royal Stylist
The Impulsive Princess and the Soldier
SweetRoyalRomance Suspense
The General Prince and the Nerd
The Brave Prince and the Teacher
The Doctor Prince and the Outsider
The Ninja Prince and the Investigator
The Charming Prince and the Single Mum
The Crown Prince and the Traitor
The Police Chief and the Musician
The Royal Major and the Executive
The Grieving King and the Emissary
Billionaire ProtectionRomances
Matchmaking the Singer and the Warrior
Matchmaking the Duchess and the Commander
Matchmaking the Entertainer and the Firefighter
Matchmaking the Model and the Beast
Matchmaking the Spy and the Heiress
Matchmaking the Bodyguard and the Philanthropist
SummitValleyChristmas Romance
His Perfect Match for Christmas
His Ski Resort Overrun for Christmas
His Cabin Invaded for Christmas
His Unexpected Wedding for Christmas
DeltaFamilyRomances
Deceived
Abandoned
Committed
Accepted
Returned
Devastated
Famous Friends Romances
Loving the Firefighter
Loving the Athlete
Loving the Rancher
Loving the Coach
Loving the Contractor
Loving the Sheriff
Loving the Entertainer
The HiddenKingdomRomances
Royal Secrets
Royal Security
Royal Doctor
Royal Mistake
Royal Courage
Royal Pilot
Royal Imposter
Royal Baby
Royal Battle
Royal Fake Fiancé
SecretValleyRomance
Sister Pact
Marriage Pact
Christmas Pact
Survive the Romance
Romancing the Treasure
Romancing the Escape
Romancing the Boat
Romancing the Mountain
Romancing the Castle
Romancing the Extreme Adventure
Romancing the Island
Romancing the River
Romancing the Spartan Race
MysticalLake ResortRomance
Only Her Undercover Spy
Only Her Cowboy
Only Her Best Friend
Only Her Blue-Collar Billionaire
Only Her Injured Stuntman
Only Her Amnesiac Fake Fiancé
Only Her Hockey Legend
Only Her Smokejumper Firefighter
Only Her Christmas Miracle
JewelFamilyRomance Do Marry Your Billionaire Boss
Trust Your Special Ops Bodyguard
Do Date Your Handsome Rival
Do Rely on Your Protector
Do Kiss the Superstar
Do Tease the Charming Billionaire
Do Claimthe Tempting Athlete
Do Depend on Your Keeper
StrongFamilyRomance
Don’t Date Your Brother’s Best Friend
Her Loyal Protector
Don’t Fall for a Fugitive
Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance
Don’t Ditch a Detective
Don’t Miss the Moment
Don’t Love an Army Ranger
Don’t Chase a Player
Don’t Abandon the Superstar
Steele FamilyRomance
Her DreamDate Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Extreme Devotion
QuinnRomance Adventures
Devoted & Deserted
Conflicted & Famous
Gentle & Broken
Rugged & At-Risk
Too-Perfect & Stranded
Rejected & Hidden
RunningRomcom
Running for Love
Taken fromLove
Saved by Love
Cami’s Collections
Billionaire Protection Romances Collection
Summit Valley Christmas Collection
Delta Family Romance Collection
Famous Friends Romance Collection
Secret Valley Romance Collection
Hidden KingdomRomance Collection
Survive the Romance Collection
Mystical Lake Resort Romance Collection
Billionaire Boss Romance Collection
Jewel Family Collection
The Romance Escape Collection
Cami’s Firefighter Collection
Strong Family Romance Collection
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Georgia Patriots Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection
Holiday Romance Collection
Extreme Sports Romance Collection
GeorgiaPatriots Romance
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
The Pursued Patriot
JepsonBrothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her DreamDate Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
HawkBrothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
NavySealRomance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
Texas TitanRomance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
Billionaire BeachRomance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride PactRomance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
EchoRidge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
SnowValley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running fromthe Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
OtherBooks byCami
Seeking Mr Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This RedeemThis
The Broken Path Dead Running
Dying to Run Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
LIVVY BENEDICT CLUNG
toCaptainEliGrantintheentrywaytoherandhersister’ssplit-levelhomeonthe northeastsideofColoradoSprings
Herstrong,charming,andloyalsuperman,andshewasnotevenonebitbiased.EverybodybuthersisterNatalieagreed. NataliewasheroldersisterandLivvyvaluedheropiniononmostsubjects,butitcouldnotfactorinonEli Nataliewasbitter againstmilitaryheroesafterherAirForceboyfriend,Paul,gotcaughtgoinghometovisithiswifeontheweekend.SadlyEli didhaveasimilarlookandteasingpersonalitylikePaulhad.He’dhadnochancetowinNatalieover.
EliwastheonlymanforLivvyandsomedayNataliewouldrealizethat Nobodyornothingcouldtearthemapart ExcepttheU.S.Armyandhisnextmission,butthatwaspartofEliandshewouldn’tchangeonethingabouthim. “Iloathethatyouhavetogoearly,”shemurmured
Theyshouldhavetwomoredaystogetherbuthe’dgottenacallforanassignmentthathe’dtoldherwaspersonalandvery important to him. Not that Eli would turndownanyassignment, but she could feel how crucial this one was. Aplane was waitingfor himatthe Air Force Academy. He’d never admitted itto her, butshe assumed Eli was notanArmyRanger any longerbuthadbeenrecruitedtothesecretiveandeliteDeltaForceshortlyaftertheymettwoyearsago.
“Metoo,Angel Don’tcryyourselftosleepeverynightthatI’mgone” Shelaughedbuthecutitshortbykissingher.Tenderlyatfirst,butthentheagonytheybothfeltatbeingyankedapartyet againtookover He backedher intothe frontdoor andtookbeautiful advantage ofher lips,conveyingwithhis kiss whathe alwaystoldher.Helovedherandtheyweremeanttobetogether.
Thedoorpushedagainstherback,yankingheroutofthekiss.Abangingcamenext.“Openup!” Hersister.Oh,wonderful.UsuallysheandNataliegotalongfabulously.
Eli escorted Livvyto the side of the foyer and opened the door. Natalie scowled seeingthemall wrapped up together. Livvy’sbestfriendJaromLovewasrightbehindNatalie Hewasgrinning
“Ah,lookhowcuteyoutwoare,”Jaromsaid.“Myfavoritecouple.”
Natalie glowered more fiercelyatthat Her sister insisted she wasn’tsimplybasingher prejudice againstEli onPaul’s betrayal. She claimed Eli would never settle downand be there for Livvy, withthe ‘proof’inher mind beingthey’d rarely spentmorethanafewdaystogetherandLivvydidn’tknowEliwellenough.Eliwasasoldier,awanderer,andaheartbreaker, inNatalie’smind HersisterwascertainEliwouldripherheartout,andshewasonlytryingtoprotecther Sheknewhersister
lovedherdeeply,butshewaswrongthistime.
LivvysuspectedElididn’tfavorbeingcalled‘cute’butthatwasjustJarom.WhensheandElistarteddatingsheexplained Jaromwasherbestfriendandlikeabrothertoher Jarommightbeimpeccablyhandsome,wealthy,fun,andover-the-topkind, butshehadzeroattractiontohimandJaromdatedadifferentwomaneveryweekend.Elitrustedherandhewasthefirstman she’ddatedwhodidn’thaveanissuewithJarom
“Weappreciatethat.”ElireleasedhisrighthandfromherwaistandofferedittoJarom.
Theyshookand Livvybeamed Natalie could glare all she wanted Jaromapproved ofEli and saw how impressive he was.
“Bigplanstomorrow?”Jaromasked.“Onlytwomoredaystogether,right?”
“I’mactuallyheadingtothebaserightnowtoflyoutonamission”Eli’sdarkeyesbecametooserious Livvywondered about this ‘personal and important’missionand her stomachtwisted. She tried not to get upset whenshe knew Eli was on specialopsmissionsbutsheprayeddiligently
Thisfeltbigger,scarier.
Why?
“Ah,we’llbesosadtoseethedoorhityouinthebutt,”Nataliesaid.
“Thankyou,Natalie.”Elionlysmiledathergrumpyoldersister.“I’llmissyoutoo.”
Nataliestuckhertongueoutathimandflouncedupthestairs
“Don’tmindher,”Jaromsaid.“She’sjustgrumpybecauseshehasn’thadherchocolatefixtonight.I’llgotakecareofher.” He grinned “Youtwo keep kissing Prayers for youand your teamonyour mission, Eli” He pressed his palms and fingers togetherandbowedslightly.
“Thankyou.”Elishookhishandagain.“Itrulyappreciateit.”
“Thankyouforyourservice.”JaromboundedupthestairsafterNatalie.
Eli opened the door and the two of themeased outside. It was a chillyspringnight. She shivered. Eli wasted no time wrapping her up tight and bending low to kiss her neck He slowly inhaled, his breath and mouth warmagainst her neck “Gardenia.Didyoustealawholegardenfull?”
“Foryou”Shetrembledfromhistouch Hertoughmanwastenderwithherinallthewaysthatmattered Hekissedherandthenmurmured,“IhavetodragmylazycarcassawayfromyourightnoworI’llselfishlykissthenight away.”
“There’snothingselfishaboutyou.”Shetriedtobebraveandlethimgo,butshecouldn’tshaketheawfulfeelinginsideof her.
“I’llbecomingbacktoyou,Angel”
“I’llbewaitingandprayingforyou,BigHoss.”
Hegrinned He’dtoldherhewas‘BigHoss’shortlyaftertheymetandithadstuck Heleaneddownandkissedher.Sheclungtohimandwonderedhowshecouldlethimgoyetagain.They’dmetrighthere inColoradoSpringstwoyearsago.He’dstruttedover toher tableatStreetcar 520anddaredher todanceonthetable.His darkeyessparkledatherandatthesametimehadtakenawayherbreathwiththeirintensity Healwaysmadeherfeellikeshe was the onlywomanhe’d lookatinthatspecial way. She’d climbed up onthe table and danced for him. ‘Sucker’byJonas brothershadbeenplaying Itwastheirsong
Whenhepulledbackfromthekiss,shewhimpered.Itstunktobestrongandlethimgo.They’dneverhadmorethanafew daystogetherinthepasttwoyearsbetweenhisextremelydemandingcareerandherjobasahighschoolscienceteacherand mountainbikecoach.Shelongedfor thedaytheycouldbetogether everydaybutwouldnever askhimtogiveupprotecting andserving.
“’I’masuckerforyou,’”Elisangsoftlyagainstherlips
Shesmiledbuttearsstungathereyes.
“Iloveyou”Hekissedherdeeplyandthenhelethergo,gaveheronemoregrin,andstruttedofftheporchanddownthe sidewalk.
“Youcan’tjustwalkcanyou?”Shetriedtoteaseinsteadofcry “Gottastrutmystuffforyou,”heteasedwithawinkoverhisshoulderather. “Iloveyou,”shecalledtohim. HeglancedbackashereachedhisrentedAccordwithacockygrin,hisdarkeyessparklingandfullofher “Iknow Don’t missmetoomuch,Angel.”
“YouknowIwill,BigHoss” Withonemoresmile,heclimbedintothecar,startedit,andwasgone. Livvyshivered,watchinghimgo,andwonderingwhythismissionfeltsomuchmoreominousthanthehundredshe’ddone sinceshe’dmethim.
Shestayedoutinthecoldnightforalongtime.Prayinghe’dcomebacksafe.
ONE YEARLater
Livvy twisted her hands nervously as she stood on the dock of the St Thomas Yacht Club on the Virgin Island of St Thomas. The island around her was as gorgeous as the teal-blue ocean greenery and flowers everywhere. She was mesmerizedbythetropicalbeauty.
Approachingthedockwasasleek,paleblueboat.Oneofthosewithanelongatedfrontpart;shethoughtthatmeantthere wasalivingspaceunderneath.TheinfamousbillionaireheiressMercedesBellewavedenthusiasticallyfromtheboat.Livvy wavedback,noticingacameramanandahandsomeblondguywithlongishhairdrivingtheboat
Wastheblondthemilitaryprotectorshe’dbepairedwiththisweek?Amixtureofreliefanddisappointmentsurgedthrough her Mercedes’assistanthadinformedhershe’dbepairedwithamanwhohadbenefitedfromLivvy’scharity’sservices That meant the manhad a physical impairment ofsome sort that he’d received duringhis militaryservice. Livvyhad beenhalfprayingitwouldbeEli.
She’dstartedher charityafew daysafter shereceivedthenewsthather boyfriend,CaptainEli Granthadlostthelower halfofhisleginamission.She’dbeencrazilyproudof,andcrazilyinlovewith,hermilitarysuperheroandsheknewshehad todosomethingtohelphimandmanyotherslikehim
Thecharityhadtakenoffandbroughthermuchjoyandsatisfaction.
Eli she’dneverseenorheardfromhimagain Afterhisaccident,he’dcalledher Jaromhadpickedupherphoneand broughtittoherintheshower.Thankfullyhershowercurtainwasn’tseethroughandJaromapologizedforrushingin,buthe knewshe’dbeendyingtohearfromEli.
Atfirsttheyassumed the call failed butnow she knew Eli hungup for some reason Fromthatmomenton, he hadn’t respondedtoanytexts,phonecalls,oremails.Shewascertainhe’dblockedhernumber.
Shereachedouttothefriendsofhisshehadphonenumbersfor Hisfriendsdidn’tgivehermuch,someemptyreassurances thatEli wouldcontacther whenhereturnedtotheStates.Thentheystoppedrespondingtoher callsandtexts.Someofthem evenblockedhernumber
She’donlymethisparentsovervideochatswithEli onhisphone.Shecouldn’tfindanyinformationforthemorhistwo brothersonline.Hissister-in-law hadbeentheonewho’doriginallyreachedoutviaInstagrammessageandtoldher Eli had lostpartofhisleg LivvysentmessageaftermessagetoMelodeethatwereneverrepliedto Ofcoursethemilitarywouldn’t tellheranything,sheandEliweren’tengagedormarried.
Her last course of action, a few weeks after Eli’s initial accident, had been to beg Jaromto fly to Eli’s hometown of Pennington,Minnesotawithher.Thetownhadbeenpictureperfect.Eli’sparents…shewouldn’tsaytheywererude,butthey definitelydidn’twelcomeherinfordinner,andtheydefinitelydidn’tgiveheranyinformationaboutwherehewas,sayingover andoveragainthathewasn’tathome.
To her inquiries abouthow he was doingwithhis legtheylooked evenmore closed offand said he was adjusting. The brother and sister-in-law were the same Eventhe preacher at Eli’s churchstonewalled her and Jarom Theywaited a few days,almoststalkinghisfamilybeforeadmittingdefeat.Theyweren’tgettinganyinformationoutofthesepeople.Ifonlyshe knewwhy
Overayearofwonderingwhatshe’ddonewrong,andhow Elicouldpossiblyditchhersoharshly.Theonlyanswershe gottohermanyprayerswastobepatient.Patiencestunk.Jarominsistedithadnothingtodowithher,Eliwashurtinginside andstrugglingwiththelossofhislimb.Ifthatwasthereasonfortheirseparation,sheneededtofindhimevenmore.Natalie didn’tcrow aboutbeingrightthatEliwasn’tcommittedtoherandall militarymenwerejerks.Hersisterjustheldherwhen shecriedandofferedLivvyherfavoriteLindtseasaltdarkchocolatebar HoldingoutthehopethatElimightbehermatchthisweektoearnamilliondollarsforhercharitywassilly,andyetshe’d broughta travel-size bottle ofher signature Gucci gardenia perfume as the one personal itemMercedes’teamhad said was allowed.Eliusedtogocrazyoverherperfume.
Itwassillytowanttosmellgoodforhim,ifitevenwashimshewaspairedwith.Shedidn’tknowhowshe’dreacttohim
if he ever did show his face. She’d gone throughall the grief stages this past year. Stayinginsanelybusyas a high-school teacher,withfriends,family,church,andher charity,andespeciallythe supportofJaromandNatalie,was the onlywayshe keptgettingoutofbedeachmorning
Thelovelyboatpulleduptothedockandseveralmenstrodedownthedocktocatchlinesandtieitoff.Thelengthofthe boatwaslinedupparallelwiththedockandshecouldfullyappreciatethesleeklinesandseethelongfrontVwithwindows thatadmittednaturallightintothecabinbelow.Themiddlesectionwasthecaptain’schairsandallthecontrols,coveredbya metalcanopyofsortstoprotecttheoccupantsfromrainorsun Therearoftheboathadatablewithfourchairs,anadditional four lounge chairs for enjoying the sun, and a deck down low to the water to slip off the back and swimin the gorgeous CaribbeanOcean.
Incredible LikesomethingoffthepagesofTravel &Leisure
“Livvy!” Mercedes cried out, pressingher fingers to her lips and thenblowingher kisses. The heiress, influencer, and businesswomanhurried to the rear ofthe boatwhere she could step onto the dockeasily “Yayyou!I’mso thrilled to meet you.”
TheblondmanwrappedhisarmaroundMercedes’waistandescortedherofftheboat Helookedtallandverystrongnext to Mercedes’ultra-thinframe. He had a reluctant lookinhis blue eyes and he was a little intimidating, dressed ina shortsleeved,white,button-downshirt,openatthecollar,andtanpantsthatshould’vebeencasualbutmostlikelycostthousandsof dollars
Mercedeswasinagorgeousflowingwhitelacesundress,high-heeledsandals,andshetwinkledwithdiamondsfromher earstoherfingerstoevenadiamond-studdedheadbandholdingbackherlong,blondecurls Sheandtheblondmancouldbe onaposterforaCaribbeanweddingadvertisementorshowcasinghow therich,famous,andbeautifultaketheCaribbeanby storm.
Somaybetheblondwasn’tLivvy’smatchforthisweek,butMercedes’sboyfriend?
Livvy walked over to them. Mercedes gave her a welcoming hug, and she was surprised how frail the impressive billionaire seemed Livvycouldonlyimagine the pressure famous people felttolookperfect,butthis level ofthinwas past being a showcase for the cameras. Mercedes either had an eating disorder or a devastating sickness she was suffering or recoveringfrom Livvyhadseenbothasahighschoolteacherandknewthesignstolookfor “Itiswonderfultomeetyou.”Mercedesclaspedbothofherhands.“ThisisShawnHolister.”
“Nicetomeetyou,”Shawnsaid,offeringaslightsmile,buthedidn’tofferhishand.
“Youas well.” So was ShawnwithMercedes or not? He had a verystandoffishvibe and all ofhis limbs looked to be intact.Livvythoughtshewasoffthehookfrombeingpairedwithhim.
Was her partner not here yet? She could imagine the producers wanted a dramatic meeting If it was Eli, it would be dramatic.Nervousatthemerethoughtofseeinghimagain,herskinprickledasifinanticipationofhisstrongfingersbrushing acrossit,thosedarkeyessparklingjustforher,himcallingher‘Angel’,hisalluringsmilegrowingcloserbeforehecaptured hermouth…
“AndourfavoritecameramanGarrettBrown.”
Livvywasjoltedbacktothepresent
Garrettwaved.He’deasedtothebackoftheboatwithhiscameraforabetterangle.
“Hi,”Livvysaid
“Allright.”Mercedessqueezedherhandandthenreleasedit.“Itistime!”
Livvy’sstomachflip-flopped Timetomeethermilitarypartner?MostlikelynotEli Whatwouldthemanbelike?Wouldit beawkwardbeingallalonewithsomemanforaweek?Theboatorsmallyachtwaslovelyandhugeforaboat,butnothuge forpersonalspace.Sheassumedaboatingadventurewastheplan,orwhywouldtheyhavemethere?
SheshouldbemorenervousaboutwhateverchallengesMercedesandherteamwouldthrowatthemandifshecouldwin themilliondollars.Itwasaninsaneamountofmoneyandwouldmeanshecouldhiremorehelp,andfulfillalloftherequests cominginforprosthetics,wheelchairs,adaptationstohouses,apartments,vehicles,andworkspaces WhatifitwasEli?
Shepushedthatlongingaway TherewasmaybeaoneinathousandchanceitcouldbeEli Howwouldshereactifitwas?
“Ipresenttoyou,formercaptaininaneliteforcethatwecannotname.”Mercedesgrinnedandwinked.
Livvy’s pulsespedup Eli hadalways introducedhimselfas acaptainintheArmy,anArmyRanger Shewas certainhe wasDeltaForce.AlotofsecrecysurroundedDeltaForce.
“AwardedtheDistinguishedServiceCrossforavaliantrescuethatcosthimhislowerleg”Mercedeslosthersmileand hereyesgrewbright.“ThisheroicmanhastrulyservedwithhonorandgivenhisallforAmerica.” Livvycouldnotcatchabreath.IthadtobeEli.Ithadtobe.Whatwasshegoingtodo?Howshouldshereact?
“Hereasyourprotector,strength,andinspirationthisweek.”Mercedes’happysmilereturnedandshewasbouncingonher high-heeled,bejeweledsandals.“MissLivvyBenedict,Iamthrilledtopresenttoyou,Captain…Eli…Grant!”
Eli’sheadandneckappearedfirst,risingoutofthecabinunderneaththefrontoftheboat.Atfirstitwasonlyhisprofile, thenheturnedhisheadandlookedstraightather.
Livvywaspantingforairandcertainshewashavinganoutofbodyexperience Helookedinsanelyhandsome,justashe alwayshad.Thedarkhairandbeard,thoseincredibledeep-browneyes,hissculptedface.
He also looked uncertain No sparkle inhis eyes and not a trace of a smile onhis lips She’d never seenEli look uncertainbeforeandrarelyunsmiling,especiallyather.Teasing,charming,laughing,smolderingather,lovingher,determined, stubborn she’dseenallthoselooksinthetwoyearsoftheirlong-distancerelationship,butnotuncertain Uncertainabouther? Since he’dditchedher,maybe he was uncertainhow she’dreact? She wishedshe knew how she’d reacttoo.Sheprayedforhelp.
Hecontinuedtorise andshe saw his broadshoulders,his definedarms,his sculptedupper bodyina gray,softcottontshirt.
“Can’t breathe,”shegaspedout Mercedesturnedtoherwithconcern.
Eli walkedtothebackoftheboat,aslighthitchinhisstepthathadn’tbeentherebefore He’dalwaysstruttedandshe’d teased himaboutit. He stepped outonto the dock. Her eyes widened as she saw itfor the firsttime. He was innavyblue shorts.Hisrightcalfwastanned,muscular,perfect,justasitwasbeforeheleft.Hisleftcalfwasaprosthetic.Oneofthebest prostheticsonthemarketforanactivelifestyle Ottobock’sC-Leg4pairedwiththeir1E95ChallengeFoot HerbreathingfeltevenmoreerraticashergazerosetomeetEli’s.Hisdeep-browneyesthatalwayshadaspecialsparkle forheralonewerenowfullof anger
She reared back in surprise, and her breathing became more erratic. The shock of seeing him mingled with her own frustration,longing,andconfusion.
He was mad at her? How could that be possible when he was the one who’d ditched her? Completely ditched. No forwardingaddress.Norespondingtotexts,emails,orphonecalls.Howcouldhepossiblybeupsetather?Sheshouldbethe onewhowasfurious
Despitepantingforair,shecouldn’tgetanyin.Herchestwastightandthedockswayed. Apanicattackhithersquareintheface Blackspotsappearedaroundhervision.Andtheneverythingwentdark.
CAPTAIN ELI GRANT WAS ANGRY.
It was anemotionhe didn’t enjoy, and usuallyovercame witha hard workoutor a sparringmatchwithCashor Quaid atCash’s inner-cityChicago gym Nobodywanted to spar withtheir giantofafriendBennett.
Nomatterwhathedid,hehadn’tconqueredorgottenusedtotheunwantedspurtsofangerandfrustrationthispastyear.His momwouldsayitwasbecausehe’dgivenuponhisfaith.Hepushedthataway.Itwassimilartohowhehadn’tgottenusedto seeingnothingwherehisleftcalfandfootshouldbe.Wellnothing,oraprosthetic.Hewasn’tsurewhichwasworse.
Beforeherescuedhisgoodfriend,MajorBennettMason,andwhatwasleftofBennett’steam,fromimprisonmentinSyria, andlosthisleg,andmoreimportantlylostLivvy,LieutenantJohnArgyle,andhisfaithinheavenabove,he’doftenfeltdriven, focused,readyforbattle,itchingforagoodfight, Butasarulehewasgood-natured,charming,happy,lovedtotease,andin controlofhimself,hismen,andthesituation.
Seeingthewomanhe’dlovedforthreeyearslookdownatwherehislegusedtobe,andthenuptomeethisgaze,withpity and hesitancyinher gaze … thatmade himfurious. Ather, athimself, atthe injustice oflosinghis legand beinghonorably discharged witha huge medical retirement, butwhatdid thatbenefithim. All the moneyand medals inthe world couldn’t makeupforJohndying,losinghisownpurposeinlife,hiscamaraderiewithhisclosestfriends,hisathleticability,allofhis hard-earnedmilitaryprowessandskills,hishopeinGod’splanbeingmercifulandwhatwasbest,andmostimportantlytohim Livvy Ifhewould’veknownhisformergirlfriendwasthewomanhe’dbepairedwithonthiscrazyrealityshow,hewould neverhaveagreedtocome.
Ashestaredathergorgeousface,hereyelidsfluttered,sheswayed,andLivvywasgoingdown.
Eli leapt across the space between them, forgetting about his stupid leg for half a second Luckily the new, built for athletics, prosthetic pair oflower legand footheld his weighta hundred times better thanhis firstfake footand legwould have Hewasabletolandwithoutmishap,droptohisknees,andcatchherasshecrumpled Apanicattack.Livvyhadthemoccasionally.
HoldingLivvyinhisarmsmadeeverythingintheworldright InthatinstantJohn’sdeath,Eli’sdeformity,hislossofhis career,hislossoffaith,herbetrayal,missinghisfamily…whenhevisitedhometheysawhimtoodeeplyanditworriedthem allevenmore.Especiallyhissweetmom.
Noneofthepainandheartachematteredrightnow
All that mattered was Livvy. Right here. Beautiful. Substantial. Perfect for him. Perfect to him. Aworld that had been spinningoutofcontrolsteadiedandeveryhopeanddreamheandLivvyhadenvisionedtogethercouldbecomeareality
Livvy’seyesopenedandshestaredupathim.Hergorgeousteal-blueeyes.He’dalwaysbeencaptivatedbyhereyes.He foundhimselfgettinglostinthemrightnow Happilylost Heneverwantedtobefound “Youstillwithus?”heasked,hisvoicemuchhuskierthanusual.
“Yes … panic attack,” she murmured, completelyfocused onhim. “MyBigHoss is holdingme now. Ofcourse I’mall right”
Elisoftened.Everywhere.Hesmiledather.Shesmiledback.BigHoss.Thenicknamehisbuddieshadteasinglygivenhim andshe’dlovedtouse
“Thatwasinsane!”Mercedescheered.“Go,CaptainEli!”
Theshowhost’swordsyankedhimoutofthefantasyworldofLivvystillbeinghis.
“Eli?”Livvylickedherlipsandhefoundhimselfdistractedbythoselusciouslips.Theonlythingthatcouldevertakehis focusoffhereyes.“Itreallyisyou.”
“Intheflesh,”hetriedtotease,buthisvoicewasunsteady
“How?Why?Whatareyoudoinghere?Wherehaveyoubeen?Itriedeverythingtofindyou!”Thedesperationandmisery inhereyestoreathim
Realityslammed into himquickly. Where had he beenthe pastyear since he’d losteverything? Hidingfromher and the painofher betrayal wasthemosttruthful answer.Hewasn’tabouttoadmitthattoher.SpendinghisdaysinCashTrapper’s
gymintheroughestspotinChicagoworkingwithvetsandat-riskyouthwasthelogicalresponse. Hechosenottorespond.
Eli easedher toasittingpositionandthenpushedtoacrouchonhisfeet,or onefootandaweird-lookingbutamazingly functional fakefoot.He’dlostall prideandhewasgrateful forthereturntomobilitythisprostheticcombogavehim.Itonly dugalittlebitwhenpeoplenoticedhislegand/orfootandlookedathimwithcompassionorpity
HehelpedLivvystand,straightenedhimself,andreleasedher.Backingupacoupleofsteps,heranintothesideoftheboat. HesteadiedhimselfwithhishandonthefiberglassandlookedtoMercedes She’dcreatedthismess He’dletherexplainto Livvywhatwasgoingon.
ApparentlyLivvyhadbeenasblindsidedbyseeinghimashewasseeingher.Wassheengagedtothatwealthyfake-nice yahooyet?Married?Heglancedatherlefthand Noring
Wherewasthejokerwho’dactedlikeEli’sbuddyeverytimetheyinteracted?Whyhadn’tJaromswoopedinandmarried LivvynowthatEliwasoutofthepicture?
JaromLove.Eliloathedthatname.Hischesttightenedandhisbreathingshortenedasheclenchedafist.ToobadMr.Love wasnowherenear
“Eli?”Livvyaskedagain.Itwasasweet,longingwhisper.Againstallthatwassmart,helethimselffocusonherface.She wasthepictureofanangel long,blondehair,sweetsmile,delicatefeatures,thosetealeyes.He’dthoughtshewasanangel, hisangel,until Hisjawhardenedalongwitheverymuscleinhisbody
HelookedtoMercedes andnodded. Proceed. Now. Thatwas whathe wanted to demand. Whathe’d demand ifshe was oneofhismen Buthewasfull-timeinthecivilianworldnow HeloathedthatalmostasmuchasJarom
Heattemptedtousehisformercharm.“Thegang’sallhere.Let’sgetthisfloatingpalaceuptocruisingspeed.”Hegrinned andwinked.
MercedesBelle’sjawwasslackandherblueeyesdartedbetweenthetwoofthem.Herbodyguard,Shawn,shadowedher, butdidn’tsayanythingorreacttotheobvioustensionintheair.Shawnhadachiponhisshoulder,butElididn’tmindhim.He hadhisownchiponhisshoulderandcouldeasilyrelate CashandBennetthadalreadydonetheirweek-longchallengeswitha previouslyunknownwomanandearnedtheirmoney.
He hadn’tevenseenBennettas their tapings were backto back Cashhad beeninjured and barelyreturned home He’d swornnottotalkabouthisshowuntilitairedinsixmonths,buthedidtellElitobecautiousandawareassomethingshadn’t goneaccordingtoplanduringhisweek.Itendedupquiteabitmoredangerousthanhe’dexpected.
The other intriguing and surprising outcome of Cash’s show Captain Cash Trapper had fallen in love with a sweet redhead,BryleeAuburn.Goodforbothofthem.Eliwantedhappinessandloveforhisfriends.
ToobadEli’slovewasatraitorandhe’dneverhavethemarriageandfamilyhe’denvisionedwithher Andnowshewasstandingrightinfrontofhim.
Thecameramanwasrecordingallofthis Whatanightmare ShouldEliexplainhecouldn’tinfactdotheshow?Notwith her.
His jaw clenchedtighter.He’dnever quitanythinginhis life.Beingforcedtoretire fromthe militarydidn’tcount.He’d beenaDeltaForceCaptain Oneofthetopfourcaptainsintheworld Quitwasn’tanoption Exceptforher.
No HehadnotquitLivvyeither She’dturnedherbackandcheatedonhimwhenhewasbrokenandneededhermorethan he’d needed oxygen. Thatdid notcountas quitting. Thatcounted as self-preservation. Adrowningvictimclungto whatever kepttheirheadabovewater That’sallhe’ddonethepastyear “Ithought youtwokneweachother.”MercedesandShawnexchangedalook.Hadtheyplannedthis? Hehatedbeingblindsided.Hisneckgothotandhetriedtothinkhowtorespond.
“We’ve met,”Elisaid “Idaredhertodanceonatableandshedid”Helethimselfsmileatthat,actuallyfeelinghappy vibesfromthatcutememoryofLivvy,dancingonthetableatStreetcar520,afunrestaurantinColoradoSpringsthenighthe mether
Hisunithadbeendoingamulti-domainoperationaltrainingatFortCarsonandhe’dgonetodinnerwithacouplebuddies. AllofthemhadnoticedthegorgeousLivvyatanearbytablewithsomeofherfriends Thedarehadbeenputoutthere,andEli jumpedonit.Stridingovertohertable,introducinghimself,andaskingifshe’ddanceonthetable,forhim.She’dgivenhim the sweetestsmile ofthe century, lethimlifther onto the table, and thenshe’d danced. Sucker byJonas Brothers had been playing Thesongstillmadehimwanttoruntoher HewassuchasuckerforLivvy Alwayshadbeen
He kepthis eyes onMercedes. No matter how hard itwas notto feasthis gaze onLivvy, soakup her beauty, light, and undyingloveforhim Oh,wait,shedidn’tlovehimanymore ShelovedJaromLove Herlifelong‘friend’ Afriends-to-lovers story.Hisstomachturnedover.
“We’ve… met?”Livvyspatout.
Eliclenchedhishandsbehindhisbackanddidnotallowhimselfevenasneakpeek.Livvyhadbeenangelic,buttherewas spiceinsideofhertoo.He’donlyseenherangryacoupleoftimes.Neverathim.Ithadbeenglorious.Hewantedtoturnand
stareather.Hecouldn’tdoit.He’dfalterandhaveherinhisarmsagain.He’dprobablyendupapologizingforlosinghisleg, notbeingaroundenoughbecauseofhisdemandingcareer,protectingtheworldandallofthat.Ofcoursehemust’vedrivenher straightintoMr Love’sarms
Heflaredhisnostrilsandwasgratefulhisprostheticsupportedhimashewidenedhisstanceandtriednottogloweratthe camera He should’ve trusted his friends and familywho’d worried he couldn’thave possiblyknownLivvywell enoughto lovehersodeeplywithamostlylong-distancerelationship.
“How dare you?”Livvybitathim,andshewasclosenow Tooclose Hecouldfeelher Hecouldsmellher Whydidshe stillhavetosmelllikegardenias?Sosweet.Sotempting.
“MissBenedict,”hesaidinatightvoicehehardlyrecognized.Hesteeledhimselfandthenglancedather.Itwasadumb move She was glorious His visionofwhatheavenonearthcould be Her teal eyes were flashingathim, and he mightbe gettingknockedtotheconcretedockinamatterofminutes.He’dletherknockhimdown.Evenwiththeprostheticshe’dnever beabletounlessheallowedit Thenhe’dpullherontopofhim,holdhertight,andthey’dkissandmakeup Kiss…
Hisangerreturned Shecouldgokisshernewboyfriendforallhecared
“Youknow I’mthe type ofguyto give anarmand a legto causes Ibelieve in.” He grinned and lifted up his prosthetic, hopinghedidn’toffendanyotheramputees,buthehadtojokeorhe’dcry.“IfyouandIaregoingtoworktogethertoearna milliondollarstohelpmoregimpslikeme,IhopewecanbothactlikethesaintIformerlyknew youtobe Let’schuckany frustrationsfromourpastintotheocean.Savvy?”HethrewinalittleCaptainJackSparrow.SincetheywereintheCaribbean andall
He’dsaidthewords.Ifonlyhecouldbelievethem.He’dbecivil.Hecouldevenmakethebestofthings,hewasgoodat that.Hewouldnotforgetthefrustrations,orrather,pain,fromtheirpast.Hewouldnotfalltoherenticingallureeveragain.
Unfortunately, having her so close, he could remember all the amazing times too. Fun, crazy, imaginative, romantic, incredible times together. They loved to hike, mountain bike, or rock climb in Colorado and travel to the beach in North Carolinaor explore the Southernculture andoutdoor beauty Evenbeingsillyandpretendingtonotknow eachother andtry differentpickuplinesoneachotheratthegrocerystorehadbeenahootwithLivvy.
They’dneverhadenoughtimetogether,onlywhenhehadashortleaveandcaughtaflighttoColorado,orwhenshehada schoolbreakandcouldflytoFayetteville,NorthCarolinawhenhewasattheirhomebaseofFortLiberty.Everymomentthey had together seemed magical to him, especiallywhencompared to the hard workand harshrealities ofhis militarycareer. He’d excelled as an Army Ranger and then with the honored, secretive, and elite Delta Force, but his demanding, lifethreatening,andoftenemotionally-debilitatingcareerhadbeenadirectcontrasttothesimple,perfectjoyofbeingwithLivvy.
“‘Chuckanyfrustrationsfromourpast’?”Livvystaredathimlikeeitheranalienforcehadtakenoverhisbodyorshewas goingtothroatpunchhim.
Theylockedgazesandthebattlebegan Whowouldbackdown?Hewassodrawntoher Howcouldhespendthenextsix daysbasicallyalonewithherandnotdropthepridehehadleftandbeghertolovehimagain?
“Isthereaproblemhere?”Shawnasked.Adefinitechallengeinhistonetoanyonewhodidhaveaproblem.Elihadseen ontheboatrideoverthatShawnwasveryprotectiveofMercedes Hewantedtothrowbackatthemanthattherewouldn’tbe a‘problem’ifShawnandMercedeshadn’tresearchedhimandLivvyandthrownthemintothisnightmarishsituation.
LivvybrokefromglaringatEliandglaredatShawn “Problem?Youcanbetthere’saproblem Ifhecan’tevenadmithow wellwekneweachother…”Hervoicecrackedandshebrokeoff.
Elialmostreachedforher Hewantedtoreachforhermorethanhewantedtohavehislegback JaromLovewastheone who Livvy had chosen to hold and comfort her. Not him. His muscles tightened and he was able to hold himself military straight,putamaskontohidehowmuchheyearnedforher,andnotmoveaninch.
Livvystared athimand thenshe said quietly, “Mercedes do youhave other options lined up for mycounterpartthis week?”
Thatwasagutpunch Shedidn’twanthim He’dalreadyknownthat,buttohearheraskforareplacement Heswallowed andclenchedhisjaw.
“Um no”Mercedeshadlostherperpetualsmile “Ithought youtwo Ihoped I’msosorry”
Eli actuallyfeltbadfor the billionaire sweetheart.She’dobviouslythoughtthis was a goodidea,notjusttryingtomake somedramatictelevisionandexploitbothofthem.
Longsecondstickedby Water splashedgentlyagainstthehull oftheboat Adockworker calledgreetingstoafriend A fishjumpedandslippedbackintothewater.MercedeslookedtoShawnandShawnappearedreadytoforcethetwoofthemto make this weekwork Eli had no idea whatto say He’d somehow getthroughthe week, buthe couldn’tifLivvyrefused to workwithhim.
Livvy drew in a loud breath and pushed it out. “Well then. I guess I’ll have to be the bigger person and ‘chuck any frustrationsfromourpastintheocean’.”
Eli flinched. She was the bigger person? The bigger traitor. He didn’t respond verbally. He focused on Mercedes and
hopedhedidn’texplodeandsaysomethingnasty.
Whenthedolled-upbillionairestillseemedtofalter,Eligrinnedandteased,“MissBenedictappearstobetwentypercent in Hooah!Icanworkwiththat”HecouldfeelLivvy’sangerfromtwofeetaway “We’dappreciateyougivingustherestof yourspielnow,MissBelle.”
“Oh all right Thankyou” She nodded to Eli She appeared genuine, butwhatdid he know aboutbeautiful women? Obviouslynotenough,ifthewomanhe’dtrustedmostcouldbetrayhimlikeshedid.
Shawnleaned inand whispered something Mercedes wrungher hands together “I didn’t finishmyintroduction Livvy BenedictisthefounderofVetAccessories.”ShesmiledatLivvy,buthersmilewastentative.“Anincrediblefoundationthat provides anything a Wounded Vet might need prosthetics,” her gaze dropped to Eli’s leg and then snapped back up, “wheelchairs,adaptationsforhome,work,orvehicle Livvydoesitall”
“Thankyou,”Livvymurmured.“MypartnerJaromdoesmorethanIdo.”
Mercedesgushedsomethingaboutthe‘incredibleJaromLove’asElistoodramrodstraight,gutchurning,bodycold,anger fillinghisveinsandseepingfromeverypore.
Her‘partner’Jarom Ofcourseshewasstillwithhim Whywouldn’tshebe?Didshereallyhavetobringhimintotheintro andjabElievendeeper?ItwasapunchtothekidneysfromCashthatnotevenBennettcouldrecoverfrom.
Mercedes was still talking. Atleasthe didn’thave to sayanythingrightnow, and atleastMercedes hadn’tbragged that Eli’s brand new and miraculouslyimproved prosthetic was funded byLivvy’s organization It was Cashhad requested the fundingmonthsagoandhadtoldEli abouttheVetAccessoriesorganizationwhohadpaidforit.Eli should’velookedupthe organization Hecould’vegazedatLivvy’sbeautifulfaceonline,gottenhisfill,andthennotthoughtheneededtostareather rightnow.
Andhewould’veseenhersmilingforthecameras,arminarmwithJaromLove. Hisfistsclenched.
Heshouldbegratefultoher.Hewasgrateful.TheArmy-issuedprosthetichadsupportedhisweightandhe’dbeenableto walk,butnotrun Nowhecouldrun,rideamountainbike,hike,andexplore Thisnewprostheticmadeforathleteshadgiven himalotoffreedomback.Thisweek,he’dsomehowdredgeupthewordstoshowhisappreciation.Itjuststunktobeindebt tothewomanwho’dshreddedthestill-beating-for-herheartoutofhischest
Thatwastoodramatic.Hisbrothersinarmsandhisbrothersbybloodwouldallbelaughingathim.Actuallythey’dfeel sorryforhim,whichwasworsethanlaughing.EverybodyclaimedheandLivvyhadn’tlivedinthesamestateforlongenough toformadeepandlastingrelationship.He’dcalledbunkandevengotteninfriendlywrestlingmatchesaboutit.Sometimesnot sofriendlymatcheswithhisjudgmentallittlebrotherJack.
HeandLivvywereamatchmadeinheaven Elialwaysinsistedthat Jokewasonhim.Livvyapparentlywasanangel,doinggoodformanyvets,includinghim.Shesimplycouldneverbehis angelagain
Heclenchedhisfistsandwonderedhowhewasgoingtolimpthroughthisweek.
LIVVY COULD NOT BELIEVE
what a jerk Eli was being. It was Eli so of course he made his insolent comments funny His words mightappear teasingto anyone else, buteachone was a digto her alreadyfragile soul They’d met?Chuckanyfrustrationsfromtheirpast?Himditchingherandshatteringherheart?Amerefrustration?
Herparentsandsisterhadtriedtowarnher.HerbestfriendJaromhadbeentheonlyoneonteamEli.UntilEliditchedher. EverybodyelsebelievedsheandElididn’tknoweachotherwellenoughforhertoclaimhewastheonlymanforherand she’dlovehimuntilherdyingday.They’dworriedthathe’dneverbeabletobehomeforherbecauseofhisdemandingcareer. Apparentlythey’dbeenright Hisdemandingcareerhadendedwithhisinjury,andeventhenhehadn’tlovedherenoughto comeforher.
Jaromwas always right there to support her whenshe fell apart Without her friend’s comfortingshoulder and positive attitude,andwiththemanwho’dcausedallherheartacheafootaway,shedidn’tknowhowshestoodupright.Sheprayedshe wouldn’t have another panic attack. Eli had caught her and held her after her panic attack, but thenhe’d joked and backed away.
Beingthis close to himand seeingthathe didn’tlove her anymore ripped all her wounds wide openagain. Before this moment,she’dhadhopethatitwasallamisunderstanding Inhermind,ifElicouldjustseeher,beclosetoher,he’dexplain everythinghe’dgonethroughandthey’dbetogetherlikeshe’dalwaysdreamed.Allhopewaslost.
“Thechallengeforthisweek,”Mercedescontinuedwhenneitherofthemsaidanything “IstosailaroundtheCaribbean” Shesmiledalittlebigger andgesturedtothebeautiful cabincruiser.“Well,motor around.InmyfavoriteCruisersYachts50 GLS.”
Theboatwas gorgeous but Stuckinthis spacewithEli andhedidn’tcarefor her anylonger?How was shegoingto manage?
“Thereisamapandacompassintheglovebox ThereareeighteenCaribbeanislandsthathaveaDelSolstore Youknow thecuteshirtsandnailpolishthatchangecolorsinthesun?”Shesmiledhappilyandliftedherlongnails.Theywerepurple.
LivvyhadnocluewhichislandshadaDelSol HopefullyElidid
“FifteenoftheeighteenCaribbeanDelSollocationshaveacluewaitingforyou.Youonlyneedtofindsixcluesfromthose fifteenpossibilities. Some ofthe locations will have repeatclues and some ofthe islands have multiple Del Sol locations. Lookforthelocationclosesttotheportoryachtclub Onceyoufindall sixcluesyouhavetosail totheplacethattheclues describe.ShawnandIwillbewaitingtherewithyourmilliondollars.”Shebeamedandseemedrestoredtoherformerhappy state
Thenshepausedandlookedconfused.SheglancedatShawn.
“Theislandswithoutclues,noInternet,”Shawnprompted
“Oh! We did not put a clue on St. Thomas so don’t worry about running around this island. Also Puerto Rico and DominicanRepublichavenoclues.Focusonthesmallerislands.Anddon’tforgettheInternetisofflimits.”
LivvyglancedatEli HenoddedtoMercedesanddidn’tevenbotherlookingLivvy’sdirection Thepunchesjustkepton comingapparently.Couldshereallydothis?Aweekwiththemanshehadlongedforthepastyear.Seeinghimagain,sheknew shelovedhimstillandthelongingwasevenworse Hewasstillhisteasingself,butnotinthesweetwayheusedtojokewith her.Heapparentlydidn’tcareforheratallnow.Theyear-longrepetitivequestionresurfaced:Whathadshedonetopushhim away?
Thenofcoursethesecondarygutpunchnippedather.Hadhepushedherawaybecauseofhisinjury?Washetooinjured insideordidhethinkshewouldn’taccepthimwithoutpartofhisleg?NowaycouldtheElishe’dknownandlovedthinkshe couldbesopetty
Butmaybetheyhadn’tknowneachotherwellenough.Justasherparentsandhersisterhadalwaysworried.
“Therearecameraseverywhereontheboatexceptthebathroom WhenyoutraveltoandfromtheDelSolsordoanything elseofftheboat,EliwillneedtorecordwiththeGoPro,”Mercedescontinued.“Don’tworryaboutrecordingintheDelSol. We’veplacedourcamerasonlocationsowecancapturebothofyou.Freeexposureforthem,right?”
Eli onlynodded again. Could the mannot speak? Whenhe did speakhe said things that broke her heart so maybe she preferredthenodding.
“WhatamIforgetting?”MercedesaskedShawn “Clothes,supplies,money,phone.”
“Thankyou”Shesmiledsweetlyathim “Therearecleanclothesinthecabin’sdrawersforyou,toiletriesinthebathroom cabinet,andplentyoffoodinthefridge,freezer,andcupboards.Therearegiftcardsforyoutofillupyourfuel,propane,and water,andemptytheseptictank,andcashtobuyanysuppliesorfoodyou’dlike Inthegloveboxthereisasatellitephoneif youhaveanytrouble.”Sheclutchedherhandstogetherandgrimaced.
“Hastherebeentroubleontheothershows?”Eliasked.
“Some,”Mercedesadmitted “Butyourswill justbeafunchallenge”Hersmilereturnedbutitwasstill strained “Well, goodlucktoyou!We’llseeyouatthefinishline.”SheleanedintoShawnandheescortedherpastthem.ShesqueezedLivvy’s handasshepassed Livvyhopedthesmileshegaveherdidn’tlookasfrustratedandoutofsortsasshefelt Mercedeswasa benevolentladyandLivvyreallyappreciatedhergenerosityandthisopportunity.
“Thankyou,”Livvysaid
“Bestofluck,”Mercedessaid.“I’llbeprayingandcheeringforyou.”
The cameraman followed Mercedes and Shawn for a few seconds then swung around to video Livvy and Eli. As if it weren’tawkwardenoughbetweenthem
“Afteryou,milady.”Elismiledbutitdidn’treachhiseyes.Hegesturedtotheboat,avoidinghergaze.
Livvy walked to the back of the boat and stepped on It was beautiful white upholstery, chrome and wood accents everywhere.Asshewalkedtothecoveredpartoftheboat,shecouldseeontheleftsidewheretherewerestairsgoingdown. Shecouldseedownintothesmallcabinarea,asmallcountertopwithasinkandfridgeranalongtherightside.Somecushions andalittletablewereundertheveryfrontoftheboat.Adoorontheleftsideshewouldassumewasthebathroom.Wherewas thebed?Wasthereabed?HowwasshegoingtosleepinsomesmallbedwithEli?
Eli stepped onto the boat and eased around her He moved exceptionally well with his prostheses He should That particular brandandmodel was designedfor multi-sportathletes.Shealmostcomplimentedhimonhow well hemoved,but didn’tknowhowitwouldgoover
Yesterdayshewould’vethoughtshehadathousandquestionsforEli.Atthismomentshecouldn’tthinkoftwowordstosay tohim.Allshewantedtoknowwaswhyhe’dturnedhisbackonher.Howhecouldpossiblygiveupontheirlove.Everytime they’dbeentogetherhadbeenmagical.
Notanymore.
Therewasnomagic,happiness,orsparksintheair Unlessyoucountedthegrumpysparksradiatingoffofhim
Hestartedtoloosenthelines,butsomemenfromtheyachtclubcameandhurriedtotaketheropesoff.Theboatfloated awayfromthedock
“Appreciate ya.” Eli raised a hand. He wasn’tfromthe southbuthad adopted some oftheir words withhis home base beinginNorthCarolinathepasttenyears.
Themenallwavedback
“Doyouknowhowtodrivethisthing?”Livvyasked,steppinguptothecushionedco-pilotchairnexttothecaptain’schair. “Shawn gave me a tutorial on piloting this beaut on the way over We always had a jet boat, cruising the lakes of Minnesota.”Hegrinned,touchingthedisplayalmostreverently.“Nothingthisbigorfancy.”
“Ohyeah,Iforgot”
Elilookedatherthen.Hisgazewasfullofhurtandbetrayal.Asifshe’dforgottenhim,forgottenthem.Injusticemadeher chesttight.Howdareheactlikeshewastheonewho’dditchedhim?
Hefocusedonthecontrolsandturnedthekey Themotorpurredtolife Shedidn’tknow muchaboutboatsbutcouldtell this one was fancy. The weather was a perfect eightydegrees. Theywere goingto navigate throughthe gorgeous turquoise watersoftheCaribbeanandseeislandsshe’donlyheardabout Livvywasgoingtoearnamilliondollarsforhercharity Everythingaboutthissituationshouldbeideal.Ifonlyitwasn’tEliwhowasstandingnexttoher.
Shefocusedonhishandsomeprofile,hisjawtightasifhedidn’tlikeherperusal ShewouldlovehavingElinexttoher ifhehadn’twoundedhersodeeply.Thefactthathewasn’tevenrepentantandseemedangryandputoffbyheraddedinsultto injury.
Hewantedtobesulkyandangry?Fine Thatwashisissue Shewasgoingtosomehowenjoythisexperience Provetohim thatshewasmorethanoverhim.Shewouldn’ttakehimbackifhecrawledtoher.
ShecouldhearhersisterNataliecheeringatthosethoughts Nataliewouldtellhermakinghimeatcrowandnotfallingfor himwasexactlywhatsheneededforclosureandsoshecouldfinallymoveon.ShecouldhearNatalie’svoice.Shelovedher sisterbutshedidn’twanttogrowbitterlikeNataliehadfromherbrokenheart.Howcouldshestaypositive?Especiallyright now.
Shedidn’twanttomoveon. Shesnuckapeekathim. Allshe’deverwantedwasherEliback
ELI
WAS hyper-awareofLivvyamerefootawayfromhimashemotoredoutoftheyachtclubatawakelessspeed.He should’ve figured outwhere theywere goingfirst Shoot He’d beenfocused onher and gettingawayfromthe cameraman Whichwassillyastherewerecamerasallovertheboat.Nowhe’dhavetoaskhertohelphimnavigate,orstopanddriftonce they were clear of the island’s traffic. For a million dollars, the challenge would not be easy, and he didn’t want poor executiononhisparttomakeLivvyandherfoundationloseout.
“Doyoumindyankingoutthattheremapandcompass,littlelady?”heasked,tryingtosoundfunny,unaffected.Hewasfar fromeitheratthemoment
“Sure.” Her voice sounded … pleasant, sweet, the wayLivvyhad always sounded. That wasn’t good. He’d prefer her angryandupsetathimsotheycouldbothkeeptheirdistanceandgetthroughthiswithoutnewscarstoaddtotheold
Shepulledoutthemapandthecompass.Itwaswindywiththeboatmovingandthemapwhippedaroundasshetriedto spreaditoutandpinitinplacebelowthewindshield.
“That is no bueno,” he said. She looked wounded as if he’d said she’d done somethingwrong. Great. He was already walkingonLegos.Nowaddsomeeggshellstothemix.“Willyoutakethemapdowntothetable?I’llclearthetrafficaround theislandandwecandriftforafewminuteswhilewefigureoutwheretogonext”
“Okay.”Shesmiledathim.Herabsolutelybrilliant,lightupEli’sworldkindofsmile. Heglancedoutofthewindshieldtoavoidbaskinginthatsmile,focusingonthecalmwaterthatmatchedhereyes Thankfullyshesaidnothing,simplywalkeddownthestepstothecabin.Withinminuteshewasinopenwaterandableto idletheboatandthenshutoffthemotor.Heeaseddownthestairs;this prostheticwas miles abovehis firstone,buthewas stillgettingusedtoitandcautiouswithunevensurfaces,ice,orsand Hegrewevenmorecautiousasthebeautifulwomansittingatthesmalltableglancedupathim.Slidingintothechairnext tohers,theonlyoption,hewasoverwhelmedbyherscent Hehadtoclosehiseyesforamomentandjustbreathe Herarmbrushedhisandhiseyesflewopen.Blinkingupathim,shesaidsoftly,“Youstilllikethescentofgardenias.”
Itwasnoquestion Sheknewhewasgoneoverher orrathergoneoverhersmell Heshould’veclarifiedthough ‘Like thescent?No.’He’dpauseandshe’dgivehimacuriouslook.‘I love thesmellofgardenias.Especiallyonyourlovelyneck.’ She’dgrin.Thenhe’dlower hisheadandbreatheher infor afew momentsbeforehetenderlykissedher neck.He’dslowly workhiswayuptohermouthandthenhe’dcompletelycaptureherlipswithhis Thepainofthepastyearwoulddisappear andeveryhappinesswouldbetheirs.
Heshookhisheadtoclearit ShewasJaromLove’s‘partner’,‘girlfriend’‘love’ Hecheckedherringfinger Notmarried orengagedyet.Itdidn’tmatter.Shewasnothis.Neveragainhis.
“Didyoustealagardenfull?”heteasedherlikeheusedto “Foryou,”shesaidback.
Eli’seyeswidenedandhispulsespedup.Shecouldn’tdothistohimagain,butitwashisfaultforinitiatingthetease.He glancedsharplydownatthemap,ignoringherstatement “We’reherenexttoSt Thomas Whichunfortunatelyisinthemiddle oftheislandsthatmakeuptheCaribbean.”
Sheleanedcloserandthetouchofherarmagainsthisandherscentweregoingtodrivehiminsane “Sowhichwaydowe go?”
“IftheD.R.andPuertoRicoareoffthetabletherearemoreislandsincloserproximitysouthofusthannorth.We’llisland hopandseeiftheyhaveaDelSol.”
“Youdon’tknowwhichoneshaveaDelSol?”
Heshookhishead “I’vebeentoahandfuloftheislandswiththemilitaryandonacruisewithmyparentsinhighschool I rememberwalkingpastDelSol,butI’maguy.Wedon’tshop.”Hewinked.
“Iknowyoudon’t,”shesaidsoftly
Eliclenchedhishand.Sheusedtoshopforhim.Withher‘friend’Jaromtryingthingsonforhertobuyforhim.Jokeonhim thatJaromwasmuchmorethanafriend.Everybodyelsearoundhimhadseenthatplainly,buthe’dtrustedLivvy.
Whywasthissohard?HewantedtoaskheraboutJarom.Hereallywantedtohavehersayshe’dbrokenupwiththeguy andEli hada chance.He grittedhis teeth.He hadnochance.Jaromwas a lifelongfriendwho’dbecome her lover andwas nowher‘partner’ Livvydidn’twantamanwithoutaleg,andshedidn’twanthim She’dbeencheatingonhimwhenhewas onhisfinal mission,kissinghimgoodbyedaysbefore.ThepicturesTrentshowedhimconfirmedthat.Picturesofherkissing theperfectly-dressed,perfectly-plucked,insanely-wealthy,pretty-boyJarom
His shoulders bunched around his ears and he had to keep fromclenchinghis fists. Whyhe would evenwantto begher backwhenshe’d cheated atthe worsttime ofhis life and their trustwas irrevocablybrokenmade no sense Itmade himas angryathimselfashewasatJarom.
“Let’scheckoutSt.Croixfirst.Youcanseetheislandsoutheastofusfromhere.”Hetiltedhisheadtothewindowsuphigh inthe cabinarea The roofwas also partiallyglass bringinglightin “It’s bigenoughitshould have a Del Sol We canask around while we’re onthe island and see where the other Del Sols are and markouta path. Theysaid we couldn’tuse the Internet,buttheydidn’tsaywecouldn’tuseour brains andcharm,right?”Heglancedover andpumpedhis eyebrows ather beforehecouldthinkbetterofit.
Hereyesgotwideandthenwarmforjustabriefmoment
Quicklylookingaway,hecalculatedwhatdirectionhe’dneedtoheadfortheyachtclubonSt.Croix.Afterafewseconds, henodded.“Gotit.”Hestood.
“CanIdoanythingtohelp?”sheasked,standingaswell Theboatswayedslightlywitharollingwaveandsheleanedinto him.
Elibracedhimselfagainstthetableandbracedherwithahandonherhip “Youfindingyoursealegs?”heaskedinatelltalehuskyvoice.Thefeelofheragainsthimwassparkleandshinejustlikeitusedtobe.Hehadtoshovethosefeelingsaway. Hehadto.
“Yes.”Shemoistenedherlipsandblinkedthoselonglashesupathim.
Eli found himselfleaningdown, anticipatingher sweetkiss. Until he remembered witha startlike a sucker punchfrom Bennett shewasn’tEli’stokissanymore ShewasJaromLove’s Gross
Hereleasedherandsteppedback.“Youcanjustrelax,whileInavigatethisbeautontosuccess.” “BigHossistakingcareofhisangelagain?”sheasked Elicouldn’tcatchabreath.Anhourago,she’dhadapanicattackandpassedoutonthedockwhenshe’dseenhimagain. Hewasindangerofdoingsonow.He’dalwaysteasedherthathewas‘BigHoss,’whichmeantabig,strong,andrespected manwhowasbuiltlikeahorse,toughandfast,andthatshewashis‘angel’thathewouldalwaystakecareof.Hewasn’tsure ifhewasmoreangrythatshe’dusedtheirspecialteaseforthesecondtimeinanhour,orlongingforittobetrue.
“Okay let’sdothisthing”Hebackeduptothestairs,caughttherailing,turned,andhurriedupthem Atleasthetriedto hurryupthem.Hedidn’tlifthisprosthetichighenoughandhealmosttrippedonthestairs.
“Eli!”Livvyhurriedtohim,wrappingherhandsaroundhiswaistfrombehind “Youallright?”
Hequicklyrightedhimself,usingtherailingandhisarmstrengthtostraighten.“Fineanddandy.”Hewashumiliatedand neededtogetawayfromher.Whywasshebeingsokindtohim,bringinguptheiroldsayings,touchinghim?Totorturehimor becauseshewasstillaskindandangelicasshe’deverbeen?Sheprobablydidn’tknowhowtoactanyotherway,buthewas notgoingtogetsuckedinagain.He’dlearnedhislessonandhe’dlearneditwell.
Usinghisarmsandhisgoodleg,hepropelledhimselfquicklyupthestairs,dragginghisprostheticup
Hesettledintothecaptain’schair,startedthemotorandfocusedonthecompassandnavigatingandtriednottothinkabout Livvy’s touch, Livvy’s scent, Livvy’s voice, Livvy’s eyes, Livvy’s lips He was consumed byher and itticked himoffeven more.
TheboatwasmotoringalongatabeautifulfiftymilesperhourwhenLivvyprancedupthestepsfromthecabin.Shewas rightthere,withinhistouch,wearingaredonepieceswimsuit Thatsuitwaslikearedflagandhewasthebull Hewasgoing toplowintoher,gentlyknockheroffherfeet,cuddleherclose,andkissheruntilhestoppedgoingsoinsane.
Ohmy
“Theyhadswimsuitsinmysupplies,”shesaidallcuteandappealing.“IthoughtI’dgetsomesun.”
“Nice”Hetriedtosmile Hislipshopefullyturnedup “DoyouwantadrinkoranythingbeforeIsunmyself?”Sheheldupawaterbottleinonehand.
“Oh…waterwouldbetheidealfluidforaspecimenlikemyself.Thanks.”Hedidsmilenow.Partlybecausehewasfunny andpartlybecausehethoughtmaybetheycoulddothis Neitherofthemhadbroughtuptheirpast,besidesherinitiallyasking himwherehe’dbeenaftershepassedout.Theycouldsort-ofteaseandbecordialandgetthroughthisweek.Hehadalittlebit ofhopeatleast
“Definitelytheidealspecimen.”Shelookedhimoverandhispulsespedupandhefoundhimselfflexingandposturingfor herwhichmadeherlaugh.“I’llberightback.”
Sheturnedandeaseddownthestairs.Eliforcedhimselftofocusonthecontrolsandthenontheislandapproachinginfront of themand then he did let himself crane his neck down the stairs and take one sneak peek as she opened the fridge. He
straightenedquicklybeforesheturnedaround.
Walkingbackupthesteps,shehandedoverhiswaterwithabeautifulsmileonherface.Theirfingersbrushedandwarmth andtinglesspreadthroughhim Heshould’verolledhiseyesathimself Warmthandtingles?Fromahandtouch?Hewasan elitewarriornotsomewussyromantic.Butheusedtobesweetandromantic…forher.
“Thankyakindly,”hetriedtotease,pullinghishandawayfromhers,takingalongdrinkofthewaterbottleandsettingitin thecupholder,pretendingtobeveryinterestedintheamazingcontrolpanelandalltheincrediblefeaturesofthisfancypiece ofnauticalequipment
Finally,finally,sheletoutasighandwalkedaway.Shesettledononeofthechaiselounges,dranksomewater,staredat theocean,closedhereyesforabit.
Hewasn’twatching,hewasmakingcertainshewasall right Hewasherprotectorthisweek He’dthoughthewouldbe herprotectorforlife.Nosuchluck.Glancingdownathismissinglimb,hisgutchurned.Hewascomingtotermswiththeloss but he’d wrongly assumed he’d have that angelic beauty supporting him, helping him heal, maybe she’d even be secretly relievedthathe’dhadtoretireandtheycouldbetogetherallthetime.She’dsupportedhimwholeheartedlyinhiscareer,but they’dbothlongedformoretimetogether
Noneofthathappened.
Hehadgreatsupportwithhisparents,brothers,hissister-in-law,manyfriendsfrombackhomeinMinnesotaandmilitary buddies EspeciallyCash,Bennett,andQuaid Justnother.Theincrediblewomanheusedtothinkwashisotherhalf.
Longminutes passed He drankmore ofhis water Found some sunglasses inthe glove boxand putthemon Wished he daredaskhertosearchforahatforhim.Wishedhedaredaskhertocomesitintheco-pilotseatandchatwithhim,butthat wasahugeno.
Iftheystartedtalkinghe’deventuallyhavetohearaboutJaromLoveoritwouldburstoutofhimtodemandhowshecould act, speak, and seem so angelic when she was a cheating backstabber underneath. None of those questions were getting answered He’d keep himselfdetached fromher and his longings and somehow getthroughthe nextsixdays Maybe ifthey foundthecluesquickitwouldbesoonerthanthat.
LIVVY WAS RELIEVED
whentheydockedattheyachtclubonSt.Croix.Ithadprobablyonlybeenanhour,but shewantedElitotalktoherandheapparentlywouldonlyteasewithherandthenclamup
Acoupleofmencameandtiedoffthelines.Livvywrappedafloralsarongaroundherwaistandslidintosomeflipflops. Shedidn’tlovethewaythemeneyedherupanddown.ApparentlyneitherdidEli.Hesteppedinclosetoheronthebackpatio andgreetedthemen.
“Hello.DoyouknowthestoreDelSol?”
Thelargermannodded “Buyingclothesforyourladyfriend?”
“Certainly.Whatevermyladywants.”Eliliftedhiseyebrows,wrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,andpulledherinclose. ThebreathwhooshedoutofLivvyandshedidn’tcarewhatreasonhewasholdingher,onlythathewas Itwaspathetichow easyshecouldbeputtyinhisbeautiful,manlyhands.
The shorter man looked condescendingly at Eli’s prosthetic leg. He leered at Livvy again. “You want a real man, gorgeous?”
Eli’sbodytightenedagainstherside.
ShewrappedherarmsaroundEli’sabdomen,appreciatingthetautmuscles “Eliismyman,allthemanI’deverwant”
The mannarrowed his eyes and grunted indisgust. The two menshared a look. Eli was coiled tightlyagainst her. She wonderedifhe’dpummel thembothtoprove whata manhe was He’dnever neededtoprove himself;one lookathimand anyonecouldseehowtough,brave,andheroichewas.Missingpartofhislegdidn’tchangethat.Notforher.
“NoDelSolstoreonSt.Croix,”thelargermansaid.“St.Marteenisthecloseststore.”
“Thankyou,”Elisaidstiffly “Tossoffthelines,please”
Themannoddedtohimandtheyquicklyremovedtheropes.TheboatdriftedawayandEliturnedhertowardthecaptain’s area
“Offerisgoodanytime,beautiful,”theshortermancalled.
“Comenearmyladyandyou’ll wishyouhadn’t,”Eli said,loud,clear,andcommanding Livvyfeltforthatmomentasif theyweretogetheragainandnobodyhadbetterdaremesswithherortheywouldregretit.Eliwouldprotectherandloveher again.
Thesmallguylookedsurly,buttheotherguypushedathisshoulderandtheyturnedaway Elireleasedherandhurriedto thecaptain’schair.Hestartedtheboatandtheymotoredaway.
Livvyeaseduptotheco-pilot’schair Neitherofthemsaidanythingforafew beats Eli’sjaw wassotightshecould’ve crackednutsonit.Themusclesinhisarmsbulgedashestoodbehindthewheel,navigatingoutoftheyachtclubandintothe ocean
“Thankyouforprotectingme,”shesaid.
“It’satoughjobbutsomebody’sgottodoit.”Hisvoicewasteasingaseverbuthedidn’tlookather.
“Wereyoujustposturingforthosemenor ”Sheheldherbreath,prayinghe’dsayhemeanthiswordsandallhewanted wastoworkthroughthereasonshe’dnevercomeforherandshecouldstillhavethechanceofbeing‘hislady’.
“Yep,”hesaidshortly “Idiotsanyway,butworkingatayachtclubtheymighthaveaccesstoaboatandtheyknowwhere we’reheaded.”Hisgazeflickeredoverher.“AsenticingasyouareIwouldn’tputitpastthemtofollowus.” Her stomachclenched. She didn’twantthose mencomingafter them. The wayEli said ‘enticing’sounded like itwas a liability.
“Youreallythinktheywould?”
Hiseyesmethers Heshookhishead “Probablynot Ijustwantedthemtoknownottoattemptanythingormesswithus” Hegrippedthewheeltighter.“SomethinkI’mnotasstrongwithouthalfmyleg.Theyfindoutquickthatthey’rewrong.” “Ibet You’restillstrongandperfecttome,”shesaid Heglancedatherinsurpriseandthenhisentirefaceandbodytightened.“I’vegottocheckthecoordinatestoSt.Martin,” hemuttered.
Theywereoutinopenoceannow.Hepulledthestickshiftthingintowhatsheassumedwasneutral,andhurriedpasther downthestairstowherethey’dleftthemapandcompassonthetable.
Livvylookedaround,achillracingthroughher Elididn’twanttohearcomplimentsfromherandhe’donlywrappedhis armaroundher toposture anddeter those menfromcomingafter them.Theywouldn’tcome.Right? Eli couldeasilyhandle them,butshedidn’twanthimtohavetofighttwomen Shewantedhimtoholdherbecausehewantedtoholdher Inallhervisionsofbeingreunitedwiththeloveofherlife,noneofherdaydreamsornightdreamshadlookedanythinglike this AtthemomentbeingwithElifeltmorelikeatorturousnightmarethanadream
ELI BLEW
outabreathandfocusedonthecontrols.Livvyhadtakenoffthewrapthingthatcoveredatleastpartofher swimsuit Shewaslyingonachaiseloungeatthebackoftheboat Hewasstrugglingtonotstare
Those menhad beeninstantlydrawninbyher beautyand thoughthe was little threatbecause ofhis disability. His neck heated up just thinkingabout it and thenthe rest of himheated up thinkingabout holdingLivvyclose to his side while he posturedasherprotectorand‘man’.Hetookanotherglanceinthemirrorandshewasstaringstraightathim.
Helookedawayfirstandcussedhimselffornotmakingajokeorgivingherateasingwink.Withopenoceanforawhile andnothingtofocusonbuttheout-of-his-reach,red-swimsuit-wearingangel,itwastimetofamiliarizehimselfwiththeboat’s controlsandnavigationsystem,beyondwhatShawnhadshownhim.
Withintwentyminutes,hefiguredouthowtosettheboattonavigatetohisintendedlocationwithoutmanningthecontrols Alittlemoretinkeringandhefoundamapofthesurroundingarea,withGooglemapsfunctioning,andcouldpinpointandhave the boatpilotthemstraightinto St. Marteen’s YachtClub. Itwas spelled more like the locals pronounced it, buthe knew it couldgoeitherway.
“Ha!”hesaidtohimself.“Bettheyforgottodisablethat.”
“What’sthat?”Livvysprangoffherloungeandhurriedtohisside Sheeasedinmuchtooclose,brushingagainsthisarm andlookingonwithinterest.Gardenias.Dangthosesucculent-smellinggardenias.
“Lookatthis brilliance,” he said, standingto give himselfa tinybitofdistance and pointingto the map “Icanhave it navigateusstraightintotheSt.MarteenYachtClub.Noneedforthepapermaporcompass.”
“That’samazing.Youfoundthat?”Sheblinkedupathimasifhewereasuperhero.
“Ofcourse Iwastalkingaboutmybrilliance,nottheboat’s”Hegrinnedandputhisfingerandthumbonhischinasifhe wereTheThinker.
Shelaughed “ExactlywhatIwasthinking”
Shestoodthere,smilingathim.Hisbrainstoppedfunctioning.Hefoundhimselfleaningcloser.Theymotoredoveraswell and she grabbed onto his arm His hand automatically wrapped around her lower back to steady her while his other hand steadiedhimonthecaptain’schair.
Bigmistake.Reallyepic.Whenhe’dheldherwhilethosemenwereleeringatherontheSt.Croixdockhehadn’tfullylet himself appreciate her trimbodyagainst his The smoothskinof her backwas exposed inthis perfect-fittingswimsuit He couldfeelherandsmellherandhewasthrustbackintomemoriesofhowincredibleithadalwaysfelttokissher.
He stuttered and almostfell He released her like she had a disease Easingbackinto the chair, he had anexcuse to not touchher.Nomatterhowbadlyhewantedtotouchher.
“Doyou,uh,thinktheradioworks?”sheasked “Ibetitdoes.Everythingistopofthelineonthisbeaut.MaybeI’llbuyonewithmymillionsofdollars.”Hewinked.He couldbetthissmallyachtcostmuchmorethanamilliondollars.
Hereyeswidened “Youhave millionsofdollars?”
His stomachsankas ifhe’dswalloweda boulder.Ifhe hadmillions ofdollars like JaromLove wouldthatmake upfor beingaone-leggedman?Whyhadshestartedthecharityshehad?Simplybecauseshewasanangelicsweetheartormaybethe guiltofditchinghimwhenhelosthisleg?
“Mercedesispayingmeamilliondollarsfortheshow.It’sear-markedforinvestmentsalready.YouknowJack-Jack,”he tried to tease about his financially-brilliant younger brother. “So maybe no boat.” He looked awayfromher beautiful face. He’dgobacktohidingoutinCash’sgymandworkingwiththeat-riskyouthwhocameinregularly.Nothidingout.Hewas doingalotofgoodandsurroundedbyvetswhounderstoodhim,whocouldrelatetotheinjusticeandpainoflosingthedreams they’dworkedsohardfor.
Shedidn’tmoveforafewseconds,thensheeasedinandlookedoverthecontrols Hisbreathshortenedandallhissenses wentonhyper-drive.
“Noradio,”shemused.
Thankfullyshemovedawayfromhimandthenshesaid,“Ah,it’shereinsidetheglovebox.”Shefiddledwithitandsped through country music, opera, reggae, and finally found a pop-rock type of station. Dancing to whatever song was on, she hummedalong
Eli justwatchedher.Theycould’verunintoacruiseshipandhewouldn’thavenoticeditcoming.Sheswayedher hips, pumpedherhands,circledherarms,lip-syncedalongwiththesong Shewasafluidandbeautifuldancer He’dseenthatthe firstnighthemether;watchingherdanceonthetable,he’dinstinctivelythoughthe’dmethismatch.They’ddancedmanytimes afterthat Oftenallalone,swayingtogether,andthedancingmorphedintoincrediblekissingsessions
Hewasdrawntoherrightnow.Nomatterthatheshouldn’tbe.Drawn?Hewasastinkingpieceofwussy,shreddedsteel meantforthegarbagedump,andshewasaneodymiummagnet,thestrongestmagnetintheworld,afootawayfromhim.How couldhenotflinghimselfather?Howcouldhenothopeshe’dsavehimfromalifeofmeaninglessshred?
Hegrittedhisteeth,clungtothewheel,andkepthisrearinthecaptain’schair.
Thenithappened Thesongchangedandhis stomachtookflight His gazewas yankedstraighttoher teal-blueeyes Her eyeswerewideandstunned.Whatweretheodds?
Thefirstfewlinesofthesongflowedbyastheysimplystaredateachother ThenLivvystarteddancingagain Justforhim Itwasthemostenchantingdance.Shesangalongwiththewords,“I’masuckerforyou.”
Thatwasabsolutelytrue.Hewasasuckerforher.
“Anyroadyoutake,youknowyou’llfindme,”shesang,grinningathimasshecontinuedtodance Shedancedrightuptohim,reachingoutherhand.“Dancewithme,Eli.”
He shookhis head, bitingathis tongue The selfcontrol he exhibited inthatmomentwould’ve impressed Drill Sergeant Lucero,thetoughestofhistrainingcamp.“Ihavetopilottheboat.”
“Ithoughtitwasonauto-pilotstraighttothedockinSt.Marteen’s.”
Hegrittedhisteeth,andthenhedidsomethingalmostasimpressiveasrescuingBennettfromsadisticinsurgentsinSyria whilehislegwasbadlyinjuredandafterthey’dlostJohntotheIED.
Helookedaway Hefocusedcompletelyonthehorizon,thewater,thecontrols,anythingbutthewomanheloved,dancing totheirsong,smellinglikegardenias,afootawayfromhim.
Thiswastheworstformoftortureanybodycouldofferupforhim
LIVVY CHANGED into a comfortable sundress whentheyapproached St. Marteen. The skywas darkeningas the sundisappeared into the calmturquoise water The taste ofsaltinthe air and the warmhumiditymade her feel sticky She wouldhavelovedtojumpinthewater,buttheydidn’thavetime.
She’dbroughtEliasandwichashenavigatedtheboatandeatenalittlebitherself,butherstomachchurnedatthewidening distance betweenthem. She’d almostforgottenhow injured she was because ofhimand had letdownher guard, especially whentheirsongcameonandshedancedforhim.Theappreciationandlonginginhiseyeshaddrawnherstraightbacktohow theyusedtobe
And he’d pushed her away. Again. She should be used to it. Him rejecting her to her face was far worse than him disappearingonher Ifsomebodywould’vetriedtotellherthatthispastyear,shewouldn’thavebelievedthem Shewould’ve said at least she had answers. Yet she didn’t have any answers and him right here but not head over heels for her was excruciating.
Theydocked the boat. Eli spoke to a manand he said theywould refuel the boatand parkitina slip theycould stayin tonight.Itwouldbeallreadyforthemwhentheyreturnedfromtown.
Thatwouldbegood,butitmadeheralittlepanickedthatthedaywasalreadygone Theyonlyhadfivemoredaysandnot evenoneclue.Hopefullythey’dfindonehere.WhatiftheislandstheymadeittohadrepeatclueswaitingforthemattheDel Solsandtheyneverfoundthesixdifferentclues?Whatifthosemenhadcomeafterthem?Thatwassilly They’dbarelyseen LivvyandeveniftheythoughtEliwasn’tasstrongwithpartofhislegmissing,hestillwasobviouslynoonetotriflewith.His confidentbearingandawe-inspiringmusclesshouldcommunicatethat.
Elitookherhand,filmingwiththeGoProcamerawiththeotherhand,andledhertoataxi Theydrovetheshortdistanceto the cruise terminal portandthe mainpartoftown.Twomassive cruise ships toweredover the docks.The homes andshops weremadeofconcretepaintedinbrightcolors Childrenanddogsranaroundnear thehomes Astheygotintotowntourists meanderedalongthestreetsaslocalscalledtothem,peddlingtours,cabrides,ortrinkets.
Steppingoutonthecurb,Eliofferedhishandandhelpedherout,stillholdingthecameratofocusonher Anyonewatching wouldthinktheywereacouple,themanobsessedwithfilminghis‘lady’.Shecouldalmostkidherselfintobelievingtheystill hadthatspecialsparkbetweenthem,butobviouslyElididn’tagree.Shewantedtogrillhimaboutwhyhe’dturnedhisbackon theirlove,butatthesametimeshedidn’tknowifshewasstrongenough Itmightstartthemourningprocessalloveragain
Theywalkedhandinhandalongthesidewalk.Eliturnedoffthecameraandletitdangleinhislefthandastheywalkedinto theDelSolstore
“Hellothere,”acutecollege-ageblondegreetedthem.HergazelingeredonEli’shandsomeface.
“Hi”ElireleasedLivvy’shandandstrodeuptothedesk Thegirlneverlookedawayfromhisface “I’mEli Thisismy friendLivvy.”
Friend? Ohnow itwas ‘friend’? Withthose menonthe dockitwas ‘mylady’ina verypossessive tone. She rolled her eyes
“HiEli.Livvy.I’mJazzy.”Shebattedhereyelashes.
“Jazzy I’dlike one ofyour t-shirts Whichever one youthinkwouldlookbestonme” He winkedandspreadhis hands, makinghisarmandshouldermusclesflexbeautifully. Livvy’sstomachturnedover.Hewasn’tflirting,butdefinitelybeingtoofriendlyforherunstablestateofmind.Shefolded herarmsacrossherstomach.
“Anythingwould lookgood onyou.” Jazzylicked her lips like Eli was anice creamcone. She bustled around the store bringinghimoptionsincolorandcut,prattlingonabouthisbroadshouldersandmuscularchesttheentiretime “Eli,”Livvyinterruptedafterafew sickeningminutes.“Weneedtogetgoing.”Therewasnowheretheyreallyneededto be,astheycouldn’treachanotherislandinthedarkanyway,butshewasreadytogetatleastoneclue,eatsomedinner,andgo tosleep.
“All right.” Eli gave her a lookthat said he knew she was jealous and maybe he didn’t mind it. Why? Whywould he
