Page 32 of SEAL's Promise

Cal frowned. “He can be.” The operative edged closer, turning his back to his teammates and blocking their view of her. “I hurt you.”

She added observant to his list of admirable qualities. “Of course not. You wouldn’t do that.” At least, not intentionally.

“Rachelle.”

She closed her eyes for a few seconds, cheeks burning. “Don’t ask. Please.”

“Baby, I can’t fix what I did wrong if I don’t know how I hurt you.”

Her breath caught. Baby? Did he mean that?

“Tell me,” he whispered.

She had to know if he viewed her only as a friend or not. If he did, she’d shore up the walls around her heart and get on with her life. “You said we’re friends.”

Cal stilled. “Aren’t we?”

For a moment, she thought hurt flickered in his eyes. In the next instant, he’d masked his expression and his eyes showed nothing except intense focus on her. “Is that all we are?”

He cupped her cheek. “I want more. Do you?”

“Yes.”

The operative relaxed, his thumb brushing across her bottom lip in a touch so light her nerve endings sparked to life. “Thank God. I was afraid you’d reject me and break my heart.”

“Why would I do that?”

“You’re beautiful, smart, and funny. You could have any guy you wanted and deserve better than me.”

“I disagree. Besides, you don’t have competition. None of the Fortress men have shown interest in me.”

He snorted. “You haven’t noticed the looks and hints thrown your way.”

“You’re the only man I’m interested in.”

His gaze dropped to her mouth. “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you.”

“I wouldn’t object,” she whispered.

Cal groaned. “Don’t tempt me. When I kiss you the first time, I don’t want an audience.”

“Rain check?”

“Definitely.” He bent his head until his mouth brushed the corner of hers. “I can wait. Maybe.”

A tiny turn of her head and her mouth would be against his. So tempting. Rachelle returned the favor by kissing the corner of his mouth. “It’s later. Kiss me now?”

His lips curved. “Still have that audience.”

“Bummer. Think they’ll notice a short kiss?”

“Our first kiss won’t be short. So, yeah, they’ll notice.” With a soft groan, Cal eased away from her. “I have to go or Eli will grab me by the scruff of the neck and drag me back on task.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

He shook his head. “I have my laptop with Zane’s iron-clad encryption. Would you like to use it?”

“I’ll check my work email.”