Page 43 of SEAL's Promise
“Jackson,” Cal snapped.
More laughter from the medic. “Problem, my friend?”
“Not for much longer. Dead men can’t talk.”
“Tell me about yourself, Jackson.” Amusement filled Rachelle’s voice. “Is there a special woman in your life?”
“Not at the moment. I’d been holding back for a chance with you. Now, my hopes are dashed, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces.”
Cal glared at his soon-to-be former friend in the mirror.
“Ha. I don’t believe that for a minute.” She continued to pepper the medic with questions.
When Cal followed Rafe onto the interstate, Jackson said, “You’re all set, Rachelle. I placed a waterproof bandage on the cut so you’ll be able to shower. Don’t linger in there, though.”
“Thanks for patching me up, Jackson.”
“No problem. When was your last tetanus shot?”
“Last year.”
“Good. Take these pain capsules. By the time we arrive at our destination, the lidocaine will have worn off. Wrap up in this blanket and take a nap. You’re going to crash soon.”
“I can help you keep watch. I’ll be fine until we reach Maple Valley.”
The invisible band around Cal’s heart squeezed. Even injured, she was thinking of them instead of herself. “We’ve got this, Rachelle.”
“All right. Wake me if you need my help.”
“Absolutely.” He wouldn’t. The offer, though, made his heart turnover in his chest.
Jackson climbed into the front passenger seat and remained silent for a few miles. He glanced over his shoulder. “She’s out,” he murmured.
“How is she?”
“She’ll be fine in a few days. I’ll keep her on light pain meds. I also gave her an antibiotic because of the cut.” The medic clapped Cal’s shoulder. “You’re a lucky man. Rachelle is one tough lady.”
She had to be tough to thrive in a relationship with a man who deployed without notice. Worse, he could never tell her where he was going, what his job entailed, or when he’d return. The chances of him missing important events in her life was high.
Not many significant others could handle the uncertainty. Dating an operative sounded exciting. The reality was more difficult than people realized. The divorce rate in black ops work was high. He didn’t want to be a statistic or set up Rachelle to be one. “I know.”
“Do you think she can handle it?”
“I do. The question is whether she wants to. This life isn’t for everyone. Books and movies glamorize it. The reality is difficult.”
Jackson’s phone buzzed with a text. He checked the screen and grunted.
“Problem?”
“Looks like one is brewing.”
“What’s up?”
“Maddox says to call him when we’re in a secure location.”
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. Their boss must have information that he knew Cal wouldn’t like. Great. Not what he needed on top of his burning desire to keep Rachelle safe.
They lapsed into silence again. Cal frequently glanced over his shoulder to check on Rachelle.