Page 84 of SEAL's Promise

“Letting you slip through their fingers was a colossal mistake.”

Cal stilled. “You won’t do that?” Would she commit to dating him long term?

A smile curved her lips. “I’ve wanted to date you since I first laid eyes on you. I don’t know who you dated before me and prefer not to know their names, but they were selfish. Relationships are two-way streets. For a relationship to work, we have to give one hundred percent. One person can’t carry the load. My parents and grandparents were great examples of full partnerships. From the way you talk about your family, I bet they operated the same way.”

True. Some of the women he dated came from families with stable marriages as examples to emulate. They still focused on themselves and what Cal could do for them.

The elevator arrived at their floor. “Would you like coffee or tea on our balcony date?”

“Tea. We’ll call room service.”

“I have it covered.” He’d slipped tea packets into his Go bag for Rachelle in case they stayed overnight. He inserted his card into the lock.

Jackson turned from the French doors and studied Rachelle’s face a moment before sending Cal a nod of approval. “All quiet so far.”

“Things will liven up soon. Rachelle and I plan to sit on the balcony for a while.”

“I’ll let you know when our guests arrive.”

Cal nuked water and a tea bag, then joined Rachelle on the outdoor couch. He handed her the tea, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He sipped his coffee and enjoyed a time of peace.

When Rachelle finished her tea, Cal set the mug beside his empty one. “Meyer and his friends will have one hour to ask questions, then it will be my turn.”

“You’re turning the tables on them.”

“You bet.”

A knock sounded on the glass behind them. Cal glanced over his shoulder as Jon headed toward the suite door.

“Are they here?” Rachelle asked.

His teammate checked the peephole, looked at Cal, and nodded.

“Yes. Remember, if you need a break, tell me and I’ll make it happen.”

“They won’t be happy about that.”

“I don’t care how they feel. The only person who matters to me is you.” He stood and held out his hand. “We’re in control, not them.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.” Rachelle squared her shoulders. “Let’s go. I want to leave this town.”

He couldn’t agree more. Cal admired Rachelle’s strength and calm demeanor.

The trio protested when Eli ordered the men to place their hands on the wall while he searched for weapons. “This is outrageous,” Meyer snapped. “We’re not criminals.”

Cal led Rachelle to the couch. “Our rules, Meyer. If you want the interview with Rachelle, you’ll comply. This is your last chance to ask Rachelle questions in person.”

The new man with blond hair and ice-blue eyes scowled. “Who are these jokers?” he asked Meyer. “Do they know who we are?”

“They’re with Fortress Security and have friends in high places,” Meyer said, his tone sour. “Don’t tick them off.”

Once Eli completed the search, he stepped back. “They’re clean.”

Cal directed them to the loveseat and recliner. “Have a seat, gentlemen.” He turned to the new member of Meyer’s team. “You must be Russell Stokes.”

“And you are?”

“Cal Taylor. This is Rachelle Carter.”