Page 86 of SEAL's Resolve
“Right on time.” She smiled up at Rafe. “Too bad. I was hoping to score one of those kisses you promised me.”
“You’ll have something to look forward to. I’ll send Eli to the grocery store for dinner ingredients. Is there anything you can’t eat or don’t like?”
“I’m not fond of fish. Other than that, I’ll try anything.”
“Perfect. What I want to make is simple, fast, and so good you’ll be tempted to keep me around for a long time.”
“I can’t wait to taste the food.” She kissed him lightly. “Or you,” she whispered before turning away to greet her client.
After Kristi introduced him to the bride-to-be and escorted her down the hall, the Fortress installation team pulled up in two vans and a pickup.
Rafe went out to meet them, pleased to see a friend had been assigned to the installation team. He held out his hand to Santos Massey. “Good to see you, Santos. How’s your family?”
“Fantastic, my friend. Rosita has been after me to ask you to dinner.”
“I’d love to come and bring my girlfriend to meet your wife.”
Santos stared. “Girlfriend?” He clapped Rafe on the shoulder. “It’s about time. Rosita will be pleased to hear about the new woman in your life. Who is she?”
“Kristi Stewart.”
An eyebrow rose. “The woman who lives here?”
“The same. She’s in trouble, Santos. Kidnapping victim plus a gunman fired a bullet through her window this morning.”
His friend sobered. “Connected?”
“No question. Complicated situation.”
“I’ll personally make sure everything is in perfect working order before I sign off on the job.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you.”
“Happy to do it. If you’ll give Mathis a hand with the window, I’ll organize the rest of the crew, and we’ll get to work.”
“Sure. Start your crew upstairs or at the back of the house. Kristi runs her business out of the first floor. She’ll have clients coming and going most of the day. I’ll introduce you to Kristi, then help Mathis.”
After introducing Santos to Kristi, Rafe found Mathis. Together, they unloaded the window and went to the workroom.
The day passed quickly with Rafe assisting the installation team. He should have been researching or taking a nap since he had the watch overnight. His driving need to ensure Kristi was protected by a security system was his first priority.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Rafe glanced over his shoulder when Kristi wrapped her arms around his waist. He set aside the forks he used to shred the cooked chicken, wiped his hands on a towel, and turned to hold her against his chest. “Finished?” he murmured.
“For the moment. I have to work after dinner.”
He wanted to insist she give herself a break and delay the work until tomorrow, but that wouldn’t be wise. Rafe suspected she’d be working late on Maggie’s wedding dress. The deadline was approaching fast. “If I’m not on duty, I’ll keep you company.”
“You aren’t going to lecture me about working too hard?”
He tightened his grip. “Would it do any good?”
She laughed. “No. I have a lot of work to do on Maggie’s dress and few days to finish.”
“I’ll pick my battles and save my wise advice for another time.”
“Hugh wouldn’t be so understanding.”