Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

Evie sat on the examination table with her legs dangling over the edge. The paper runner lining the black cushioned table crinkled beneath her every movement, the sound seemingly echoing in the otherwise silent space.

Unlike the sweltering desert heat they’d been forced to endure, the room she was waiting in now was cold to the point of being downright frigid. Of course, the gown she’d been instructed to change into didn’t help matters any. But like most other times in her life, Evie followed the directions exactly as they’d been given.

Maybe you should’ve listened when Dad told you not to come here in the first place.

In hindsight, her subconscious thoughts were probably right. Maybe she should have gone against her own desires and taken heed to her father’s stern warning.

To be honest, there was a small part that wished she had. The part that yearned for the memories of the last few days to disappear.

At the same time, Evie also couldn’t bring herself to regret the fact that she’d been the one with the girls the day those men had come. That it was her who’d been there to offer words of comfort and solace during what was, without a doubt, the most terrifying moments of all their lives.

But thankfully, that time was over. And like Beckett had said during their hike through the Afghan desert, they’d all be going home very soon.

Too bad I no longer have a home.

Not the kind that mattered, anyway.

Evie blinked the disheartening thought away and forced herself to become hyper-focused on the room. It was equipped much like the emergency rooms at regular hospitals, complete with tiled floors, bright overhead lights, and the unmistakable scent of antiseptic.

The space was much larger than she’d expected to find on a ship, but that was probably because this wasn’t just any ship. The chopper had flown them to a U.S. Naval hospital ship that was stationed a few miles off the coast of Pakistan. She and the girls were the crew’s newest patients.

Thank God, they’re safe.

Evie anxiously shifted her lower body, nervously kicking one of her feet back and forth in a slow, rhythmic motion. An hour had passed since they’d said their goodbyes just before her sweet, precious students left the ship for good.

Upon her insistence, they’d been checked out by medical personnel first. Each girl having been given a clean bill of health, minus some minor dehydration and the need for a few good, hearty meals.

Once they were good to go, they were escorted back onto the chopper, and under the watchful eye of what Evie could only assume to be four very capable Navy sailors, the girls were now on their way back home, where their parents were anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Be well, sweet girls. I’m going to miss you like crazy.

A sad smile lifted her lips as she recalled their last moments together. She’d forever remember the looks of pure elation that had spread across their smiling faces when she, Beckett, and his teammates had arrived at the helicopter hours before.

They’d been sitting in their designated seats but hadn’t been buckled in. And when they saw her and the others crest the small hill leading to the valley where the massive metal bird sat waiting, all four had practically jumped from their seats to greet her.

Several hugs and tears later, they were in the air and on their way here. Evie couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt such relief as she’d sat next to Beckett while they floated up and away from hell.

Her heart ached for what they’d been through, though she was grateful beyond words to know they hadn’t suffered any physical abuse at the hands of those awful men. The fear and terror they’d all experienced the past several days were bad enough without adding that level of violence into the mix.

They’re okay, now. Beckett’s team got them out of there, and they’re going to be okay.

Evie’s thoughts turned to the man who’d saved her life. Beckett “Bones” Stone was tall. Strong. Kind.

Part of her still felt embarrassed by the way she’d gone all warrior princess on him back in the cave. But how the heck was she supposed to know he was a real life, honest to goodness American hero?

Pretty sure he tried to tell you that right before you kneed him in the goods.

Okay, fine. So there was that. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to feel too guilty for the way she’d reacted. After all, in that moment, Evie believed she was fighting for her life.

If he hadn’t stopped her—if she hadn’t seen that American flag on his protective vest—there was no doubt in her mind, she would’ve continued the struggle until she was either unconscious…

Or dead.

Evie shuddered at the thought.

Lucky for her, the man she’d thought was a terrorist turned out to be someone completely unexpected. A hero in the midst of darkness. Her personal savior when she’d begun to think all hope was truly lost.

It didn’t hurt that Beckett was also sweet and funny. And, as she discovered when they got inside the ship and beneath the vessel’s bright lights, very, very handsome.

Yes, the former Marine-turned-hostage rescue specialist was the epitome of tall, dark, and mouthwateringly good looking. The whole package, really. One wrapped in camouflage, muscles, and a smile that awakened parts of her she’d long been ignoring.

Better stop that train of thought before it ever leaves the tracks.

Yes, she definitely needed to put an end to any notion of Beckett being more than what he was. A stranger who, by his own admission, was only in that cave because the government had paid his team to be there.

The government. Not my dad.

Evie’s shoulders dropped as her spirit rapidly fell, like an abandoned hot air balloon that had deflated after being left alone in the middle of an empty, desolate field. She couldn’t help but replay Beckett’s words from earlier as they’d been making their way to freedom…

Don’t worry. You’ll be back with your dad in the Hamptons in no time.

She hadn’t bothered asking how he knew where she was from. Guys like him probably had access to all kinds of personal information regarding the people they rescued.

Evie also didn’t point out that she had her own studio apartment in Portsmouth, Rhode Island…where she’d lived since being hired to teach second grade right out of college. Granted, she’d subleased it to the young college graduate who’d been hired on as Evie’s long-term sub for the semester, but still.

The thing that bothered her more—one bit of data Beckett couldn’t possibly know—was that there wasn’t anything left for her in the Hamptons…or anywhere else.

Sure she still had her job with the Portsmouth Public School District. And of course, there was Lo—her best friend from college. The two were as close as sisters, and before Evie left the States to come to the Middle East, they chatted by either text, phone call, or FaceTime nearly every single day.

But even if Lo—whose actual name was Lauren Davenport—didn’t live fourteen hours away in Charlotte, which she did, the other woman had decided to spend the summer with her sister, who lived all the way up in Michigan.

Since Lo’s job was remote, she was able to work from virtually anywhere, making it possible for her and her older sibling to have some much-needed quality time together. Good for her friend.

Not so much for me.

So yeah, aside from some friendly- ish co-workers, there really wasn’t much for her to look forward to. And sitting at the very bottom of that embarrassingly short list…

The conversation she would eventually have to have with her jerk of a father.

You could go back to work. Finish out the school year surrounded by familiar faces. Might at least help to keep the thoughts of being utterly abandoned at bay.

It was a plan Evie had considered as she’d listened to the steady thump-thump-thump of the helicopter’s steadily whirling blades. But since there were only a few weeks left of the school year, and she had a long-term sub who’d already taken over her regular classroom, Evie had already decided to stick to her original plan of not returning until the fall.

Probably a good idea, anyway, given the horrors she’d experienced as of late. And if she were being honest with herself, taking a few months off to reevaluate her life—and process the fact that her father no longer wanted to be a part of it—may not be the worst thing in the world.

A fresh set of tears began to form, but thankfully the door opened at that exact moment, and the Naval Corpsman assigned to her care walked into the room.

“Miss Mitchell.” The middle-aged woman dressed in government-issued camo moved with purpose in Evie’s direction. “I’m Petty Officer Billings,” she introduced herself with a smile.

“Nice to meet you,” Evie offered quietly.

“You, too, although I think it goes without saying I wish it were under different circumstances.”

She huffed out a breathy, “You and me, both.”

“A member of the team who brought you in mentioned you’d been favoring your left side. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to take a look. Nothing invasive, mind you. Just a cursory examination to make sure you don’t have anything broken or any sort of internal bleeding we need to be aware of. After that, we’ll get you cleaned up, get you some clean clothes, and a nice, warm meal. How does that sound?”

“Amazing, actually.”

Well, not the examination part. But Beckett had explained it was standard operating procedure for situations such as hers, and honestly, Evie had been far too tired to argue.

Plus, the sooner you get this done and over with, the sooner you can see him again.

At least, she hoped to see Beckett again soon. He’d made her feel so safe during the trek to the chopper. But when they’d gotten to the clearing, she’d had her tearful reunion with the girls, and the next thing Evie knew, they’d landed on the ship’s helipad.

The girls had been whisked away almost immediately by some of the brave men and women on board. Again, it was nothing she hadn’t expected. Hell, she’d been the one to insist they get taken care of first. But hearing the plan and living it turned out to be two very different things.

Now all she could think of was whether she’d ever see them again.

Don’t forget the man who saved you.

It was true. She was looking forward to seeing Beckett again. Just so she could tell him thank you one last time.

Sure, sure. You just keep telling yourself that, Eves.

“Your pulse is a bit fast,” Petty Officer Billings spoke up again. “But that’s to be expected, given what brought you here. You’ve been under a tremendous amount of stress, both physically and mentally. It’s going to take some time to get back to feeling like your old self again.”

Will I ever feel like my old self?

It was a valid question, and unfortunately one neither woman could immediately answer. And as Evie sat on the exam table, getting poked and prodded and thoroughly checked over, she began to wonder who her old self really was…

And who she truly wanted to be.

“Your zygomatic bones both seem to be intact, so that’s good news.” Billings carefully palpated Evie’s cheekbones. She moved to the sides of her nose, adding, “Same with your nasal bones. But I would like to get an X-ray of your face and torso, just to be on the safe side.”

“Okay.” Evie did her best not to wince. “Whatever you think is best.”

What was she supposed to say…no?

“I’ll go check with the tech and make sure everything is ready to go, and then I’ll come back here to get you.” The other woman’s brown gaze softened as she asked, “You okay sitting in here by yourself until I get back, or would you like for me to get someone to sit with you?”

Only if it’s him.

“I’m good,” she lied. “But thank you.”

Billings gave a gentle nod and smiled. “I’ll be back in few minutes. If you need anything before then, just pick up that phone there”—she pointed to a phone mounted on the wall to Evie’s left—“and someone will be in here asap.”

“Okay.” Evie nodded. “Thank you.”

“Just hang tight. I’ll be right back.”

Minutes later, the other woman returned as promised. Another hour and a half after that, Evie was showered, dressed in a pair of United States Navy sweats and matching crewneck, a brand-new bra, pair of underwear, socks, and her dust-covered boots.

She watched as the petty officer made her way across the room to the door. She swung it open but stopped short of shutting it completely behind her. Evie could hear her speaking to someone and assumed it was one of her fellow sailors.

When the door opened fully once again, it wasn’t Billings’ face she saw. It was?—

“Beckett?”

Her heart gave a hard thud as a rush of heat began a slow crawl up the back of her neck. Even to her own ears, his name had sounded all breathy and wistful. As if his presence was the one thing she’d been missing.

Is that such a bad thing?

“Hey.” He stepped further into the room. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his BDUs, he stopped a few feet from where she sat. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Now that you’re here. “I’m just waiting on Petty Officer Billings to come back with my paperwork. But everything came back clear, so that’s good.”

“No broken ribs?”

“Not even cracked.” Evie absentmindedly brought her right hand to her left side. “Who knew bruised ribs could hurt so bad?”

In a move that made her grin, Beckett raised his hand high in the air.

“Been there, done that.” He huffed out a breathy chuckle. “A few times, actually.”

An awkward silence passed between them. Fearing he’d leave if she didn’t come up with something to say, Evie glanced around the room, desperate for a topic of conversation.

She spotted the clothes she’d been wearing when Beckett and his team had rescued her. Folded neatly on the seat of a nearby plastic chair was the shirt he’d been nice enough to let her borrow.

In an effort to resume even a modicum of conversation, she practically blurted out, “Your shirt is over there.” Oh, how I wish I could keep it. “Thanks again for letting me use it.”

“No problem.” His gaze—which she’d recently discovered was an alluring dark brown—remained on hers. “You look good.”

Her bark of laughter filled the air around them. “It’s okay, Beckett. I’ve seen myself in the mirror, and good isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe…this.” She waved a hand down the length of her own body.

His voice seemed to drop a full octave when he asked, “And how exactly would you describe yourself?”

“Uh…a mess.” She chuckled incredulously. “Even with the days’ worth of dirt and grime washed away, I’m still covered in bruises; my bottom lip is swollen, and I’m?—”

“Beautiful.”

Evie started to laugh at the ridiculous claim but then clamped her mouth closed when she realized he was being serious.

You heard him wrong.

That had to be it. It was the only logical explanation. She’d misunderstood what he’d said, and her hormone-driven mind had twisted his words into something they weren’t.

She wasn’t beautiful. Definitely not East Hamptons beautiful.

And definitely not while currently sporting a black eye, bruised jaw, and split lip on a face free of makeup and hair lying in limp, damp curls.

Evie knew she wasn’t ugly, but she’d heard far too many comments over the years not to be fully aware of the way she looked to others…

Her face was too round, her dimples too deep, and her nose turned up at the end. She could still see the kids at school poking fun by pushing their own noses up, while running around the playground snorting like pigs.

In contrast to her olive skin, feminine curves, and thick brunette curls, almost all the girls she’d grown up with had been tall and thin with long blonde hair, high cheekbones, and perfectly straight noses. To be fair, most of those cheeks and noses had been paid for via their daddies’ credit cards. And the blonde in their hair had only been the absolute perfect shade because it had come from a bottle.

But none of that mattered. Not when it came to kids. Especially not when dealing with a bunch of rich, spoiled teenagers.

Evie watched Beckett closely, awaiting his reaction to her blatantly honest self-assessment. She expected him to smile or give a little chuckle. Maybe even laugh at her silly, sarcastic remark regarding her current state.

But he didn’t do any of those things.

What Beckett did do was slide his hands from his pockets and begin walking toward her. No, stalking was more like it.

She watched, the breath in her lungs becoming more and more frozen with each booted step he took. The expression on his chiseled, ruggedly handsome face was so intense it made her pulse race. And by the time Beckett came to a stop—mere inches away—Evie was pretty sure she’d completely lost the ability to breathe.

“Did you hear what I said, Evelynn?”

His voice…the use of her full name…the look in his enchanting eyes… All those things and more left her stuttering over her own words.

“I-I heard you, but…”

He moved in even closer, his gaze turning dark and fiery as he slowly lifted a hand toward her face. “There’s no ‘but’ sweetheart,” Beckett rumbled the low drawl. “I know beautiful when I see it. And mess or not”—he carefully tucked some wayward curls behind her ear—“you’re right there at the top.”

Evie stifled a gasp, her lower belly tingling from the electricity arching wildly within his touch. A rush of shivers raced down the length of her spine, and her heart kicked inside her chest with such force it felt as if it were trying to fight its way out.

“Thank you,” she somehow managed to whisper back. “That’s…really sweet of you to say.”

The sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me, actually.

“They’re not just words, Evie.” Beckett gave a curt shake of his head. “I wouldn’t insult you by blowin’ smoke up your ass.”

For some reason, that made her smile. “I appreciate that.” She reflexively leaned into his touch.

Evie was surprised by how natural the intimate moment felt, given they’d only just met. Yet, somehow, being with him like this—him invading her personal space while cupping her cheek in such a warm, caring way—simply felt…

Right.

“Thanks for getting me and the girls out of that place,” she offered for what felt like the millionth time. “If you and your team hadn’t shown up when you did…” Her voice cracked with an unexpected jolt of emotion, preventing the formation of the remainder of what she’d been trying to say.

But Beckett understood, regardless. Like everything else with this man, he seemed to know exactly what she was thinking…and what she’d been feeling.

“You never have to thank me for that,” he nearly growled. “I’m just sorry we couldn’t get to you sooner.”

“You got there.” Her lids fluttered against a well of unshed tears as he began feathering his thumb across her uninjured cheek. “That’s all that matters.”

She looked up at him. He stared down at her. His heated gaze fell to her slightly parted lips as he leaned in closer. And then?—

The door behind him opened wide as Petty Officer Billings entered the room with purpose. “Okay, Miss Mitchell. I have your discharge papers ready, and you’re free to…oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you still had company. I can come back if I’m interrupting.”

Yes, please! Come back later. Much, much later.

But even as the thought crossed through Evie’s mind, Beckett had already dropped his hand and was taking a giant step back.

“I-It’s okay.” She rushed to be the one to say it. “We were just?—”

“Talking,” Beckett finished for her.

Talking. Right. Nothing more…nothing less.

“Yeah. Beckett and his team were the ones who rescued me and my students,” Evie explained needlessly. “He just came by to see how I was doing.”

“That’s very nice of you.” Billings approached Beckett with a smile and an outstretched hand. “I’d like to extend my thanks for what you and your team did, as well. Doing this job…I’ve seen far too many situations like these end in tragedy. And with the military spread as thin as it is these days…let’s just say, they need all the help they can get.”

“Happy to help.” Beckett shook the other woman’s hand.

“Did I hear you’re a Marine?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Well, thank you for your years of service.”

“Likewise.” He dipped his chin with a polite smile.

Evie’s gaze dropped to their joined hands, and there was no denying the jealousy seeping into her veins. It was so stupid. Asinine, really. She held no claim on Beckett. They’d known each other what…like half a day’s time?

But there was no mistaking the relief she felt the second Beckett released his grip and let his hand drop back to his side.

You’re the one who needs to get a grip, girlie. It’s not like you’re ever going to see him after this.

The silent point was driven home when Beckett reached into his back pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a business card.

“My team’s been called out to another job.” He started back toward her. “I was hoping we’d be able to fly you home ourselves, but unfortunately, we have to leave.” He glanced down at his watch and cursed under his breath. “Actually, I’m late to catch the chopper. But here.” Beckett handed her the card. Glancing back at Billings, he dropped his voice, presumably to avoid being overheard. “My personal cell is on the back. You need anything…even if it’s just to talk…feel free to text or call it anytime. If I’m available, I’ll respond or pick up. If not, I’ll get back with you as soon as I can.”

Evie took the card, doing her best not to react when their fingertips brushed against one another’s. “Thank you,” she offered softly, never planning to call.

The last thing a guy like him needed was for a woman he’d once rescued to bug him after the fact.

“I don’t give that number to just anyone,” Beckett added. “And for what it’s worth, I really hope to hear from you again soon. Even if it’s just to let me know how you’re doing.”

Oh wow. Okay. So she wasn’t quite sure what to do with that other than to say?—

“Okay.”

“You take care of yourself, darlin’.” That bearded mouth of his lifted, sending her heart into a frenzy. “Talk soon, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Evie nodded.

They shared a look that made her want to beg him to stay, but then she watched as Beckett “Bones” Stone turned around and walked toward the door.

Seconds later, he was gone, and Evie was still sitting on that exam table, wondering where she was supposed to go from there.