Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

As it turned out, Kevlar didn’t get a chance to see Remi the night they arrived back in California. Or the next one. As team leader, it was his responsibility to stay on top of the intel needed for their missions. And his commander had informed him that it was looking likely they’d be sent out in the next few weeks. Which was actually a lot of lead time. Sometimes they only had a few hours’ notice before they were shipping out.

But it also meant there was a lot to do to prepare. The last thing Kevlar wanted was to go into a situation without as much intel as possible. It was the key to every successful mission.

And because he’d been gone a week, he had to debrief with his commander, find out what he’d missed while he was away. So that meant by the time he was done working for the day and able to get off base, it was late. Too late to spend the kind of quality time he wanted to with Remi.

He’d called her, feeling guilty when he’d woken her up, but she insisted on talking to him as he drove home from the base, then as he ate his late dinner. And it was…nice. She didn’t bitch about the time, about how tired she was, about him working so much and breaking their dinner plans. She simply listened to him talk about the things he could.

That’s what they’d done last night, as well. Though that call also included some unfortunate news. He told her about a conversation with Tex, who’d informed him Honolulu PD had found the boat captain dead of an apparent overdose. He was still looking into why the man left them in the ocean, but they’d missed any opportunity to question the captain himself.

He also loved hearing about her day. About her visit with her grandmother and the details on some of the senior’s latest antics. About how happy her parents were to have her home safely. About how pissed Marley was when Remi finally told her everything about the ill-fated snorkeling trip.

Kevlar was upset that he hadn’t been able to get her to Aces before the girls’ night Caroline had arranged. He’d promised, and he hadn’t been able to follow through, which was no way to start a relationship.

But Remi being Remi, she’d told him that life didn’t always go as planned and she’d be just fine. Caroline had added her to a group text with all the other women, and they’d been talking back and forth since Remi had gotten back to California.

But tonight, he’d finally get to see her again. In person. Not just speak to her over the phone or on FaceTime. He couldn’t wait.

Of course, he’d have to share her with Caroline and the other women, as well as her best friend and all of his teammates, but Kevlar would take time with her any way he could get it.

Caroline had texted him separately and made it clear that he wasn’t to steal Remi away while she and the others were getting to know her. The text made Kevlar laugh—because he’d been planning on doing just that. Giving Caroline about twenty minutes before he came up with some excuse why he needed to talk to Remi, and then sneaking her out the back door so he could take her to his place and finally have the one-on-one time with her that he craved.

But he also wanted Remi to get to know everyone. She claimed she was an introvert who was more comfortable being at home, but he’d seen her in Hawaii. She charmed everyone she came into contact with—maybe except for the captain of the boat they’d been on, but since he’d most certainly been bribed with money to do what he did, he didn’t count.

Remi actually seemed to thrive around others. She simply didn’t realize it. Her goodness was like a shining beacon. People were drawn to her, and he was no exception. But he’d be a selfish asshole if he muffled that light, if he tried to keep it to himself.

Tonight he’d see if he was right. If Remi looked at all uncomfortable, or like she wanted to leave, he’d whisk her out of there. But he had a feeling she’d flourish in a friendship with the other SEAL wives. And he had no doubt whatsoever that she’d impress his teammates too.

They’d been highly skeptical when Kevlar told them he’d met the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Even more so when they’d heard the circumstances surrounding how they’d met. They’d insisted he was feeling some sort of “God complex” because he’d rescued the woman. But they were wrong. Kevlar felt it down to his toes.

And they’d see for themselves once they met Remi.

Kevlar pulled into the parking lot of her condo complex and smiled. She lived in a safe area and her condo was gorgeous. But he wasn’t jealous. Wasn’t threatened by her bank account. He was happy for her. Relieved that she didn’t have to struggle to pay her bills. He would never be the kind of boyfriend or husband who got upset that he wasn’t the sole provider for his family. But he’d provide for her in ways that money couldn’t. With his support, his affection, doing things around the house that needed doing…taking out the garbage, painting walls, looking after their baby so she could draw.

He shook his head at how ridiculous he was being—it was way too soon to be thinking about babies with Remi. Even if the thought made his dick twitch and a longing deep inside almost overwhelm him.

He parked his Subaru Crosstrek and hopped out, eager to see Remi in person again. He practically skipped up the walkway to her door, and to his delight, it opened before he got there. It was good to know Remi was just as excited to see him as he was her.

She was grinning from ear to ear and before she could even speak, Kevlar pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his. He kissed her with all the pent-up emotions he’d had in the last couple days. Frustration that he hadn’t been able to see her, happiness to have her in his arms again, and the horniness that had rested heavily in his veins when he thought about their last interlude in her foyer.

He’d relived the feeling of her hand on his cock more than once. In his shower, in his bed, and at random times as he was going about his workdays. Her touch was burned into his psyche, and he couldn’t wait to be skin-to-skin with her and feel her hands on him once more.

“Vincent,” she moaned as he buried his mouth into the crook of her shoulder and neck. He inhaled deeply, loving the smell of her shampoo, or lotion, or whatever the hell it was. Beach. She smelled like the freaking beach. Sand, coconut, salt. He didn’t know what the name of it was, but it made his dick hard with one whiff. Which was amazing, considering he didn’t have the best memories of the beach because of Hell Week. But on her? He couldn’t get enough.

“Hi,” she said after a moment.

Kevlar forced himself to pull away from her and told himself to calm the hell down. The last thing he wanted was to scare her with his intensity.

“Hi,” he returned.

She smiled a little self-consciously and ran a hand over her hair.

“You look perfect,” Kevlar assured her. And he wasn’t blowing smoke up her ass. She did. She looked great. She wore a pair of tight skinny jeans, Skechers on her feet, and a T-shirt that said Leonard’s Bakery.

He blinked.

“Where did you get that shirt?” he asked.

Remi blushed a little and shrugged. “I went online and ordered it. I wanted a memento of that amazing box of malasadas you bought us for breakfast. I was bummed I couldn’t order the actual pastries online, but decided to get a T-shirt. I was just going upstairs to change when you got here.”

“Change? Why?” Kevlar asked.

“Because. I need to wear something…better for tonight.”

“As I said before, you’re perfect. This is what you should wear,” he said firmly. “Jeans, T-shirt, sneakers. That’s what everyone wears.”

“Whatever,” Remi said with a roll of her eyes.

“It is,” he insisted. “I would not set you up to feel out of place or embarrassed the first time you met my friends,” he told her. “Text Caroline, ask her what she’s wearing.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Because!”

“Fine. I will.”

“What? Vincent, no! What are you doing? Stop!”

But he wouldn’t stop. Because he didn’t want Remi to change out of the adorable outfit she had on. The jeans hugged her curves, making his mouth water, and that shirt…all he could think of when he saw the Leonard’s logo was Remi sitting across from him at the small table in her hotel room, moaning deep in her throat as she sampled the different flavored malasadas.

“Get in here,” she said after a moment, not letting him send the text to Caroline he’d started. She laughed as she grabbed his arm and pulled him into her condo. “Marley wants to meet you.”

Kevlar stopped in his tracks. He’d been so intent on seeing Remi that he’d forgotten her best friend was coming to the condo, and he’d be meeting her for the first time. He felt as if he already knew the other woman fairly well—after all, they’d been texting back and forth for two days, since Remi had given Marley his number. And she hadn’t held back either. She’d asked him about everything from how often he was gone, to his family, to his favorite color. He assumed she was thinking of any and everything to ask simply to see if he’d get annoyed and eventually blow her off. But he hadn’t. He was more amused than irritated by her constant barrage of questions.

And knowing she was sharing each and every one of his answers with Remi made it all the more bearable. He’d learned Marley was sharing his responses when Remi commented on the coincidence that maroon was her favorite color, as well.

But…now he understood Remi’s nervousness at meeting Wolf and Caroline that first time. He wanted to make a good impression. Marley was Remi’s best friend. And if things didn’t go well with this meeting, it was possible she could convince Remi that she could do better. Which Kevlar knew was true, but he was still hoping he could be the man she deserved.

Remi pulled him into her condo, and Kevlar had the humorous thought that this was the first time he’d been past the foyer, although some pretty darn good things had happened in that foyer.

Her place was nice. He got a brief glimpse of the kitchen as he entered the living area. Large space, up-to-date stainless-steel appliances, everything in its place. There was a small table next to the kitchen, with flowers in the middle and quilted placemats in front of each chair. Looking around the living area, Kevlar noted it was clean, but he was relieved to see it also looked comfortable. A throw blanket was tossed haphazardly over a recliner, magazines were strewn across a coffee table, and the leather couch looked very comfortable and well-used.

But he didn’t have time to look closely at the books and pictures on the large bookcase, or the paintings on the walls, because a woman who could only be Marley was smiling politely as Remi towed him toward the couch. She was a few inches shorter than Remi, had thick red hair and green eyes, which were currently narrowed as if she was trying to read him before he’d even opened his mouth.

“Marley, this is Vincent. Vincent, this is my best friend, Marley. And you can only believe half of the things that come out of her mouth.”

“Whatever, Remi. Hi, it’s good to meet you,” Marley said, holding out her hand for him to shake.

She was still smiling, but Kevlar could tell she was reserving judgement until he proved what kind of man he was. She had nothing to worry about, of course, but she wouldn’t believe his word. She’d have to see for herself that Kevlar had no intention of doing anything that might hurt her friend.

He reached for her hand and shook it firmly, but didn’t grip it hard enough to hurt.

“So…what are you doing about Douchecanoe?” Marley asked, once the pleasantries were over.

“Marl! What did I tell you about that?” Remi asked, sounding perturbed.

“You told me I wasn’t allowed to grill him and I had to be nice. Screw that,” Marley said. “I sat back and watched that asshole hurt you over and over. I’m not doing that again.”

It was obvious Remi was embarrassed, and while Kevlar didn’t mind Marley’s protectiveness, he wasn’t thrilled that the woman was making Remi feel uncomfortable.

“I’ve got a former SEAL buddy checking into his phone records and seeing what he can find. I’m planning on having a little chat with Miles as soon as I get intel back from my friend. Now, I’d appreciate it if you dialed things back a bit. You’re embarrassing Remi, which isn’t cool.”

Marley blinked at him, and Kevlar could see that she instantly regretted making the moment feel awkward. She took a deep breath before turning to Remi. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. You mean well.”

Marley nodded, then turned back to Kevlar. “For the record, we don’t use that name for Remi’s ex. Ever. He’s Douchecanoe. Always and forever.”

Kevlar smiled. “Right. Sorry. My mistake.”

“He admits when he’s wrong. It’s a good first step,” Marley said as she winked at Remi. “I have to admit, Kevlar, you’ve been a good sport with all my texts,” she added, sounding a bit friendlier.

“And I have to admit, you came up with some good questions,” Kevlar returned. “That one about what I’d do if my SEAL team all had weights chained to their ankles and were in a sinking boat, while Remi was about to be eaten by a shark? Who I’d choose to rescue? That was classic.”

“Seriously, I’m dying here,” Remi said as she dropped her head into her hand as if trying to disappear.

“Don’t you want to know his answer?” Marley asked, her eyes sparkling with humor.

Kevlar didn’t wait for her reply. “You, Remi. Always you. My team can take care of themselves. Safe would’ve found a way to remove the locks on the chains, Smiley would’ve made a joke to keep the tension down, Preacher would’ve continuously yelled at me, letting me know where the shark was, if it was coming closer. MacGyver…well, he’d find some way to plug the hole on the leaking boat. Flash would use the chains Safe removed as a way to distract the shark, and Howler would step in to organize everyone while I was busy with you.”

The look Remi gave him was so full of…he wasn’t sure how to describe the emotion he saw on her face. Awe, disbelief, humor?

“Right, so…badass SEAL can save the world. All your friends will be there tonight, right?” Marley asked.

It was difficult for Kevlar to tear his gaze from Remi, but he forced himself to look at her friend. “Yeah. It’ll be a full house. Between the girls’ night, and all their husbands wanting to watch over their women, and my team being there, it’ll be a little…chaotic.”

“I thought Wolf and his friends usually stayed home on girls’ night to look after the kids,” Remi said.

“They do, but every now and then they all go out together. It doesn’t happen too often anymore, because of the kids, but they enjoy having a few hours where they can all hang out and do adult things.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Remi said.

Kevlar didn’t think it would be smart to admit that after Wolf told his team about Remi and Kevlar, and how they met, they all wanted to meet her too. It would freak her out, and that was the last thing he wanted to do. “Yeah.”

“So, who are these women who’re going to be there tonight?” Marley asked.

“Caroline, who Remi already met,” Kevlar said. “Alabama, Fiona, Summer, and Cheyenne. Jessyka will hopefully not be behind the bar all night. I’m not sure if Julie will be there or not, but Dakota could show up.”

“Wow, okay, that’s a lot of names to remember,” Marley said, sounding unsure for the first time.

“Ha!” Remi exclaimed. “I tried to tell you, but you said I was just being my usual nervous self.”

Marley rolled her eyes. “All right, I was wrong. Are you sure you’re okay with going? I mean, with all the girls, plus double the number of guys, it’s a lot.”

“I was until you reminded me that all those people were coming to meet me and judge if I’m good enough to go out with Vincent,” Remi said dryly.

But Kevlar shook his head. “You have it all wrong,” he told her earnestly. “They’re there to meet you, yes, but they won’t judge. I mean, as long as you don’t berate the employees or cause a scene by getting completely drunk and dancing on the tables—which I know you won’t—they’ll be cool. The guys’ll be more interested in ribbing me, after meeting the woman who’s got me so tied up in knots. I’ve been more distracted than they’ve ever seen me before. And the girls…they just want another woman to join their posse. Like Caroline said, the more the merrier with those guys. You won’t be the one under the microscope tonight, sweetheart. I will.”

Relief, a little skepticism, and anticipation were all easy to read on her expression.

“I could use some more friends,” Marley said with a shrug. “And my little heathens could use some new friends to terrorize.”

Remi grinned. “My niece and nephew are angels, and I don’t like you saying otherwise.”

“That’s because you don’t live with them,” Marley muttered.

Kevlar liked the dynamic between the two friends. “You ladies ready to go?” he asked, suddenly excited to get to Aces and show off Remi. Because there was no doubt that’s what he was going to do. Remi was the best thing to happen to him in a very long time, and he was eager for her to meet the most important people in his life.

“Marl, Vincent claims what I’m wearing is fine for tonight, but I think I need to change into that outfit we picked out earlier. What do you think?”

Marley eyed Remi from head to toe, then turned to look at him. Kevlar prayed she wouldn’t encourage Remi to change. He loved the shirt she had on, reminding him of the good times they had in Hawaii, and those jeans were crazy sexy on her.

“I think you should trust the man who saved your life out in Hawaii,” Marley said after a beat.

Kevlar’s shoulders sagged in relief.

“Are you sure? This is so…casual,” Remi said, looking down at herself and running her palms up and down her thighs.

“You’re going to a bar, Remi. Not a five-star restaurant,” her friend retorted.

Thank you, Kevlar mouthed to Marley.

She nodded back, acknowledging his thanks, then said to Remi, “But maybe you could put on those new heels you bought before you went on vacation. It would dress things up just a touch.”

“Oh! Good idea. I’ll be right back!” Remi flashed him a little grin, then headed for the stairs.

As soon as she was out of eyesight, Marley turned to Kevlar, and he braced himself.

“So far, you haven’t done anything to raise my asshole antenna. But I’m warning you—do not mess with Remi. She’s good down to her soul, and she has so much love to give. But if you’re only with her because of her money, or because you want some sort of post-vacation fling, end this now. I mean it. She’s been shit on too many times for it to happen so soon again after Douchecanoe. And if you so much as raise your little finger against her, I’ll break if off and shove it down your throat and make you choke on it.”

Even though this was a serious conversation, and it was obvious Marley was completely serious, Kevlar couldn’t keep the small smile from forming.

“This isn’t funny,” Marley warned. “I’d do anything for Remi. And that includes going toe-to-toe with you, even if I know I’ll lose. She’s my closest friend, and she deserves the best. And if you aren’t that, if that freaks you out, you need to move the fuck on before she falls too hard.”

Her words hit Kevlar hard. But not in the way Marley might think. He wiped all traces of humor from his face. “It doesn’t freak me out. Remi is…she’s different from anyone I’ve ever been with before, in all the right ways. Do you know that when we were out there in the ocean, and she realized we’d been left behind, she didn’t panic once? She stayed calm, joked with me, and did everything I asked of her without hesitation. She got under my skin then, and every minute I’ve spent with her, talked with her, has only made me more and more intrigued.

“I’m not with her because of her money. I don’t want a fling. And I’ll never, ever hurt her. I’m not perfect, she probably deserves better than me, and my job will make a relationship extremely difficult, but I want this. Her. More than I’ve wanted anything in a very long time.”

His gut tightened as he waited to see what Marley would say about his heartfelt response.

To his relief, she seemed to relax, and she even smiled a little.

“Good,” was all she said, before they heard footsteps on the stairs.

“Perfection!” Marley said when Remi stepped back into the room.

Kevlar had to agree. The black heels she was wearing put her almost even with his six feet, and the confidence they seemed to give her was a massive turn-on. Her hair was pulled into a low bun at the back of her neck, and she’d added some lip gloss while she was upstairs. She looked completely out of his league, and Kevlar had never been prouder to have a woman at his side than he was right now.

“Right, so let’s do this,” Marley said. “I’ll meet you guys there. I gotta get back to the little terrors right after dinner.”

Respect for the woman increased. She had stuff she probably needed to do, but she was still taking time out for Remi. He was glad Marley would be there for moral support, even if he was sure she wouldn’t need it. Caroline and the others would welcome both of them with open arms.

After the women grabbed their purses, they all left the house and headed to the parking lot together. Marley took off in her minivan, and Kevlar led Remi to his Crosstrek. Once they were inside, Remi put a hand on his arm.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Kevlar asked in confusion.

“Marley can be… a lot. I’m sure she said something when I went upstairs, maybe even warned you off. She means well. We’ve been through a lot together.”

Kevlar relaxed. “I don’t mind,” he told her honestly. “She’s protective of you. I approve.”

Remi rolled her eyes. “You guys act as if I’m ten years old or something.”

“Not at all,” he countered. “We just want to make sure no one hurts you if we can help it.”

“I can take care of myself,” Remi argued.

“Of course you can. You’re an adult. Are you telling me if someone came at Marley, you wouldn’t throw down for her?”

“I’d do anything for Marley,” Remi replied.

“Exactly.”

They stared at each other for a beat. “Right. Okay then. But you guys are good?”

“We’re good,” Kevlar confirmed.

“Whew,” Remi said with a small smile, pantomiming wiping her brow. “Douchecanoe hated her.”

“That’s because he’s a dick,” Kevlar said matter-of-factly.

Remi snort-laughed, which made his cock twitch in his pants. He shouldn’t be turned on by her unique laugh, and yet he still was. It was so…Remi.

He reached out and slid his hand behind her nape and pulled her closer. She came willingly, a smile on her lips.

“I’ve missed you,” he said softly.

“It’s only been two days since we saw each other, and we’ve talked every night,” she protested.

“You haven’t missed me?” he asked.

Her cheeks pinkened. “Maybe,” she hedged.

“Guess I should remind you of what you’ve been missing then,” Kevlar said, before dropping his lips to hers.

He was probably getting lip gloss all over himself, but he didn’t care. She could be covered in clown makeup and he’d still want to kiss her. Making out with this woman turned him on more than the actual act of sex with past girlfriends. It was one more sign that she was meant to be his.

They were both panting by the time he forced himself to pull back. His hand in her hair had pulled her bun loose, and her out-of-control waves were now framing her face. He’d never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

“You messed up my hair,” she complained with a small smile.

“Worth it,” he returned.

Taking a deep breath, she sat back in her seat and reached up and pulled down the visor. “Better drive, Vincent. If Marley gets there too far ahead of us, there’s no telling what she’ll tell your teammates or the other women before we get there.”

Kevlar chuckled, but dutifully reached for the key. He watched out of the corner of his eye as she smoothed her hair back and redid the bun. When she turned to look at him, she had a smile on her face.

“Vincent?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

“For what?” he asked.

“Everything. For being you.”

He reached for her hand and internally sighed when she held on tight. “If things get overwhelming for you tonight, just let me know and we can leave. Or take a break outside. Or something.”

“I’ll be okay,” she reassured him.

“I mean it. No one will care if we leave before they do.”

“I’m an introvert, but I can handle a night out,” she said evenly.

“Never said you couldn’t, but there are going to be a lot of people there.”

“It’s okay, Vincent. Promise. If it gets to be too much, I’ll just go to the restroom, or find a quiet corner or something. I’ve had plenty of time to learn how to navigate social waters, even if I’m not fond of swimming in them. Don’t worry about me.”

“Don’t you get it?” Kevlar asked. “I’ll always worry about you. Doesn’t matter if I’m ankle deep in the sand in the Middle East in the middle of a mission, or across town in a boring meeting on base. I have a feeling you’ll always be on my mind, and I’ll always wonder if you’re okay.”

“Vincent,” she whispered.

He shrugged. “I’m intense, sweetheart. You should know that about me by now. If you can’t handle that, can’t accept it, then maybe I should be the one warning you off me. As I told Marley, this isn’t a fling for me. There’s something about you that drew me in the second I saw you. I want it all with you, Remi. If you don’t want the same, I can turn this car around right now and we can go our separate ways, before things get too serious.”

“I want it,” Remi told him immediately as she squeezed his hand. “And it’s too late anyway.”

“For what?”

“It’s already serious,” she said a little cautiously.

Kevlar’s heart flip-flopped. “Yes. Yes, it is,” he agreed with a small grin.

“Best day of my life was being left in that ocean with you,” she admitted.

He couldn’t disagree, even if he didn’t like the fact that her life had been placed in danger.

“And if you need a break, if tonight becomes too much for you, feel free to use me as an excuse and we can get out of there,” she told him.

This woman. She was perfect for him.

“If I want to leave, I’ll simply tell everyone that I’m done. I’d never use you as an excuse. Not like that. But if I decide I don’t like my friends eyeballin’ my woman, if I want to take you back to your place, or mine, and make out like teenagers, you good with that?”

She looked at him shyly but said without any guile, “Yes.”

Kevlar’s dick jumped in his jeans again.

“Good to know,” he teased.

Remi giggled.

Somehow, being around this woman made all the things that usually haunted his memories disappear. She was worth everything he’d seen and done in his life. Sitting here next to her, holding her hand, made all the death and destruction fade into the background.

All too soon, he pulled into the Aces Bar and Grill parking lot.

“You ready for this?” he asked.

“Absolutely.”

Reluctantly, Kevlar let go of Remi’s hand so they could get out of the vehicle, but he claimed it again as soon as they met around the front of his car. They walked hand in hand to the door. Taking a deep breath, Kevlar opened it and followed her inside.