Chapter 16

Chapter

Sixteen

Miles was flying high even as the plane settled on the tarmac. He had Eva's hand in his and the memory of another unreal series of kisses on his lips. He was bursting with all the things he wanted to say to her, but he would wait until they were at her house and settled in. They could talk and talk for hours, then plan their future and kiss every spare minute.

He'd never been so lit up and ecstatic. Being with Eva was better than any successful mission, adventure thrill with parachute, surfboard, bike, or horse. He'd heard that quick relationships would burn out quick, but he felt just the opposite. His feelings for Lily had never been like this. He and Eva were just getting started. Their relationship was special, unique, and genuine. She was resilient and independent, the perfect fit for him. They would only build and soar from here.

They loaded up with Paul in an Escalade and he drove them to Eva's house, explaining more about what had happened with Autumn and Ryken, the police reports and what Eva would need to do to complete those, the security Aiden's people had installed, that Aiden would have someone watching over her until she hired her own security or signed a contract with him, and how Autumn was doing.

Was Eva growing more closed off the closer they got to her house? Was her smile too forced? What if she used her acting skills to hide what she really felt?

Doubts started tickling at his brain, but he couldn't give into them. He was getting a second chance with the only woman in the world for him. The way she'd kissed him and the way she was clinging to his hand and leaning into his shoulder told him she felt the same.

She'd been upset about him and Lily. Who wouldn't be? That was over and behind them. Lily was ready to be done and they both would be happier, as long as Lily was safe and turned to Clint if the situation she'd been using a ‘Navy SEAL boyfriend' to keep her safe from got worse.

He and Eva could move through their pasts, share, and grow together. Eva would understand about Lily. Of course she would.

The tightness in his chest told him otherwise.

Paul walked them into the house. Two of Aiden's guards, Josh and Tyler, greeted them and shook their hands. They showed Eva the damage to her bedroom, which was actually pretty minimal: a vase, a hole in the wall, and a shattered mirror. They'd already cleaned it all up, except the hole that would need sheetrock and paint.

They explained how her new security system worked and sent the link to the cameras and sensors to her phone. They explained it would also be monitored at Aiden's security center at his main property in Long Island and one of them would be close by, staying in the VRBO that Paul had found and doing rotations every hour.

They thanked the men and Paul. Then Eva shut the door behind them. She didn't arm the alarm.

She turned to Miles, and she looked exhausted and concerned. Her deep-brown eyes had lost their sparkle.

"Hey." Miles gathered her close.

She clung to him, and her body trembled against his.

He held her for a few beats and she gradually relaxed, curling into him. Her head was in the crook of his neck, and he knew she was his perfect fit.

"You're worn out," he said. He was anxious to talk things out with her, but she'd been through a lot of stress and upheaval in a short time.

"I am," she admitted, looking up at him.

It was early afternoon. Did he dare suggest he stay here while she take a nap? Would that make her feel safer or push her boundaries? He'd been protecting her for only a day and a half, but he felt she was his to protect and care for. Going back to work on Tuesday would be rough. He'd never felt that way before. He'd lived for the hard work, camaraderie, and fulfillment of his Navy career.

"I can leave, let you get some rest." He chose his words carefully, watching her face. When she looked relieved, he didn't know how to take it. "I'll bring some takeout by later. We can eat and talk everything through." He waited, praying she wouldn't say no.

"Miles …" She pressed a hand to her forehead. "I don't know that talking is going to accomplish anything."

"What do you mean?"

"You loved Lily for a very long time." He started to protest, but she held up a hand. "You hardly know me. I know you don't want to admit this, even to yourself, but I'm afraid you're enamored with me because of my fame. Please, I've seen this play out too many times. Don't do this to Lily or to me."

"I am enamored with you."

She nodded, as if she'd dialed in his motivation.

"But it has nothing to do with you being famous." He stepped in close and gently ran the tip of his finger over the top of her eyebrow and to the side of her eye. "I'm enamored with the sparkle in your deep-brown eyes and the way I can see into your soul, connect with you in a single glance. Like I did the first time I saw you."

Her eyes softened.

He reached for her hand and threaded their fingers together. "I'm enamored with the softness of your hands and the unique way they make me feel when you touch me and when I touch you. I've never felt an inspiring touch like yours, not in my lifetime."

Releasing her hand, he wove his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp. "I'm enamored with your mind, the way you talk, our banter, the way you think, how smart and talented you are, your bravery, resiliency, and independence."

She blinked quickly, but her dark eyes were bright and beguiling.

He kept his hand in her hair and lifted his other one, slowly trailing the pad of his thumb over her soft lower lip. She moaned softly and her lips parted at his touch. All he wanted to do was kiss her, but he had to finish. "I'm enamored with your lips. The way you sass and tease me with them, your unique and barking laughter, and your kiss. I could never get enough of these lips. "

He bent slowly down, giving her time to pull away or turn her head. She didn't. She arched up to him and their lips met. Instantly he was swept away in the connection and love and sparks that only existed for him with Eva.

When they pulled away for air, they were both breathing hard. He wanted to hold and kiss her until he had to go back to base in a few days. Did she feel the same?

Blinking quickly, she stepped back. His arms fell to the side and he felt empty, hollow. He needed her in his arms, but he would never force her there.

"I need time to think," she said. "To sort this out."

"What do you need to sort out?"

She peered up at him. "You loved Lily for thirteen years, yet you dropped her like a hot rock because you met me."

Miles was surprised at her vehemence. Especially after his words and that beautiful kiss. "Eva. Lily was a good friend, a wonderful person, but we should've broken up years ago."

"Why didn't you?"

"Time goes by quick, and the SEALs is a demanding career. I didn't talk to her much and saw her even less. For years, every time I went home and realized that things had fizzled, I'd ask her to date other people. She'd ask if I wanted to and I'd always say no. I was focused on my career, not dating. Six months ago, I was determined to end it. She broke down and sobbed and I felt awful. I didn't end it, and I had no idea that she was dealing with … a hard situation, and having a military boyfriend protected her."

"Oh, no. Will she be okay?"

It was so like Eva to be more worried about Lily than her own pain. He did know her well, even if they'd had little time .

"I hope so. She promised to turn to Clint if she needed help or was in danger."

"Okay."

He waited, then continued, "I know the timing was off, breaking up with Lily after I met you. I'm sorry about that. I should've ended it long ago."

"But I gave you the motivation?" Her voice was still sharp.

"You could say that. What we have is unique and incredible, Eva. If you feel that like I do, please give me a chance. Let me date you, get to know you, be there for you. Please don't give up on us because our beginning was uncomfortable."

Eva pushed out a heavy breath. "I don't know, Miles."

His gut churned.

"Let me rest and … we can talk later."

"Okay." He'd let her process and rest. He'd pray. Hard. "I'll bring takeout. Six? Thai, Mexican, sushi, Vietnamese?"

"Vietnamese," she said.

"Okay." He turned to the door. He had a strong aversion to leaving her. It couldn't be about her safety. Aiden's men were watching the security feed and monitoring her property, and the threats were gone.

He wanted to be in her presence, and he was afraid she was pushing him away for good.

No. This discomfort would go away. He'd come back and they'd eat and talk some more. She was overwrought. She needed time to process. She'd not only been attacked and had nefarious men after her, had to be uprooted from her home, but she'd fallen in love in a day and a half. Well, he hoped she'd fallen for him. The fact that he wasn't certain made his palms sweaty.

Glancing back over his shoulder as he stepped through the door, he said, "Eva, I was loyal to Lily for thirteen years, no matter how many women hit on me or how my buddies or brothers teased me."

Her forehead wrinkled. "I don't want you giving up a thirteen-year relationship for me."

He shook his head. "I didn't. It was past time we broke it off, and Lily agreed. We were dating in name only. What I'm trying to do is brag a little. Which I don't usually do."

She studied him. "I know that about you, and I appreciate it."

"Thank you." He swallowed and continued, "I was loyal to Lily, and she lived hours away and our relationship was stagnant and forced. What you and I have is special and we hardly know each other. Those feelings are going to grow, deepen, and flourish, and I promise I will be fiercely loyal to you."

Her mouth opened and then she put her fingertips to her lips. He imagined she was remembering their intense kisses and wanted to give her more to strengthen his case. He stepped through the door and onto her small front porch instead. "Lock this and arm the system."

She shut it in his face. He heard the deadbolt turn and the beep of the alarm system. Good.

Miles smiled ruefully at her all but slamming the door in his face. He brushed his hand through his hair. He missed his cowboy hat.

Turning, he knew he should pull up an Uber, but he started walking instead. It was only a couple miles to Aiden's house. He needed to move and process and pray. Eva might finally trust that he would be loyal to her, and then again, she might slam the door in his face.

He had no idea which direction it would go tonight.