Read Online THE KISS OF A SEAL by Anne Elizabeth - Free Book Online

felt like she was ripping open her chest and showing him her heart. Kare could reach in and pluck it out if he wanted.
    His lips were set in a grim line. “I know. We all know. It’s one of the reasons Base Command is so fond of you, Grainger. You can give these men guidance, and a ‘what for’ ass-kicking like it’s no one’s business.” He scratched his head. “So, that got me thinking. Ah, why did you choose Tyler?”
    “Did he say that, that I chose him?” Her breaths were coming in short bursts. “I believe we choose each other. I can’t really explain it all, other than to say, that he’s changed something in me, and my life. I didn’t know that I could feel this way with anyone. Link shook up my entire world. I cannot figure out how to go back. And I don’t want to.” She was on the verge of tears. She didn’t want to leave her job or the life she’d built for herself here. This was the happiest she’d ever been and it would break her to give it up.
    “Well, then don’t.”
    The simplicity of the statement was like a shock to her system. She hadn’t expected his positive response. Tears fled her eyes like sailors abandoning a sinking ship.
    XO Kare lifted his hands. “Wait. Hold the waterworks! What I mean is…you can have a relationship and your job; it just needs to be an extraordinary occurrence.” He nodded his head. “It is, isn’t it?”
    Her heart thudded rapidly against her chest. She was safe. Her world was going to be fine. She smiled as she whisked away the errant tears. “Yes.”
    “Good,” he said was a relieved smile. “Pleased to hear it. Now, get back to work.”
    “May I ask…why are you here rather than Javitt or the Base Command or one of his lackeys?” She sniffed and mopped her face with the sleeve of her pink sweatshirt.
    “Yes, well, there was a three-way discussion this morning via phone and Javitt said he had the flu. I became the lucky lad to follow-up.” The XO looked amused. He had the pulse of Javitt and knew that man was a serious weasel, who would pretty much avoid every confrontation possible. How ironic that he was running the gym where all the instructors did was teach these guys how to confront themselves and deal with issues that came up.
    “Besides, you and Jim have taken this gym to new heights in the three years you’ve both been here. It was time for an XO to go to bat for you.” The XO patted her on the back. “Just so you know, you have the day off…to, ah, get your world in order.”
    She shook her head. “No. I don’t need it. I’d rather work.”
    “Suit yourself,” he said. “Just remember, the option is there. Perhaps you might enjoy… leaving early.”
    “Okay. Thanks, XO Kare.” She watched him walk back toward the Team SEVEN Quarterdeck. The adrenaline surging through her body eased off the gas pedal and a wave of dizziness made her want to sit down. A day off might be exactly what she needed.
    First, she’d head to the gym. Check-in on everyone, grab the laundry out of her locker, dump the stuff in the car, and then walk down to the Hotel Del Coronado and visit the spa. She needed some time to relax.
    As she rounded the corner, she caught a whiff of something familiar. It smelled like Lincoln. Her stomach flip-flopped and she wondered if she should go seek him out. Regardless of what had brought Lincoln to her, whether it was a dare or a bet or just a challenge to his own ego, she loved him. She couldn’t deny it.
    Jessa found two of her fellow employees standing outside the gym. “Hey, what’s going?”
    Donna shrugged. “Good question.”
    Jim said, “Something on the beach. Let’s go check it out.”
    Her eyebrows drew together. Honestly, she’d rather go inside, take care of what she needed to, and then get on with her day. “Why don’t you let me know? I’ve had a pretty tough twenty-four hours, so I’m going to get moving and then get out of here.”
    The sound of music came from the beach. It piqued