Page 84 of Maximus

“I can think of a few things that would be better, yes.”

I’m sure he could.

“I think…”

“Eva, I was joking. If you want to know something, ask. But you need to know there are things I can’t tell you.”

“Like what?”

“Like what I did in the Navy. The missions I went on.”

I nodded like I understood when I really didn’t.

I wasn’t a complete idiot. I’d seen action movies, I watched the news, so I had a general understanding of military operations and that those carrying out the missions weren’t supposed to talk about them, but I’d never known anyone who’d actually been in the military.

Then something dawned on me. “How do you know Tex?”

“I met him when we were in the Navy.”

“Oh. I didn’t know he served.”

“He did. He was one of the best operators the teams had ever trained.”

“The teams? Is that a nickname for the Navy?”

Max tilted his head to the side and he looked downright bewildered.

“No, Eva. The SEAL teams.”

“Right. You were a SEAL.” Max righted his head and smiled. He was no longer looking at me bemused but completely amused. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Only you.” He chuckled.

“Only me what?”

“You know, when I was in the teams there were women who perused bars specifically to try to nail a SEAL. Their skills for spotting a team guy are so legendary we have a name for them.”

“So?”

“So, nothing. I find it comical that you’re not impressed in the slightest.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Shh, Eva.” Max brushed his thumb over my lips, silencing me. “You didn’t offend me. I like that you don’t care.”

“Why do you like it?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Because too many women in my past only cared about my job. All they wanted was the Hollywood dramatization—the rough and rugged bad-boy.”

“They used you because you were a SEAL?” I inquired resentfully.

“Something like that.” Max chuckled.

“That’s not funny, Max. They used you to get you into bed.”

“Yeah, honey, it’s hilarious.”

“I don’t see how. That’s kinda gross. What kind of skank only takes a man to bed because he’s a SEAL?”