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“How could you not? Two of your posts have over a hundred thousand likes.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” She moved her fingers along the waistband of his jeans. “What are you grilling for dinner? I have loaded baked potatoes ready to pop into the oven, broccoli slaw, and chocolate pudding with fresh whipped cream.”
He focused on her hand skating over his skin and not on the posts that had so many likes. “I think this conversation has gone off the rails, so I’m going to get the grill started and check the temperature on the pool.”
“Really? You’re heating it this early. You usually wait until May.”
“My woman likes to swim in warm water, so we’re starting a new tradition. The pool will be heated year around, now.” He kissed her head. “Swimsuit is optional.”
“I like the sound of that.” She straightened his T-shirt and then stepped back. “I will be over in thirty minutes.”
“Can’t wait.” He threw her a wink and then crossed the yard, thinking about crafting his own list. Two minds were always better than one.
Teague watched Tancy crest the surface of the water and thought about something his father had told him when he graduated college. It hadn’t meant much at the time because he was about to join the Navy. But it did now, since most of his daring feats were behind him.
Happiness, his father instructed, happened in the small moments. Not during the big wins, trips to Paris, or great new jobs. Those events were too far and few between, if they occurred at all.
But if you could find pleasure in working at something you cared about, enjoy the person you shared most of your meals with, and have friends you cared about, you would likely find a great deal of happiness.
Standing in his warm pool after a delicious meal with the person he enjoyed most was the very definition of pure contentment. Could he hold on to it? He suspected it might be possible if he convinced Tancy to trust him with her heart.
“You’re looking very moody and broody for a man with a naked water nymph in his pool.”
“I’m counting my blessings.” He sliced through the water and pulled her against his body. “I should’ve tried to institute no suit rule a while ago.”
“Yeah, like that would’ve worked.”
He slicked back her wet hair. “I am so freaking happy.”
“Me too.” She pressed her face into his neck. “But perhaps we should keep it to ourselves in case the gods think we need a few more lessons.”
“I’ve taken care of the shoe-dropping thing, so feel free to poke your head out and enjoy the view.”
“How?”
Shivering as her warm breath blew across his skin, he lifted her face. “Made a bargain and cashed in all my chips. It turns out that putting your life on the line for more than a decade racks up some credit. And I decided to use it on us. The Universe has been notified, and we’ve been cleared for takeoff. All systems go, baby. The sky is the limit.”
“Damn. SEALs really can do it all.”
“Is that a,I’ll take the training wheels off and ride with you? Or a,I’m gonna wait and see how this plays out before I decide?”
She tightened her hold. “Hand me the wrench, honey. We’re getting rid of the training wheels.”
“I think our first flight is about to depart.” He swam to the edge of the pool and carried her out.
“Where are we going?”
“To my lair, baby. I’ve got to seal the deal and show you why choosing me is the best decision you’ll ever make.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Me either,” he murmured, holding her just a tiny bit tighter.
SIXTEEN
Teague silently carried her into the bedroom and undressed her without uttering a word. “Just so we’re clear, manners are not required, right?” No words. Simply the quiet drop of the towel and a deep rumble that sounded like an animal’s territorial warning. “So that’s a yes, right?”
