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“Well, yeah. I thought it was better to go dark for a while—disappear. If anyone looked hard enough, they could figure out I was on that flight. I posted hints about my travels. Shoot, I even took a picture at the airport in Manila. It didn’t show much, but....” She shrugged.
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” he assured her. “Just know that I’d help you if there was a problem.”
“I know,” she said quietly. A car driving by honked at that moment, and she jolted.
“It’s okay,” Wyatt said, his big hand resting on her forearm. “We stood out here talking longer than I intended. I’ve got to be on base early tomorrow morning. Why don’t I walk you to your car?”
“Sure, sounds good,” she said, feeling slightly relieved. As much as she trusted Wyatt, she hated talking about any of her old life. It was bittersweet having to start anew. She was lucky to be alive, essentially living in paradise. It was her decision to switch up her career for a while. Wyatt pulled out his phone when they stopped at her Mini Cooper, and she eagerly told him her number. Wyatt shot her a text so she’d have his contact info as well.
“I’d like to see you again,” he said, his voice husky.
“I’d like that, too,” she agreed.
“So, I’ll be in touch.” Wyatt shocked the hell out of her by taking her hand just then and lightly brushing his lips across the back of it. She could feel her face heating, and felt both flattered and flushed by his attention. He’d made no secret of his interest in her. She was attracted to him, too, but knew it didn’t mean much. He had his career in the Navy and probably traveled all the time. She was just...here. Trying to find her way.
“Goodnight Callie,” he said, reaching down to open her car door for her. “Tonight was the surprise of my life, but I had fun.”
“Me too,” she assured him.
“Do me a favor and text me when you get home. I know Hawaii is safe, but humor me.”
“Will do,” she said, searching his gaze. He closed the door behind her after she slid in and then stepped back as she started the engine. Callie had a feeling Wyatt would stand there and watch as she drove away. He was protective, and she couldn’t deny how good that made her feel.
Chapter 9
WYATT GRINNED AS HE pulled up to his house later that night. Hell. Seeing Callie at the restaurant had been the shock of his life. He might’ve thought he’d seen her on the beach a week ago, but that was mostly wishful thinking on his part. When she’d shown up tonight, walking right into his life, it was like his entire world had shifted. He didn’t seriously date, so he wasn’t sure what specifically about Callie captured his interest. It was everything. Her infectious smile, those big blue eyes, and the slight vulnerability he noticed in her. She made all of his protective instincts rise. She was gorgeous, but her personality also drew him in.
He was surprised to learn that she wasn’t on social media anymore. That had been her gig, and she was free-spirited and adventurous enough for that type of career—traveling and sharing it with the world. He hated that the hijackers had essentially stolen that from her. For whatever reason, she’d stopped blogging. He’d like to know more about whatever negative attention she was getting. The press could be relentless, and he hated that she didn’t feel comfortable living in the public eye anymore.
Frowning now, he pulled his phone from his pocket as it buzzed. One of his buddies had been razzing him earlier, shooting him texts from the bar while he enjoyed dinner.
Hudson.
It figured.
Hudson: You’re in so much trouble, Wildcard.
Hudson: She’s pretty as hell. I get it.
Hudson: You couldn’t keep your eyes off her all night, man. Nice.
Of course his friends had noticed his interest. No one should’ve been surprised. He’d checked on her back in Manila, hadn’t he? Callie was special. Just because he didn’t date much didn’t mean he couldn’t hang out with her. Show interest.
His lips quirked. Man. He felt like a teenager again, which had been a damn long time ago. Just thinking about Callie made his pulse pound.
Wyatt unlocked the door and walked into his small, one-level rental home. Honolulu was expensive as hell, but fortunately, he’d found a good deal on this place. A military vet owned it and gave him a good price, thanking him for his service to his country. Wyatt had to admit the place was like a dream come true. He enjoyed having his own space and small yard, avoiding the apartment life he’d had over the years. It was plenty of room for him. Funny how some guys his age already had wives and families. That was so far from his reality, it was almost comical.
The guys on the Alpha SEALs Coronado teams all had wives or girlfriends. Many of them had kids. His own teammates were as single as he was, but Wyatt knew how quickly things could change.
He dropped his keys into the small basket in the foyer and moved through his home. It was sparse but comfortable. He paused, wondering what Callie would think of it. Funny how he’d already decided he’d have her over. They’d talked tonight at dinner like they’d known each other forever. It was funny how sometimes you just clicked with another person. There was no rhyme or reason to it. Sometimes you just had that connection. Wyatt had seen something in her all those months ago and knew he’d be crazy to let her get away now. He might not have pursued her otherwise, but now that fate had practically delivered her to his doorstep, he wouldn’t miss the chance to spend time with her.
His phone buzzed, and he smiled as he saw it was Callie.
Callie: Home sweet home. Thanks again for tonight.
Wyatt: Sure thing, sweetheart.
He paused, realizing what he’d said. Too late. He’d already sent off the text. He didn’t think she’d be offended. Callie was down-to-Earth. She didn’t seem like the type of woman who’d waste time troubling over the little things.
