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“So, you and Wyatt?” Alexa asked, growing impatient.
Callie took a sip of her Bloody Mary, drawing out the suspense. Alexa made a motioning gesture with her hand, indicating for Callie to hurry up. “Yes, we’re dating, I cooked him dinner the other night, and it’s been amazing. He’s incredible. It’s so new though. Although I met him months ago under less-than-ideal circumstances, we didn’t get to know one another until now. He’s...”
“Hot. Handsome. A Navy SEAL. And you’re blushing!” Alexa said excitedly. “Tell me you did the deed.”
“What? No! We’re taking things slowly.”
“Very respectable,” Alexa said with a grin. “I’ll admit I jumped right into Austin’s pants, but damn. The guy is funny and hot. It’s a dangerous combo.”
Callie shook her head, trying not to smile. Alexa’s excitement was contagious, but she didn’t want to get ahead of herself. Maybe nothing would come of her and Wyatt. Whatever connection they had could fizzle out. Alternatively, it could also grow into something bigger than she’d dreamed. Callie knew that she was more cautious than her friend, but Alexa had never been in a life-threatening situation. At least, not one that she’d mentioned. She was bubbly and happy and everything Callie used to be. Callie still had that part of herself, but the nightmares and memories choked her at times. She was different than the woman she’d been months ago.
“Well, I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Callie said, carefully choosing her words. “We’re just taking things slowly. He did come to see me in person before the guys got sent out on their mission,” she confided.
“I knew it!” Alexa said, breaking into an even bigger smile. “He really likes you, Callie. It was obvious that night at Coconuts with the way he looked at you, but wow. Like you said, you basically just started dating. The fact that he went out of his way to come to your apartment and say goodbye?” She began fanning herself. “Tell me he at least pinned you against the wall and kissed the hell out of you before he had to go.”
Callie flushed, and Alexa clapped her hands together in delight. “Good for you. You deserve to be happy. Look, my dad was in the military. When those Special Ops guys deploy, they’ve got zero time. They’ve got packing, plans, and mission critical work to get done. The fact that Wyatt came to see you before he left means everything.”
“It was really sweet. Of course, I would’ve understood if he had to call and couldn’t stop by, but I’m really happy he came in person. It felt like it meant something.”
“Oh, it did,” Alexa agreed.
Callie already knew that Wyatt cared about her. He’d never have held her so carefully in his arms if he didn’t. And his kisses? She wanted to shiver in delight. Wyatt seemed perfectly fine to take things at her pace, but if they ever progressed further, she was a goner. Callie had a feeling Wyatt knew exactly how to handle a woman in the bedroom. He was so attuned to her already, she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be the focus of all that attention in bed. But she liked that he showed up for her—made her feel that she was important in his life. She hadn’t always had that, she realized. Some of the guys she dated were too busy with their own lives to make a real effort to be there for her. Wyatt was clearly a busy man, with a dangerous career, but he’d still gone out of his way to see her.
“Here you go, ladies,” their waitress Riley said, setting their plates of food down. Callie looked down at her vegetable omelet, breathing in the scent of cooked veggies, eggs, and cheese. She could feel her mouth watering.
“This smells amazing. Thanks. Oh, is everything okay?” Callie asked, realizing that Riley was still standing there, looking slightly nervous.
Riley nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t mean to listen in on your conversation but was already walking over to your table. I heard you mention that your friends had left.” She cleared her throat. “The military guys. I just wondered if they were okay.”
Callie and Alexa exchanged a glance. “They just left yesterday,” Alexa explained as realization dawned on Callie.
“Are you friends with them?” Callie asked. “They come here a lot, so I’m sure you know some of them.”
“They do, yeah,” Riley said, looking embarrassed. “Sawyer’s a big flirt. And I usually chat a bit with Ryan.” Callie nodded, realizing she didn’t really know the men on Wyatt’s team aside from Austin.
“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” Alexa assured her.
“Yeah, of course. Thanks. Let me know if you two need anything.”
“That was interesting,” Alexa said as Riley finally left. “From what Austin told me, Sawyer’s a huge player. He definitely doesn’t seem like he’d be her type. I’m getting the sweet and shy vibe from her.”
“Huh. Yeah,” Callie said, digging into her omelet. “Wyatt mentioned her the other day. He was actually telling me how all the guys on the team are single. No offense,” she quickly added.
Alexa snorted. “It’s fine. Austin and I literally just hooked up the other night. We’re planning to get together again, but I’m absolutely still single. As is he.”
“If you say so,” Callie replied, feeling doubtful.
“We had a fun night. That’s all. Oh, maybe we can all do something when they get back, like a group activity. I want to get to know the guy who’s dating my best friend, but we’ll see if we can find out which guy Riley is crushing on if not Sawyer. I could play matchmaker.”
“God no,” Callie muttered.
“What? It’d be fun. Maybe I should offer to do a photoshoot for the team,” she joked. “I’m usually dealing with touchy-feeling couples. Since I’m single, it’s a lot to stomach. I could do some muscle shots of the men shirtless on the beach,” she said, waggling her eyebrows.
“I’m sure they’d love that,” Callie said.
“Well, I would. Their ab shots could be the background on my laptop. Maybe I’d even blow up a few life-size prints to put in my apartment. You know, for inspiration.”
Callie was giggling by the time they’d finished brunch. In the back of her mind, she was worried about Wyatt, but he hadn’t thought they’d be gone for very long. She had to trust that he’d be okay. She missed him. It had only been a day, but she’d gotten used to talking with him every night. She’d felt a little empty inside last night not having him to call and chat about their day. It was hard not knowing where he was, what he was doing, or when he’d return.
