The heat of his big body penetrated her from shoulder to hip, settling into her like a warm, fluffy blanket. Warming her from the inside out, it banished the cold draft of pessimism.
Maybe, just maybe, she was being foolish. While the peril and adrenaline rush of the past few days were brand-new to her, they were old hat to Rawls. His career revolved around danger and tense situations. If such things affected him, he’d have a hundred ex-wives by now.
In fact, if adrenaline-driven emotional attachments were to affect anyone, it would be her, not him. Yet if she bypassed her head and listened to her instincts, paid attention to her heart, she knew what she felt for him was real. Her love for him wasn’t dependent on adrenaline and fear for survival. It was reliant on his personality and his temperament—neither of which would change.
If she could accept the fact that what she felt for him was real and permanent—why couldn’t she give him the same benefit of belief?
Besides, Rawls wasn’t the kind of man to declare his love unless he meant it. Unless he was sure of it. His sense of loyalty—just one more thing she loved about him—wouldn’t allow him to walk away once he made a commitment.
“You’re doin’ it again,” he said, his arm tightening and drawing her closer. He glanced down, an affectionate, knowing gleam lighting his blue eyes.
“What?”
“Overthinkin’. Analyzin’,” Rawls said, amusement in his voice.
He was right—she was. He knew her even better than she knew herself. Her tense muscles relaxed. She’d never have to worry that he didn’t understand what she was feeling, what she was thinking. A flush of happiness smothered the reserve.
With a soft sigh, she leaned into him, relishing the way his arm tightened even further, locking her against his side. He felt so perfect pressed up against her—his body heat toasting her. His arm a warm, sheltering anchor. Being with him felt right, it felt natural—he felt like home.
It was time to accept the fresh start life was offering her—a new heart, a new life, and the perfect man to share it with.
Sometimes dreams really did come true.
Glossary
SEAL Terms
BUD/s (Basic Underwater Demolition training): A twenty-four-week training course that encompasses physical conditioning, combat diving, and land warfare.
Bullfrog: A nickname given to a highly respected, retired SEAL.
CQB (Close Quarters Battle): A battle that takes place in a confined space, such as a residence.
Deployment: Active combat or training, deployments last generally between six and ten months.
HQ1 (Naval Special Warfare Group 1 / the West Coast Command): HQ1 has naval bases in Coronado, California; Kodiac, Alaska; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Mare Island, California. Among other naval units, HQ1 houses SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5 and 7.
HQ2: (Naval Special Warfare Group 2 / the East Coast Command): HQ2 has naval bases in Dam Neck, Virginia; Little Creek, Virginia; Machrihanish, UK; Rodman NAS, PM; and Norfolk, Virginia. Among other naval units, HQ2 houses SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10, and DEVGRU (also known as SEAL Team 6).
Insertion: Heading into enemy territory, whether it’s a house or a territory.
JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command): A joint command that encompasses all branches of special operations. This command ensures that the techniques and equipment used by the various branches of the military are standardized. It is also responsible for training and developing tactics/strategy for special operations missions.
LC: A rank of lieutenant commander.
NAVSPECWARCOM (Naval Special Warfare Command): The naval command for naval special operations. This command is under the umbrella of USSOC and is broken into two headquarters: HQ1 and HQ2.
PST: (Physical Screening Test): The physical test a prospective SEAL has to pass. Minimum requirements: 500-yard swim in twelve and a half minutes, rest ten minutes, 50 pushups in two minutes, rest two minutes, 50 sit-ups in two minutes, rest two minutes, 10 pull-ups in two minutes, rest ten minutes, 1.5-mile run in ten and a half minutes.
SEAL Prep School: A crash course in preparing to take the BUD/s challenge. Prospective BUD/s candidates are put through a physical training program meant to prepare them for BUD/s. This includes timed four-mile runs and thousand-meter swims. If the candidates are unable to pass the final qualifications test, they are removed from SEAL candidates lists and placed elsewhere in the navy.
SEAL Teams: Each SEAL team has 128 men, of which 21 are officers and 107 are enlisted. Each team has 10 platoons and each platoon has 2 squads. There are 16 men per platoon and 8 SEALs per squad.
SQT (SEAL Qualification Training): SQT teaches tactics, techniques, and special operations procedures.
USSOC (United States Special Operations Command): Beneath the umbrella of JSOC, the USSOC is the unified combat command and is charged with overseeing special operations command from the army, air force, navy, and the marines.
Zodiac: A rigid-hull inflatable boat, with 470-horsepower jet drives. It can reach speeds of 45-plus knots and has supreme maneuverability. (Also known as the beach boat.)