“Carter, you, me, and Coop will map out this place,” Mac said. “And RJ and Dean can get started on the garage and apartment.”
“Roger that,” the group said in unison before collectively carrying their empty cups and glasses to the sink.
As the group dispersed, Dale turned to Sadie. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have to leave to go visit my dad, but I’ll be back later with some pizza.”
“Sounds good.” She smiled.
“Listen, I know this security system isn’t what you want, but it’s what we need to do,” he said, searching her gaze, hoping she understood his reasoning. “You’re important to me, Sadie. I can’t let anything happen to you.”
Her gaze softened as she nodded, setting a hand on his chest. “You’re important to me too. And I trust you.”
With the kitchen abandoned except for them, Dale dipped down to gently brush her lips with his, but that crazy current and strong pull turned the chaste kiss into one hell of a hot embrace. She moaned and opened up for him, and he immediately slipped his tongue inside, loving how her hands roamed his body, sliding under his shirt to stroke his skin.
He did the same, exploring the softness of her belly and just under her bra…
“No…No…No.”
The sound of the cat button registered in his brain and no doubt hers, because they broke apart at the same time. Dale put the island between them, while working to get his dumb ass under control.
What was his problem? He wasn’t some inexperienced teenager. He was a seasoned SEAL with impeccable control.
His gaze wandered to Sadie. Damn, she was beautiful. Her ragged breaths, the flush in her cheeks, and the bewilderment in her eyes tripped his unsteady pulse. It was good to know hewasn’t the only one dazed and confused. She straightened her shirt, which emphasized her pert nipples beneath.
Arousal twitched through his groin.
Not good.
Control wasn’t possible around this woman.
He was in trouble.
“Why is Tesla saying no?” Mac asked, walking into the kitchen. “Is he okay?” The guy lifted a brow, splitting his gaze between him and Sadie. “Ah. I see. Carry on,” he said, smiling as he returned to the other room. “It’s okay, Tesla,” Mac said. “Mommy still loves you.”
She laughed. “I’d better go reassure him.”
Dale nodded, watching her walk to her cat.
Mac and Carter strolled into the kitchen, grinning.
“Boy, you don’t waste any time, do you?” Carter snickered, tapping his tablet. “Your call sign should’ve been Casanova, not Delta.”
He rolled his eyes. “Just take your measurements and make your calculations.” A gleam entered the guy’s eyes. Dale held up a hand, palm out. “Not on my love life. I meant for the security system.”
“Damn,” Carter grumbled. “That’s not as fun.”
He folded his arms across his chest and shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“What are you going to do about tonight?” Mac asked. “You want any help securing the place?”
“Yeah,” Carter said, still looking at his tablet screen. “The system won’t be live until tomorrow, so she’s going to need guarding.”
He nodded. “I know. If I can’t convince her to stay at my dad’s place next door, then I’ll be crashing on her couch.”
Mac smiled, while Carter laughed outright.
“That’s cute,” the guy said when he managed to sober.
Dale frowned. “What is?”
