SEAL’s Command by Makenna Jameison
Chapter 4
Slate muttered a curse as he slung Ashleigh’s suitcase onto her bed. Damn. He’d felt a weird tug in his heart at seeing her pink suitcase in his hand. He was a no-nonsense, gruff man. He served his country and was generally satisfied with the simple things in life. A woman like her would no doubt complicate…everything.
He was a red-blooded male though. Her feminine curves and soft floral scent were enticing as hell. When she’d taken off her white parka earlier, he hadn’t been able to resist letting his gaze travel over her soft breasts and down to the gentle swell of her hips. Or stop himself from wondering what she’d feel like beneath him as he moved over her in bed.
Jesus.
Had Jett known about this weekend’s little “mix-up”? He didn’t doubt it. His brother would do anything his wife asked. Maybe the original plan had been for Slate to get the place ready for the winter and ensure that everything looked okay at the cabin, but hell. They’d clearly had other ideas. They’d not only sent food and wine for the weekend, but a goddamn box of condoms.
He wouldn’t be sleeping in Ashleigh’s bed tonight. He sure the hell wouldn’t be bringing her to his.
Shaking his head, he walked out of the master bedroom and tossed his duffle into the smaller guestroom down the hall. It wouldn’t be the gentlemanly thing to do to claim the bigger bedroom for himself. He wouldn’t be here much tomorrow anyway. Even if Ashleigh did end up staying longer than planned because of the storm, he’d be out hiking and hunting. She could sit here and write, and he’d go about his day, ignoring the fact that a beautiful woman was alone in the cabin.
He’d gone the past twenty years without a woman in his life. He wasn’t about to complicate things by trying to date someone now.
The snow had been heavily falling when he’d gone outside a few minutes ago, and he wondered how much they’d get. The predictions for a few inches from earlier this morning seemed way off. It wouldn’t bother him since he was planning to stay for a few days. He had snow boots with him and the proper gear to go hunting in this weather. What was he supposed to do with Ashleigh though? Send her off in the morning in that little compact car?
No doubt the roads wouldn’t be cleared until afternoon or evening at best.
Clenching his jaw, he unpacked the few things he’d brought with him. He’d had the sense to rent a Jeep at least. What had she been thinking renting a small car to drive up in the snowy mountains? And why would his sister-in-law let her come here alone in the winter?
Because she knew Ashleigh wouldn’t really be all alone, a nagging voice in his head told him. They’d suggested to Slate that this would be the perfect weekend for him to come up. Damn it all to hell.
He neatly arranged his clothes in the empty dresser and put his snow boots on the ground. He was itching to check in with his teams again, but the fact that he had no cell reception was both a blessing and a curse. He had nothing to do but be here in the present. He would have to talk to Jett though about getting a landline put in. If there were an emergency, there was no way for anyone to reach him during the storm. Or for someone inside the cabin to call for help. Slate could take care of himself, but what if Ashleigh had come here alone, and there’d been an emergency? Or what if Anna and the kids were out here sometime? He didn’t like the idea of either of them vulnerable and alone in the secluded cabin.
Slate paused as he finished unpacking his few things, catching whiff of what Ashleigh was cooking in the kitchen. It smelled like ground beef and spices. His brother kept a few basics here but usually cleared out anything that wouldn’t last. Ashleigh hadn’t been kidding that she could cook though. It smelled fantastic.
It was a bit chilly in the bedrooms, and he wondered if he should turn the heat up a touch more. He didn’t mind the cold, but Slate was a large, muscular man. Ashleigh was a lot smaller than him. Feminine. Fragile. Muttering to himself, he went to the closet and grabbed a spare blanket. He moved down the hall without thinking, tossing the blanket onto the foot of her bed.
That pink suitcase again had him pausing. What sort of feminine clothes did she have in there? Not that he’d go snooping through her things, but damn. Just imagining her lacy bras and panties had his groin tightening. He hadn’t gone away for the weekend with a woman in years. He’d taken exactly one woman on an overnight trip since his failed marriage, and that had strictly been about the sex. And it had been at least a decade ago.
Although he’d occasionally spent the night with a woman over the years, it was easier being alone. Simpler. Less complicated. He didn’t need someone to worry about. He already had several teams of men under his command and a time-consuming Navy career. A woman in his life would simply be a distraction.
“Slate?”
Ashleigh’s soft voice had him turning, and then he poked his head out the bedroom door. She’d taken off her boots at some point and was walking toward him in fuzzy socks and that soft sweater and leggings. Nearly every inch of her skin was covered, yet something about it was sexy as hell. She was average sized, but those curves. Holy hell.
She looked like a present he was dying to unwrap.
“I put your suitcase in the master bedroom,” he said, clearing his throat.
“Oh,” she said, her lips parting. “I can take the guest room.”
She stopped in front of him, and it felt strangely intimate standing there in the doorway. He was even taller than her now that she’d removed her boots, and he had the strangest urge to tug her into his arms. Then pull her down onto his bed and slowly undress her as he kissed her everywhere, before slowly making love to her for hours.
Ashleigh wasn’t the type of woman you’d take to bed for a quick fuck. She was the kind of woman you’d savor. Hell. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she met his gaze, that blonde hair falling in waves around her face, and he could tell she was still a little nervous around him.
Instantly, he felt like he should put her at ease. Slate might’ve been used to abrupt orders and commands, but she was different. Ashleigh wasn’t in the military. She was…young. Too young for him.
“No need. I already unpacked.”
She tried to peek around him, and his lips quirked. He wasn’t trying to hide anything, but he was so big, he took up the entire doorway. He turned sideways, and her face fell. “You should’ve said something. I wouldn’t have minded the smaller room.”
“The master bedroom is further down the hall,” he said, nodding in that direction. “And I don’t mind either.”
“Okay. I just put a casserole in the oven. It should be ready in about half an hour.”
“It smells amazing—much better than whatever I would’ve whipped up.”
She flushed slightly but smiled. “What were you planning to eat?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Jett keeps a stash of canned goods here. I would’ve found something to make do for the night.”
“Well, I love to cook. Luckily, Anna had some spices and things in the cupboard. I assumed it was okay to use them since I doubt they’ll be traveling here anytime soon. I’ll just, uh, get settled in. Not that I’m staying,” she hastily added. “I just meant unpack a few things for tonight.”
His gaze seemed to rattle her further, and he watched as she turned and walked down the hallway, trying to ignore the way his groin tightened at the sway of her hips.
Damn.
Her ass was fantastic. He’d always fancied himself a breast man, but Jesus Christ. Those leggings she had on hugged her to perfection. Turning away from her tempting sight, he walked into the living room and settled down in front of the fire. The innocent way she’d looked at him earlier was just too damn much. Like he’d let her go driving around alone at night with no hotel reservations and no idea where she was as a storm was fast moving in.
He pulled his phone from his pocket, thankful he had a signal at the moment. Thumbing a quick text to Jett, he hit send.
What the fuck?
He didn’t have to wait long for his brother’s response.
Anna’s idea.
Slate clenched his jaw, texting him again before he lost the signal once more.
She’s playing with fire.
His phone buzzed once more.
You could use a woman like Ashleigh. You’re welcome.
“God damn it,” he muttered, standing up again. He could use a woman like he could use another hole in his head. He had multiple SEAL teams under his command. A military career that took all his time and attention. He didn’t know the first thing about this woman. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. She was a writer, apparently a damn good cook judging from the delicious scent wafting in from the kitchen, and she flushed under his gaze any time he was near.
Why that attracted him so much, he didn’t want to examine too closely.
Slate was the type of man who enjoyed being in control. Who relished having a woman whimper and beg him for more as he slowly moved over her body, exploring every inch as he made love to her.
Ashleigh seemed like just the type of woman who would alight under his touch.
And that would never happen.
Walking into the kitchen, Slate opened the fridge and pulled out a cold beer. He popped the cap and took a long pull, wondering what the hell his brother was thinking. A quiet weekend alone didn’t mean he wanted to spend time getting to know a woman. Especially not his sister-in-law’s friend. Say they did connect for some reason. Whenever it finally fizzled out, Anna would be pissed as hell at him.
Jett and Anna couldn’t have known the weather would force Ashleigh to stay overnight though. Had they realized he couldn’t actually kick a woman out and send her off alone into the night?
Sighing, he crossed the small room, wondering if he should do something domestic like set the table. He had been married once, as unlikely as that had seemed given his life now. There was no TV here in the cabin. Hardly any connection via his cell in this weather. He couldn’t watch the news. A quiet night alone wasn’t supposed to involve getting to know her.
Slate yanked open one of the kitchen drawers, grabbing some silverware, and then got some plates from the cupboard. Despite the fact that she’d made dinner, this was his family’s place. He should attempt to do something to welcome her here, right?
Twenty minutes later, he’d opened his second beer, and Ashleigh came padding back into the kitchen. She seemed surprised that he’d set the table but didn’t comment, simply went to the oven to check on their dinner.
“I think my text finally went through to Anna,” she said as she pulled the dish from the oven. Slate wasn’t looking at her tempting body as she bent over. Not at all.
“What’d she say?” he asked, his voice sounding harsher than he’d intended.
She hesitated, setting the casserole dish on the stove before turning toward him. He felt like an ass for watching her and not offering to help. “She didn’t respond yet.” Shrugging, she pulled open a drawer. “Do you have any serving spoons?”
“Drawer next to the fridge.”
She crossed over and grabbed one. “Anyway, I’ve told her before that I’m never dating anyone again.”
Slate raised his eyebrows. “That sounds like a story.”
She huffed out a laugh, slicing a large serving for him. It wasn’t quite lasagna, given their limited ingredients, but it looked and smelled similar enough with beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. Damn. His brother Jett knew he couldn’t turn down a good meal. Slate was absolutely hopeless in the kitchen.
Hell.
He and his brother were going to have words whenever his cell reception wasn’t as spotty.
“Yeah, of course there’s a story,” she said lightly, handing him the plate. “I was engaged, and the asshole cheated on me. He got the other woman pregnant, and now they’re married. They probably have a houseful of kids by now. Who knows. We broke up and never kept in touch for obvious reasons.”
Slate let out a low whistle. “I’d never cheat on a woman.”
“Yeah, well, he claimed he wouldn’t either.”
Slate bristled slightly. Did she think he was joking? Her ex-fiancé did sound like a total jackass. He didn’t have time to date, let alone cheat on a woman. Not that he’d do so anyway. He respected women, and if he ever was in a serious relationship again, he’d give his wife everything.
His wife. Huh.
He hadn’t imagined himself ever marrying again until this exact moment—with a woman in the kitchen cooking them dinner for two.
Memories roiled through him—working late hours on base, coming home from a mission to find out his wife was still working late at the office every night. They’d get a few days off to decompress, but he’d spend his time alone or with his buddies. Not with the woman he’d pledged to love and cherish forever.
“I’m not him,” he commented dryly.
She looked over at him, and their eyes locked for a beat. “Yeah, I suppose not.”
“I grabbed a six-pack earlier on my way in,” Slate said, relieved to change the subject. “You’re welcome to grab a bottle. There’s also water, and I noticed Anna sent a couple bottles of wine.” He ground out the last part. Jesus.
Did his brother and sister-in-law really think he needed a woman to be happy?
She walked over to the grocery bags on the counter, reaching in to pull out the large bottle of red. Her cheeks pinkened, and he realized the condoms were still in there. Good God.
She didn’t comment, just crossed back to the drawer he’d directed her to earlier and pulled out a corkscrew. He was about to go open the bottle for her, but she expertly popped the cork, turning to look for a glass in the cupboard.
Ashleigh’s soft sweater clung to her breasts, and he looked away. There was no sense in admiring what he’d never have.
She poured herself a glass of Merlot and crossed to him, carrying both her plate and glass of wine. He pulled out a chair for her, feeling chivalrous, and she thanked him quietly and sat down.
“Go ahead,” she said when she realized he was waiting for her to begin.
Slate took a bite. “This is amazing,” he admitted.
“It’s not, but I appreciate the sentiment anyway,” she said with a smile. Her eyes sparkled in amusement, and Slate decided he liked this side of her. When she was flushing under his gaze, he felt…too gruff. Harsh. Like he was too much for a woman like her.
She took a sip of wine and looked up at him. “So what’s your story? I told you why I don’t date anymore.”
He chuckled. “I was married before.”
She looked surprised, and his lips quirked before he took a pull of his beer. “That surprises you?”
“Sort of. You don’t seem like the marrying kind.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“You’re just—independent, I guess. You came up here alone, apparently to spend the weekend hunting all by yourself. You’ve already got an established career. You like your solitude.”
He stilled, wondering how a woman he didn’t know could see him so clearly. He didn’t mince words. He wasn’t interested in small talk and pleasantries. Sure, he had to get along with the other officers on base and was happy to grab a beer from time-to-time with the guys, but being alone suited him just fine. He was self-sufficient. He didn’t need anyone else. He certainly didn’t need a woman to complete him. He might enjoy getting lost in a woman’s body and relish in her soft touch, but a night or two had always worked just fine for him. He didn’t need a relationship, and he sure the hell didn’t need a lifetime.
Ashleigh wasn’t someone he’d have a one-night-stand with though. She was beautiful and tempting, but he felt responsible for her now. This was his home, or his brother’s home, at any rate. He’d make sure she was safe for the night and that would be that.
She’d go wherever she needed to write, and he’d be…alone.
“The marriage didn’t last long,” he admitted. He took a pull of his beer, wondering what exactly to say. How much did he need to tell her? “We were both young and looking for divorce lawyers before the first year was up. We weren’t right for one another.”
“Did either of you cheat?”
“Negative. We were just very different people. The sparks were there in the beginning, but once we began to drift apart? We had nothing in common.”
“Well, Anna and your brother sure seem to be happy. She was smitten with him from the moment they met.”
“He’s charming that way,” Slate said dryly.
Ashleigh shrugged. “I guess it worked for them. Two kids and a baby on the way? She seems really happy at any rate.”
“Do you want kids?” he asked. For some reason he needed to know the answer to that. He’d been married to the Navy for the past twenty-some years. Although he’d briefly been married, he’d never wanted kids. Neither had his ex.
“Honestly? No. Don’t get me wrong, I like kids, but just other people’s, you know?” She looked up at him, her green eyes twinkling in amusement. They were a lighter shade of green than his own. Briefly, he wondered what their kids would look like. It was an odd thought considering he never planned to have any.
Slate chuffed out a laugh. “I hear you.”
“You don’t want kids either?”
“No. And I’m forty-three now. My brother had kids later in life, but that ship has sailed for me. No pun intended.”
“Right. Because you’re in the Navy? Ha ha,” she joked.
He smirked, but they continued eating quietly. Strangely enough, it was a comfortable silence. He didn’t feel the need to make small talk, and apparently neither did Ashleigh at the moment. The snow began to change over to freezing rain, and he heard the clinks of ice against the windows.
“Hell. I hope the propane tank doesn’t freeze.”
She looked at him questioningly.
“The house runs on solar energy, but the heat is propane. I don’t know if Jett had it refueled yet this winter, which would make it more apt to freeze. I was planning to check on all that stuff this weekend since I just got here late this afternoon. Don’t worry,” he said, catching the expression on her face. “We’ve got the fireplace, so we’ll be fine. I won’t let you freeze to death.”
She nodded but still looked uncertain.
“I am surprised Anna would tell you to come here since the cabin wasn’t prepped for winter yet. That was part of my job this weekend.”
Ashleigh frowned. “Honestly, I doubt she knows much about it. I think your brother handles that sort of thing.”
“That sounds about right,” he said with a low chuckle. Jett was smitten with Anna, but she was naïve about plenty of things. Prepping a cabin up in the mountains wasn’t the same as jetting off to a tropical resort. Sure, she’d thought to send some groceries, but had she considered fuel or firewood or anything else?
Damn Jett for agreeing to go along with this.
“I’m surprised they stopped renting out this place,” Ashleigh said.
“They’ll be able to stay up here in the winters if they want to go skiing with the kids. Jett’s job is flexible, and Anna’s home with the kids.”
“True. They won’t be small forever. I’m not a skier, but I know little kids can zip down the slopes.”
“I’m surprised you don’t want children,” Slate commented, taking another pull of his beer. He didn’t exactly get the maternal vibes from Ashleigh, but she’d fixed dinner for the two of them, hadn’t she? That seemed at least somewhat domestic.
She shrugged. “I’ve just never felt a need to have them. I’m busy with work and traveling. I like being alone to write. I guess I enjoy my independence far too much to have young children that need to be constantly tended to.”
“Fair enough,” he said.
They’d both finished eating, and Slate rose, carrying their plates to the sink. He needed to go retreat to his bedroom before he did something foolish like try to kiss her. Ashleigh’s cheeks were flushed from the two glasses of wine she’d had, and on a cold, snowy night like this, he wouldn’t mind joining her in bed to keep them both warm.
The freezing rain continued to bounce off the windows of the cabin, and Ashleigh frowned. Slate turned on the water in the sink to wash their plates. “It’s tough to predict the weather sometimes at this altitude. Don’t worry, the plows will come through at some point tomorrow for you to head out.”
She stilled, nodding, and he watched as she swallowed before turning away.
Shit.
Why the hell had he gone and made her feel unwelcome? He wasn’t about to send her out if it was dangerous. And hell. She could stay here and work if she really wanted to. He’d be out most of the day. It’s not like he’d force her to leave if she would rather stay.
“Ashleigh,” he said, his voice gruff.
She turned toward him, pressing her lips together, her arms crossed. All it did was push her breasts up higher, making him want to reach out and pull her close. He wanted to ease that worried expression on her face, wrap his arms around her to feel all her softness up close, and duck down and kiss her plush lips.
Which he absolutely wouldn’t do.
He cleared his throat. “That came out wrong. I just meant, I’m sure you don’t want to be stuck here with me.”
“Right. Of course not. I’ll just go read and stay out of your way. Goodnight.”
She turned and walked out of the kitchen, and he knew he’d offended her. This was exactly why he didn’t date. Occasionally taking a woman home for the night didn’t lead to any expectations. No strings attached suited him just fine. He’d tried the relationship thing once, a lifetime ago, and it hadn’t worked.
Tonight had felt almost like a date though. They’d been set up, sure, and couldn’t exactly avoid one another, but she’d made them dinner. They’d talked while he’d had a beer and she’d sipped on her wine. And he’d made her feel unwelcome. Had he even thanked her for cooking for him?
Muttering under his breath, he quickly finished the plates and put the leftovers in the fridge. Her bedroom door was shut when he walked back down the hallway, and he hesitated. There was no need for him to complicate things. He could apologize in the morning if he didn’t see her before then. Shaking his head, he walked into his own bedroom. He left the door cracked just in case she needed something but kicked off his boots and relaxed on his bed.
He had some materials to go over for work—everything unclassified, since he’d taken it from base. He was itching to check in with his teams, but again, there was no need. It wasn’t even that late, but between long hours on the base this week, traveling up here, and his hectic schedule for the past month, he was wiped.
Slate closed his eyes for a moment, fully intending to get up in a few minutes.