SEAL’s Providence (Red Falcon Team #4)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

D r. Providence Sheridan drove her cherry red, nineteen eighty-five Alfa Romeo Spider slowly down the street as she searched for a parking spot near Grace and Lucky’s house. The couple was hosting this month’s post-mission barbecue. It was also the first one since Lucky rejoined the team after an extensive solo mission. So there was lots to celebrate.

It had taken Tempest twisting her arm to convince Providence to come. She was more than a little nervous about meeting the team and their girlfriends for the first time. Her friend was right, though. Even though it had been a few months since Providence started her duty at JEB Little Creek as one of the base doctors, she hadn’t met many people. After years of deployments on ships all over the world, it took some getting used to living in one place. But this would be her final duty location. She hoped she’d chosen wisely.

The street in front of Lucky’s house was wall to wall trucks and SUVs. No way would Providence risk her sweet baby between two of those beasts. Nope, no freaking way. Then she saw there was still a spot in the driveway. It was next to a huge, older model Jeep, but it looked like she’d have plenty of room. Could she really be that lucky? Maybe it meant she was supposed to be here today. Not that she put a lot of trust in fate.

After ensuring she’d left enough room between her and the Jeep, Providence grabbed her purse and the box of assorted pastries she’d picked up on the way over. Baking was not in her wheelhouse, but give her a bone to set, or surgery to perform, and she’d be all over that any day of the week.

She couldn’t resist checking out the Jeep. It had to be at least twenty years old and looked damn good. Apparently, she wasn’t the only person at this party who loved older cars. The navy-blue Jeep Commander was in pristine condition, and the finish gleamed in the mid-day sun. When she peeked through the driver’s side window, a huge smile lit her face. There were at least thirty rubber ducks lined up on the dashboard. Even though Providence knew all about “Jeep ducking,” it surprised her to see them. She’d heard only the Wranglers got ducked. It made her even more curious about who owned it.

“They have all their ducks in a row.” She snickered. It really was so damn cute. Providence sighed. She’d stalled long enough. There was no reason for her to hesitate other than her uncertainty about fitting in, and her lack of ability making small talk. It made her skin crawl. After so many years of dealing with sick or wounded sailors, she had her bedside manner perfected, but small talk made her sweat. She could do this. Yup.

Providence had taken this duty assignment as her last stop before re-entering civilian life in a few years. Staying holed up in her apartment wouldn’t help, and it was one of the main reasons she’d given in to Tempest’s pleas to come to the barbecue.

Tempest was her first and really the only friend she’d made since moving to Norfolk. They’d met on Providence’s first night on duty. She’d come in with broken ribs and badly bruised from an overseas mission.

The two women had bonded over romance books and coffee. They’d formed a close friendship over the last several months. Lately, Tempest had been busy helping Grace and her baby, and they had little time to get together.

Providence had another reason for coming. She needed to speak to Tempest, who was naval intelligence, about a concern she had. The party wasn’t the best place, but she didn’t know when she’d have another chance.

Ignoring the butterflies flitting around her stomach, Providence rang the doorbell.

“Finally. I thought you were going to blow us off.” Tempest held the door wide for her to enter the house.

“Sorry, I had a few things to do this morning and time got away from me. Will you forgive me since I brought goodies?” Providence asked, her Mississippi accent more pronounced because of her nerves.

“You’re definitely forgiven if you brought sugar,” a woman said from behind Tempest.

“Providence, this is my sister, Grace. Grace, this is the doctor who fixed me up after your rescue mission,” Tempest explained to her sister. “She’s also my coffee partner.”

“Hi, it’s great to finally meet you. Seriously, Tempest tells me how amazing you are all the damn time. I was wondering if you walked on water or something. I’m ecstatic to see you look as normal as the rest of us.” Grace winked and elbowed her sister.

“I’ve heard a lot about you and Hope, too. I was so relieved when Tempest told me you got back safe from Marikistan.”

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“ M e too. C’mon in, everyone is outside in the backyard waiting on Lucky and Josh to serve up the food. They’re like a pack of hungry bears, or maybe seals?” Grace giggled. “I hope you like meat. I swear they would eat the whole cow if they could. I don’t think they eat when they’re deployed.”

“Oh, they eat, but MREs suck donkey balls,” Tempest said.

Providence chuckled. “I’ll eat just about anything. After almost twenty years in the Navy, I’ve learned to eat what I can get.”

“Well, hopefully it won’t be a hardship. We have a lot of variety. Harmony is the queen of side dishes,” Grace said.

“Harmony is Ry’s girlfriend. You might not remember everyone’s names or who belongs with who yet, but you’ll get it,” Tempest explained.

“Eventually.” Providence murmured, “hopefully,” under breath as she followed the women into the kitchen. She added her box of pastries to the overloaded island. “Holy cow. You have a ton of food. Maybe I should have brought alcohol.”

“Nah, you forget we’ve got six men out there. Just think of camels with multiple stomachs, especially Doc.” Grace gestured toward the glass doors leading to the backyard where the men had gathered around the grill.

“Tempest didn’t tell me you were so funny.”

“She didn’t? Bitch,” Grace chided her sister. “Probably because she doesn’t think I am.”

Tempest rolled her eyes at Grace and opened the refrigerator. “What do you want to drink? We have frozen margaritas, beer, soda, iced tea. If you want something harder, we can do that too.”

“Hmm, I haven’t had a margarita in forever. I’ll take one of those,” Providence said.

“Frozen okay?” Tempest asked.

“Definitely.”

“Good choice. Just so you know, Grace goes way overboard with the amount of tequila to mixers and ice.”

“Thank goodness for letting me know. The last I need is to get plastered in front of everyone the first time I meet them.”

“Eh, even if you did, it wouldn’t matter. The guys may be intense in the field, but at home they’re like a bunch of cinnamon rolls. And you only have to watch your mouth when Hope’s around.”

Grace nodded in agreement. “They really are. Wait until you see them with Hope. They’re a bunch of pushovers.”

Providence grinned. Now that was something she couldn’t wait to see. Her interactions with any of the SEALs entailed treatment, surgery, or recertifications to get them back on the active-duty list. Most of the sailors she treated considered her the enemy. As if her sole purpose in life was to keep them from operating. They really made lousy patients.

“Cinnamon rolls? They’re food? Wait, okay. I stepped in that one. But what am I missing?”

Tempest snorted. “You’ve been out to sea too long, woman. It means they’re soft and gooey on the inside like a cinnamon roll.”

“Seriously?” Providence chuckled. “That’s a new one.”

“Probably because you never see that side,” Grace said.

“You’re right, they’re usually a bunch of growling neanderthals when they are in my exam room.”

“I hope you don’t take it personally.” Tempest handed a frozen margarita to Providence.

“Nope. I’m used to it after all these years. On the ship it’s different, though. Since I’m usually dealing with illnesses, rather than severe injuries.”

Tempest nodded. “What do you think?”

Providence took a sip of the frozen concoction. “Damn, girl, you weren’t kidding about a heavy hand. I’ll have to nurse this one for a while.”

Grace laughed. “We warned you. Maybe have another sip and we’ll go meet the guys.”

“Sure. Wait, I have a question before we head out there. Who owns the Jeep Commander?”

“The dark blue one in the driveway?” Tempest asked.

Providence nodded. “Yup, that’s the one.”

“Commander Knox—Tony,” Grace said.

“Really? And he’s here today? I thought you said he doesn’t show up at these.”

“Yes, really. The guys tease him about it incessantly, too. And he rarely comes, but for a change he showed up.” Tempest grabbed her drink.

Grace shrugged her shoulders and laughed. “They can’t understand why he doesn’t get rid of it for a newer model. But he loves it.”

Providence grinned behind her glass as she took another sip. She understood the love of an older vehicle. Nothing could make her part with hers. But the ducks. They upped her curiosity about the commander.

Grace opened the sliding glass doors to the backyard, and Providence got her first look at the Red Falcon Team. She’d met Josh a few times when they’d invited her over for dinner but hadn’t met the rest of the team yet.

“That’s Lucky at the grill with Josh. Quinn is the sexy redhead sitting on the chaise. He’s also their team leader. Next to him is Fergus, but everyone calls him Doc, and nope, he’s not one. But he’s their medic.” Grace pointed out each of the men. “Harmony and Ry are over there near the swing set watching Whiskey play with Tony and Hope.”

“That’s the commander?” Providence didn’t even try to hide the surprise in her voice. She’d expected him to be older, much older, and grumpy. Instead, Tony was rolling around in the grass with a giant German shepherd and a toddler.

Josh lifted his beer in greeting. “Hi Providence.”

Providence didn’t drag her gaze away from the commander until Tempest elbowed her. “Oops. Hey Josh, good to see you again.”

“Yup, that’s him.” Grace grinned. “Not what you expected? He’s a total silver fox, right?”

“Grace, dammit, you’re not supposed to notice any men but me,” Lucky said as he wrapped an arm around her as he pulled her close to kiss her.

“I can look. I’m not dead, just better behaved now.”

Lucky gave Grace the side eye and Providence cracked up.

“You’d better behave, or you know what happens,” Lucky said.

“Yeah, yeah.” Rolling her eyes, Grace grinned. “Providence meet my stud muffin, Luca Rossi, but everyone calls him Lucky because he snagged me.”

Lucky chortled. “That’s not why, but it works. Nice to meet you, Providence. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Providence shook his hand. “I’ve heard plenty about you, too. It’s great to put the face with the stories.”

“Grace? What have you been telling people?”

“Nothing bad, I promise.” Grace kissed him on the cheek. “Let me introduce you to everyone else. Unless you want to, Tempest?”

“I’ll do it. I think your man needs his hurt butt soothed. You guys are just a bunch of big babies.”

“What? We’re hardass SEALs, not babies.” Lucky’s huge grin foiled his attempt to look offended.

Lucky was a handsome man, they all were, but Providence’s gaze continued to drift toward the commander. Holy shit balls. She couldn’t even see all of him, but what she could—whoa. The man was scorching.

“Providence?” Tempest asked.

“Yeah, sorry.”

Tempest smirked.

“What?” Providence realized it probably hadn’t been the first time she’d called her name. She could feel her cheeks heat. Dammit.

“Quinn, Doc, this is Providence. She’s one of the new base doctors. Well, not so new now,” Tempest said.

“Hi. Nice to meet y’all.” Providence reached out to shake their hands.

Quinn removed his sunglasses as he stood to greet her. His light-green eyes, like the color of a peridot stone, gleamed in the afternoon sunshine. “Are you settling in okay? Depending on you prior duty station, Little Creek can definitely be an adjustment.”

“So far, I’m loving it here. I’d hoped it would be a good choice for my last duty station to finish out my time.” Damn, was there anyone on this team not drool worthy?

“Nice. If you need any help with anything, just let us know.”

“I will, thanks.”

“Fergus or Doc,” he said as he reached for Providence’s hand. “Just don’t call me Fergie, or I’ll have to kill you.”

Providence grinned at the medic. His eyes remained hidden behind his glasses. She wondered what else he might be hiding. Providence was good at reading people, and the eyes were the largest clue.

“Got it. No Fergie unless I’m looking for a permanent discharge.”

Doc snickered. “Oh, I like you already.”

“Good. Try to remember that if you end up in my exam room. I seem to make more enemies than friends.”

“No worries, we’re cool. We work hard and have the scars to prove it. If we end up on your table, we only have ourselves to blame for fucking up.”

“We’ll see, I guess, or hopefully not.” Providence grinned. She liked these guys. This afternoon was going better than she’d expected. Tempest had been right about how laid back they were.

“Providence brought pastries from your favorite bakery, Doc.” Tempest grinned.

“You did? Well, hell. You’re part of the family now. Where are they?” Fergus asked, leaning over in his chair to see the picnic table.

“Sorry, no treats for you until after dinner. They’re under lock and key until then. Grace will kill you if you teach Hope bad habits.”

“Damn. You’re just mean. Uncles are supposed to teach inappropriate behavior. I want her to think of me as the fun uncle,” Fergus grumbled.

Quinn smacked him upside the head. “Stop whining, you’re not twelve. I swear, you’re such a sugar freak. How are you not diabetic? Maybe Providence needs to check you out?”

“No way, not me. I burn it right off. Nope, not ending up in your exam room.” Fergus waggled his brows.

Providence laughed. The butterflies in her belly were finally settling down. Until she heard a sound behind her. She turned and barely missed colliding with a pale blue T-shirt clad chest.

“Sorry…” Providence’s gaze trailed up the muscular chest, noting the way the shirt clung to his pecs, and continued until she met his gaze. Holy shit balls . Commander Knox was an Adonis.

“Breathe, sweetheart.” Tony leaned toward her so only she would hear his words.

She shivered as his breath caressed the side of her face, and she inhaled his clean, outdoorsy scent. She should object to his use of the endearment, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Tony, this is one of the new base doctors, Providence Sheridan. Providence, Tony Knox, the Red Falcon Team Commander,” Tempest said.

“Hi.” Providence wanted to kick herself. Where had that breathy voice come from? She sounded like a smitten teenager. Hell no. After years, in a mostly masculine profession, she’d turned into a tough ass bitch. She had no intention of changing now. Even if, in all those years, no man had affected her with just one look like the one standing in front of her.

“It’s my pleasure. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.” Tony reached for her hand.

Providence sucked in a deep breath as their skin touched. A tingle of electricity raised the hairs on her arms as his larger hand surrounded hers.

“Thank you. That’s great.” That’s great? What the hell, Providence? Where is your inner badass?

Tony’s fingers squeezed her hand. He was about to say something when a tiny voice said, “Uncle Tony, I potty now.”

“Oops, yes. C’mon, Hope. We’ll find Mommy or Daddy and they’ll help you go potty,” he said to the adorable blonde-haired child yanking on his hand. “I’ll catch up to you in a bit after we take care of it. I look forward to chatting more.”

“I’d like that too.”

Tony smiled, his bright smile stealing her breath. His green eyes crinkled at the edges. “Until later.” Then he walked off with Hope to look for her parents.

Providence missed his presence as soon as he let go, but the warmth of his fingers lingered. Warning bells chimed in her head. She needed to stay away from him. Tony Knox was her catnip. Getting closer to him would make life complicated, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for that.

“I’m Harmony and this is my fiancé, Ryder—Ry. Oh, and this is Whiskey.” A short, honey-blonde haired woman dragged Providence’s attention away from her thoughts.

“Hi, it’s great to meet you both.”

Whiskey nudged her hand. “And you, too. You’re such a pretty dog.”

Providence scratched his head and behind his ears. She loved dogs, but with all her deployments, she’d never been able to own one. “Are you a good boy?”

Whiskey woofed.

“I’m so glad I finally get to meet you. Tempest says you’re amazing.” Harmony stepped forward to give her a hug and tripped over Whiskey’s tail.

Providence braced to catch her, but Ry grabbed her around the waist and kept her upright. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. You’ll get used to me. It happens all the time,” she muttered, her cheeks bright red.

“Trust me, you’re not the only one. You don’t want to see me before I get my sea legs on deployments. It’s not a pretty sight.” Providence winked.

Ry nodded his appreciation. “You’re perfect,” he said to Harmony as he held her close to his chest.

“We’ll need a girls' night. It will be so much fun. Plus, we won’t have to worry about the guys interfering—it’s the only time we can talk about them.” Harmony turned to bat her eyes at Ry and giggled.

“Just don’t have too much fun or you better call one of us to come and get you.” Ry forced out an enormous sigh and then grinned.

Tempest laughed and elbowed Josh’s side. “I think it’s an excellent idea. We’ll set it up soon.”

“Sounds good to me.” Providence nodded, then took a sip of her margarita. Thankfully, the butterflies had stopped fluttering around in her stomach. Her usual calm settled over her like a welcome blanket.

“I know Grace will be up for it as long as Lucky’s home to watch Hope. So far, she’s only let family babysit. Not that I blame her,” Tempest said.

Providence nodded. “I agree. With everything they went through, I’m not surprised. Bless their hearts, and not in the sarcastic way.”

Tempest had shared everything Grace and Lucky had gone through when they rescued Hope from child traffickers in Marikistan last fall. It was a nightmare they’d been fortunate to escape. Thankfully, this one had a happy ending. Providence doubted she’d let the little one out of her sight, either. It was another reminder of why she’d stayed single. She’d learned early on how quickly one horrific event can tear a family apart.