SEAL’S Secret Vows

17. Chase

Chapter seventeen

Chase

I open my eyes to see Nora staring at me, her fingers a fraction away from my cheek.

“You're finally awake,” she says softly, her voice filled with relief.

I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my side, reminding me of the ordeal we just went through. “When did you wake up?” I ask, my voice hoarse.

“A few minutes ago.” She traces my stubble lightly and tilts my head checking for swellings.

“You look better than you did yesterday. Do you feel better, too?”

I reach out and take her hand, squeezing it gently. “I feel better, and I'm glad you're okay. Thanks for taking care of me,” I say, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I’m glad nothing happened yesterday.”

Nora gives me a small smile, her fingers intertwining with mine. “I'm just glad we're both alive,” she whispers.

“We still have to talk about what happened,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at my insides. “We need to know our next move. Those guys are up to no good.”

Nora nods, her expression serious. “I know,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “But let's take it one step at a time. I haven't forgotten about that music challenge. That's the first thing we're going to do when all this is over.” A mischievous smile spreads across her face making me feel there's more to this challenge.

“Can we try something else?”

“Why? Scared of losing?” This lady knows how to push my buttons.

“No, I won’t lose.”

“We'll see about that then. The challenge stays,” she says with a sultry smile before placing a chaste kiss on my lips. She stands up but I pull her back.

“You smell nice,” I comment, taking a whiff of her shampoo before placing kisses on her neck, and she giggles.

“It’s your shampoo. I have to go down to assist Javier. He’s making some dishes for your sister’s visit.”

“Oh, I see. He doesn’t have to do much, though. It’s not like we’re having a party or something.”

“You know your chef, Chase. In the little while I’ve known him, he doesn’t like to do things small. I’m going downstairs.” She hops off the bed and points to the center table. “Javier brought you some breakfast, just so you're up on your feet quickly, I guess.” She whispers cheerily and I groan. “Now, come on. Just have some, then take a bath, and join us for breakfast.”

“Okay. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” She shuts the door, and I get off the bed. The pain has lessened a lot after the painkillers. I have a few spoons of the oatmeal, taking some time to savor the taste. I down the rest of the contents, feeling refreshed from whatever herbs he mixed together in this. Now, it’s time to take a bath.

Questions fill my mind as I step into the bath, the warm water soothing my still slightly sore muscles. The same questions I asked when the scandal started, but one stands out. Are they my past enemies, international bodies, or my closest friends? Now, which category does he fall into? A friend or an enemy?

One thing is clear, the person who attacked me yesterday is no longer my friend, but he’s not a past enemy either. He just became an enemy. What if I’m wrong? He could have shot me and Joseph, but he didn’t. He left the navy SEALs and joined the bad guys. But for what gain? Revenge? Yet, he didn’t want to kill me. I turn the water off, twisting the dial in anger. There is only one way to find out. Go after him before he comes after me. Because if he’s involved in this, he’s going to see it through to the end.

****

I stare into Joseph's eyes, his concern palpable as we sit across from each other at the dining table. Javier, as expected, has filled the table with quite an amount of food using my recovery as an excuse.

“What happened yesterday? The guy that ran away seemed oddly familiar, don’t you think? His fighting skills, mannerisms.”

Even Joseph could sense he was familiar. I shake my head struggling to come to terms with what happened. It can’t be him. I must be paranoid. I hardly even saw his face.

It’s just the trauma coming back. There’s no reason to tell anyone, especially Joseph who experienced that trauma too, that I’m suspicious.

“I’m not sure. Maybe he’s a past enemy that we’ve fought who got away, and he’s making a comeback.”

“Well, that’s one mighty comeback. Pass me the sauce, please.” I push the bowl towards him, and he takes large spoonfuls of the sauce.

“Hey, Nora hasn’t had any of that.” I drag the bowl away from him, and he drags it back.

“Umm…” he dips the spoon in again, hesitating at first, but shrugs. “Javier will make more. Plus, she’s going to be staying longer than I am, so she can have it anytime.”

“Right.” I remark dryly, while looking at my phone screen as a message notification pops up from Lauren. I’m on my way.

“I see the way you look at her, you know.” He teases, gesturing to the kitchen, and I pretend I don’t know what he’s talking about.

“Who?” My face forms into a scowl. Joseph has a habit of teasing me about such things.

“Nora. Who else? And the way she was fussing over you yesterday.”

“You were also fussing. Javier was, too.” I point towards the kitchen where Javier is engrossed in some more food preparation.

“And Lauren will too when she gets here.” Joseph says. “But no one will be as attentive as Nora. Where is Lauren by the way? Is she coming soon?”

“Yes. She’s on her way. She just texted me.”

“Okay. I can’t wait to see her, but when did this start?” He points to the kitchen again, and I hit his hand, earning a sly grin from him. “Don’t deny it.” He points a fork towards me for emphasis. “I’ve been watching you, too.”

I look back to see Nora assisting Javier in preparation for Lauren’s arrival. How much can one person eat?

“But with everything that’s happened to her recently, and that drunk ex, should you really be playing with her?” Joseph continues.

I pull back in surprise. “I don’t play with women’s hearts.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re Mr. Relationship. I was here with your exes. Remember them?” I look away. Joseph sighs. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m on your side. But just… be careful.”

“I am,” I say. At least, I think I am?

“Good,” he says. I nod slowly in response wondering what he’s driving at. “So, my advice, if you want to have something with her is make sure it’s genuine.”

“With Nora,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, “ever since she came into my life, I can't help but compare her to all the others. And, well, she's different.”

Joseph leans forward, his brows furrowed in curiosity. “Different how?”

“She's... she's special,” I say, struggling to find the right words. “With the others, it was always about the thrill of the chase, the excitement of something new. But with Nora, it's... it's deeper. It's like she sees through all the walls I've built up and still chooses to stay.”

Joseph nods, processing my words. “So, what's the problem then? Sounds like you've found something real. Make it proper, let the world know.”

“I know,” I admit, feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders as I finally voice my thoughts aloud. “But that's what scares me. What if I mess it up? What if I can't give her what she deserves?”

Joseph reaches across the table, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “Chase, listen to me. I've seen the way you look at Nora. I've seen the way she looks at you. She cares for you. You two have something special, something worth fighting for. But you can't let fear hold you back. If you love her, if you truly love her, then you'll find a way to make it work.”

I take a deep breath, letting Joseph's words sink in.

Do I love her?

I think of her resilience, her laughter, her teasing… The way she looks still tired in the morning, the kindness she shows Javier.

I think of how scared I was when she was behind those shelving units.

I think about how much I want her in my life.

I know what I wanted to say last night—I do love her.

I nod slowly to Joseph. “You're right. I can't let fear dictate my future. I love Nora. And I'm going to do whatever it takes to show her that.”

Joseph smiles, squeezing my arm gently. “That's the spirit, Chase. Now go get her.”

I nod, feeling a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed. “Thanks, Joseph. Who knew you could give such good advice?” I tease, and he rolls his eyes.

“Seriously, I mean it, man. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You know, if I wasn’t carrying guns for the good cause I just might be a counselor,” he says, and I let out a snort.

“I mean it.” He glares at me before looking at the table angling for another dish. He reaches for the pie, and I smack his hand.

“Back off. That’s for Lauren.”

“Wow!” He rubs the back of his hand faking pain then proceeds to pour more tea into his cup. “I wish I was Lauren. How long till she gets here? Unlike you, she’ll share with me. I’m sure.”

The monitor beside the door rings with its usual notification that someone’s at the door, and he grins. He looks around at the dishes on the table twitching his fingers, unable to make a choice as I make my way to the monitor.

“Don’t touch anything!”

“I won’t. I’m just looking for a perfect dish to welcome her.” Just then, Nora brings a small cake to the table, and he claps his hands loudly. “Perfect.” He holds it up and drops it immediately. “Oh, that’s hot.”

“Serves you right.” I open the gates, watch Lauren come in and proceed to open the door. I walk out to meet her halfway with a light smile which she returns with one of her own. However, when she moves closer, her smile wanes.

“Chase, what happened to your face?” She examines my face for a few seconds before sighing heavily.

“It’s the job,” I reply, then pull her into a long hug. “Let’s go inside.” I collect her bag and shut the door to see Joseph with a pair of oven gloves presenting the cake with the brightest smile I’ve seen him wear in a while.

She laughs out loud and collects the cake from him and places it on the table. She pulls him into a hug, and Joseph holds on longer than necessary. Resisting the urge to smack him, I pull them apart when I see Nora and Javier hovering behind and waiting for Joseph to be done with his drama.

“Lauren, meet Nora.” I gesture to Nora, and watch Lauren break out into a full grin before pulling Nora into a hug and catching her off guard.

“Okay. I see there's no need for further introductions.” I return to the dining table, watching them relate like long-time friends and I can see them getting along already.

“I've heard so much about you, Nora. Chase won't stop talking about you. Come on, let's have a seat.” She wraps an arm around her, only letting go to give Javier a hug.

“My dear Lauren. It's so nice to see you. I've made plenty of dishes for you, and your favorite one is still on the stove.”

“Wow, Javier. Thank you. Let me see.” She hurries to the kitchen like a little child, bringing a smile to my face.

“Come on. It's nothing. Nora helped a great deal.” Javier calls after her as the three of them head to the kitchen.

“Your sister likes Nora already. If you break Nora's heart, you'd be breaking Lauren's heart too,” Joseph remarks.

“I won't. I think she's the one for me.”

“I hope you're not hiding anything from her.” Joseph stops and gives me a steel look. “I know you, Chase. You think of yourself as the person who has to be responsible for everything. But you can’t do that in love. You’ve got to let people in.” There he goes making his worries known again.

“I am thinking. My mind is being made up. But the question is what if I'm not enough for her?” I ask, my insecurities bubbling to the surface. “What if I can't give her everything she needs?”

He shakes his head, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Chase, you are enough,” he insists, his voice firm. “You have so much love to give, and so much to offer. And as for whether you can give her everything she needs, well, nobody can. You can give her the most important thing of all— your heart—but don't break her heart. I'm sure she won't break yours. You've charmed her.”

He slaps my back twice before picking up the cake.

“Alright, guys can we dig into this cake, already? Some of us have to get to work! God, I wish I was Lauren right now. I'm going to get off work early so I don't miss all this.”

I marvel at how childish and serious Joseph can be at times. A hearty laugh breaks out from the kitchen, grabbing my attention. I glance back to find them deep in conversation like old pals. Nora's face lights up as Lauren shares some random recipe, and I can't help but whisper to myself, s he's the one I want to spend the rest of my days with.