Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
T ony strode into the Ready Room just after six and waved at Pam, the owner, who was behind the bar.
“Hey stranger. It’s great to see you,” Pam said.
“I know, but you know how it is. I’ll try to stop by more often.”
Tony knew she understood. Pam’s first husband was a marine and killed while deployed in Afghanistan.
“Your guys are at their usual table.” Pam nodded toward the back of the large room.
“Great. Could you have whoever is waiting on them bring me a bourbon?”
“Angel’s Envy?”
“You know it. Thank you.”
Tony had recognized their trucks in the parking lot. As he expected, they were at their favorite table in the back of the room. None of the men wanted their back to the door and seeing them squabble for seats like they were playing musical chairs was a sight to behold.
He caught Quinn’s eye as he wove his way through the tavern. The empty seat next to Providence made him grin as he approached the table. With her back to him, she didn’t know he was there yet. His cock throbbed in his pants at the thought of being close to her. Yeah, he had it bad.
The team would give him shit about being late. Not that he didn’t deserve it. Showing up on time was a way of life for him, but when your boss calls you in for a briefing, you go. He’d be sharing the intel with them, but not tonight.
Tony had been on his way to base for the briefing when he’d gotten the text. It surprised him, especially when she asked him to meet them at the Ready Room. Especially since she’d dodged him all week. He’d planned on showing up at her office to talk to her. This was better, even if they weren’t alone. Not the ideal first date, but he wouldn’t complain. There’d be time for him to have her to himself.
“Good evening.”
Quinn stood and shook his hand, followed by the rest of the team.
“Glad you could make it,” Josh said.
“Yeah, me too.”
“Does this mean we get to give you extra PT next week?”
“You can try, but I wouldn’t suggest it.” Tony chuckled, then leaned close to Providence’s ear and asked, “Is this seat taken?”
As she turned to look at him with a nervous smile and pink-tinged cheeks, his breath caught in his throat. Damn, she was gorgeous. In the dim light, her blue eyes sparkled like the sun-kissed ocean. The sudden need to kiss her took him by surprise.
“I’ve been saving it for you. Unless you’d rather?—”
“This is perfect.”
The color in her cheeks reddened when he sat down. “You look beautiful.”
“I doubt it, but thank you.”
“One thing you’ll learn about me is I always mean what I say. Just ask the guys.”
“Uh, okay.”
Fuck. Totally adorable . She’d kill him if he said it out loud. “I’m so glad you texted. I apologize for being late. Something came up and I couldn’t avoid it.”
“No worries. It was kind of last minute. Did you want a beer? Or a margarita?” She gestured toward the pitchers on the table.
“I’m more of a bourbon guy. In fact, here is it now. Thanks, Patience.”
“No problem, Tony. Are you ready to order, or should I give you a few minutes?”
“Did everyone else order already?”
“Yes, but just a few minutes ago. Don’t worry, it won’t hold up anyone’s food.”
“All right. I’ll have a bacon cheeseburger and whatever vegetable you’ve got.”
“You got it,” Patience said. “I’ll be back in a few with everything.”
“A side of vegetables with a bacon cheeseburger? Do you think whatever green stuff you eat will save your arteries from the greasy mess?” Providence teased.
“Nah. I just don’t like french fries.”
“Wait. What now? Have mercy on your soul. You don’t like fries? What’s wrong with you?”
Tony chuckled. “Nothing, I promise. I can get my medical file or actually you could look it up yourself.”
Providence grinned. “Yeah, I could, but I wouldn’t invade your privacy like that. Are you serious about the fries, though? I just don’t even know what to say.”
Quinn chuckled from where he sat across the table from them. “Oh, he’s one hundred percent serious. He refuses to tell us what the fries ever did to him make him hate them.”
Providence shook her head, and her high ponytail swung back and forth, the lighter blonde streaks catching the light. “You know that’s just un-American, right?”
“Nah. Maybe un-French. They are French fries, right? Tony waggled his eyebrows and grinned.
“Don’t worry, Quinn. I’ll figure it out. I love a mystery.”
“You’re welcome to try, sweetheart.” Tony took a swallow of his bourbon and enjoyed the slow burn. He watched as Providence fit right in, liked she’d been part of the group for years instead of weeks.
“I’m surprised you came.” Josh elbowed him in the side. “Providence?”
“Yeah. But it’s going to be a challenge.”
Josh snorted. “Right up your alley, then? I’ve never seen you back down from one in all the years I’ve known you.”
Tony considered Josh’s words. He was correct in his assessment. The greater the challenge, the more Tony enjoyed it. But his private life was different. Then again, he hadn’t had a personal life in more years than he wanted to remember.
“You’re right. But a mission isn’t a relationship. I guess we’ll see how it goes.”
“I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble winning her over. Not if that’s what you really want. Just don’t fuck with her heart, boss. I think there’s a lot more to the sexy doctor than we know.”
He nodded. There were so many layers to this woman she’d put an onion to shame. If he got his way, he’d peel each away, layer by layer, until he got to her heart—and Tony usually got his way.
Needing to change the subject, he asked, “Who’s watching Hope tonight if you’re all here?”
“Pavel. The old man turned out to be a real softy for the little girl. He even wears a shirt that says, “Proud Grandpa.”
“I’ve gotta see a photo of that. Pavel Miller is one of the biggest hard asses I ever met. I need proof.”
Josh chuckled. “I’m sure Grace or Lucky have a photo. I’ll have them send it to you.”
“I can’t wait.”
The Ready Room was noisy as usual, and there was no real privacy. Still, if this was the date she wanted, he’d adjust. He wouldn’t waste a moment of their time together.
He waited for a break in her conversation with Harmony and touched her arm to get her attention. “How was your girls’ day?”
“Oh, it was a blast.” She wiggled her bright red fingernails in front of him.
“Beautiful. Is it the same color as your car?”
“Hmm, maybe not exactly, but pretty damn close. You’ve got a good eye. But how do you know what I drive?”
“I figured it out when it saw it at the party. It’s the first time an Alfa Romeo Spider showed up, and it was the first time you did too. An easy deduction.”
“That would give it away, wouldn’t it? I liked all the ducks in your Commander.”
Tony grinned. “It’s technically not the right type of Jeep for ducking, but I get the occasional one, anyway.”
“I’m glad you keep them. They’re cute lined up in there. Commander Knox, I think you might be a secret softy.”
“Oh yeah? You think you’ve got me all figured out?”
“I wouldn’t say all, but maybe a pretty good handle on it.” Providence grinned and poked him in his side. “Yup, hard as nails, but if I dig deeper, what will I find?”
“Now, why would I make it easy for you? You’re going to have to figure that out for yourself.” Tony loved their banter. It was so easy, and she’d made him relax even after the rough meeting earlier. When he’d walked in earlier, he was strung tighter than a steel guitar. Relaxing was the last thing he’d expected from the evening.
“Hmm, okay. Quid pro quo, Tony. Just remember that. I’ll be clinging onto my secrets, too.”
“What? You have secrets? No way,” Tony teased. “You’re too cute for secrets.”
“Eh, don’t let this pretty face fool you.” Providence winked.
Before he could answer, Patience and another waitress he hadn’t met yet showed up with their meals.
“Challenge accepted. And just so you know…” Tony leaned closer so only she’d hear him, and so he could inhale her soft peach fragrance. “I love a challenge.” The thrill of winning escalated his heart rate, but her scent soothed him in ways he didn’t understand.
“Do your toes match?”
The surprise flitting across her expression made him wonder where her thoughts had gone.
“My toes?” After a moment, she smiled. “They sure do. You’ll have to wait to see them another time. If I slip off my shoes now, Whiskey will lick my toes and it kinda freaks me out.”
The dog accompanied Ry everywhere, and usually hung out under the table, waiting for food from everyone.
Tony agreed. He wondered if this woman could be any more perfect. Exuding sass while hiding her gentle center. She made him laugh and want to protect her at the same time.
“Yeah, I’m not a big fan of that either. I swear he knows it too, but does it to antagonize me every chance he gets.”
Her sexy giggle sent shivers of need through him. Tony hoped she didn’t look down, or she’d see exactly how much she affected him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a hard-on from chatting with a woman—maybe never—unless you count when he was in his teens. A strong wind gave him a stiffy back then.
“That’s too funny. He’s a smart dog.”
“Yes, he is. And he’s saved their lives a few times, too.”
“Really? I knew he was a working dog, but I guess I didn’t think about what that meant.”
“Most people don’t. He’ll probably retire in a few years. I’m sure Ry and Harmony will adopt him when that time comes. It happens a lot.”
“I’ve known and treated a lot of SEALs over the years, but this is the first time I’ve gotten to really know any. Or women, for that matter. Ship life is so different.”
Nodding, as her soft voice washed over him like velvet. The traces of her Mississippi accent grew stronger when she got emotional. Her guard was down, and that surprised him. At lunch last weekend, he couldn’t read her like he could now.
Tony would see how this played out. He didn’t have to push her hard. Neither of them was going anywhere, and at this point in his career, risks to his life were minimal. He rarely left base these days.
They continued to chat as they ate, occasionally being interrupted by the guys or one of the other women. Patience stopped by to take away their empty plates and refill their drinks. They’d been so engrossed in each other that Tony hadn’t noticed as the others left. Not until Josh interrupted them.
“Hey, we’re going to hit the road. Providence, we can drop you at Grace’s so you can pick up your car?”
“What?” it appeared she hadn’t noticed the others leaving either. “Did Grace leave already? And Lucky?”
“Yeah.” Josh grinned. “They left about an hour ago. Grace said she needed to put Hope down. Apparently, her dad has a habit of keeping her up and then she’s a cranky baby the next day. We told her we’d give you a lift if you needed one.”
“Oh okay. I should probably head out. Thanks for not leaving me stranded.” Providence gave him a half smile. It was obvious she wasn’t ready to leave yet.
He didn’t want her unhappy even for a minute if he could help it. “I could take you when you’re ready to go?” Tony suggested, hoping she’d take him up on his offer. He wasn’t ready for their evening to end, especially if they were finally going to be alone.
“Are you sure? It’s probably out of your way.” Providence hesitated and brought her thumbnail to her mouth and nibbled.
“You’re going to ruin your new manicure.”
“What? Oh, silly me. You know what? If you’re really sure it’s no bother?”
Tony nodded. “None at all.”
“Okay, then I’m going to let Tony take me. This way, you’ll get more alone time with your beautiful woman.”
Tempest chuckled. “Hell, I won’t turn it down. That’s for sure.”
“If you’re positive?” Josh asked.
Tony was ready to kick him in the balls for trying to cockblock his date. Not that he had any intention of taking it out of his pants, but it was the principle of the thing. “The lady answered you. Unless you want extra PT Monday?”
“No, sir. I’m good.”
Tempest grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. “Have a good night. I’ll call you tomorrow, Providence.”
“Sounds good. Thank you again for everything.” Providence waved as they left.
Tony wondered what that was about. They’d gone to a salon. What could Tempest have done to help her? Hmm, another layer revealed.
When she turned back to face him, he smiled. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For staying. I wasn’t ready to say goodnight yet.” If he had his way, he’d sit there until the Ready Room closed.
“Honestly, I wasn’t either. I—” She hesitated and grabbed her margarita.
“You what? Providence, you can tell me anything. I won’t ever lie to you. I know we talked about not having time for relationships. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was an excuse. One I don’t want to use with you.” His gaze never left hers as a myriad of emotions flashed across her face. He wanted to lay it all out there. Better to know now if she felt strongly about the friends only thing before he got in any deeper.
“Dang. You don’t pull any punches, do you, Commander?”
“I try not to. I’d rather have the truth between us, sweetheart.”
Providence still hadn’t really answered him, but she hadn’t run, either. He took that as a win.
“You’re serious?” Providence lifted her thumbnail to her mouth but stopped herself before nibbling on her nail. She was too damn cute.
Tony nodded and reached for her hand and interlaced their fingers. “I am. How do you feel about that?”
She didn’t pull her hand away, and his shoulders eased with relief.
“Dammit. Why do you have to be so perfect? I don’t know how to do this.” Providence groaned. “I shouldn’t have said that. For fuck’s sake. I blame the margaritas.”
“Really? You’ve only had one since I’ve been here. How many did you have before then? Maybe you shouldn’t be driving at all tonight.” He wouldn’t let her endanger herself.
“Umm, no, just one earlier. I’m fine.” She rolled her eyes. “You did that on purpose. Okay. Fine. Cards on the table. I like you. You’re sexy as all hell and seem to be a really nice man.”
Ouch. Nice? Tony groaned. Sexy was okay, but nice?
“I don’t know about that, but I won’t hurt you.”
Providence sighed. “I know, or at least I hope I do. But I really don’t do relationships. I have absolutely no experience. I’ll probably screw this all up. Then I’ll lose my job because we work together. And then?—”
“Hold on a moment. First, you won’t screw this up. We’re not in a rush. We’ll take this as slow or fast as you want. Second, why would you lose your job if we break up?”
“Wouldn’t I? You’ve been there longer and managed how many SEAL teams? I’m just a doctor, they can move me anywhere. Maybe Alaska, for all I know.”
“No. Not gonna happen. You’re not my subordinate. We don’t work together. We’re on a base with hundreds of others. Nothing would happen to you if this didn’t work out. I promise. But why focus on the negative? Would it be horrible to give us a chance?”
Providence huffed out a breath and leaned back in the chair. He gently squeezed her fingers as she met his gaze. It was as if she was trying to see inside his head, to read his thoughts.
“No, it wouldn’t be horrible,” Providence said grudgingly.
Tony couldn’t hide his grin. “So, what do you say? Can we kick the friend zone crap to the curb and try dating?” Even though he hadn’t moved, he was hanging on the edge of his seat. This was important. She was important.
“Okay. We can try.”
Tony let out the breath he’d been holding. Thank fuck . “ Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you don’t regret it.”
“You’d better. I know people too, you know. Maybe not big bad SEALs, but I have some friends.” She raised her eyebrows, then giggled.
Tony hadn’t been in a relationship since he’d broken it off with Eileen, his college sweetheart. But Providence brought him a breath of fresh air and happiness he hadn’t realized he’d been missing. For years, he’d been living a cold, lonely life. He’d make sure that she always realized just how special she was to him.
For the rest of the evening, they’d chatted and laughed as they exchanged stories about their years of service. He’d even shared funny stories about the guys. And Providence shared shipboard stories that had him howling with laughter.
He’d meant what he said when he told her he wouldn’t push her. There was no rush. He’d waited over twenty years to find this woman. He would wait another twenty if he had to.
Providence yawned. “Oh sorry. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I guess it’s catching up to me.”
“We should get you home. Do you want me to take you there or to your car? Either is fine with me.”
“My car. I’ll need it tomorrow to run errands before Monday.”
Tony paid their tab after a brief back and forth with Providence. If it was a date, he’d pay. He was old-fashioned like that.
All too soon, he was pulling up to Grace’s house. He walked Providence to her car and waited for her to get it started. When she rolled down the window, he leaned in to speak to her.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Providence. It was an incredible first date.”
“Thank you. It really was nice. Especially after everyone left.” She grinned.
“Yes, definitely after that. I’d like to kiss you, but if you want to wait, that’s fine.”
Instead of answering, she leaned toward him, her lips so close they almost touched. When her eyes slid closed, Tony cupped the side of her face and gently kissed her. It was short, but perfect. His senses flooded with her peachy scent, and his skin prickled with need.
Providence looked surprised when he pulled back. But this was him showing her he wouldn’t push her too hard, even if he’d wanted to slide his tongue into her mouth and taste her.
“G’night Tony.”
“Drive safely, sweetheart.”
He waited until her taillights disappeared around the corner before climbing into his car and driving home. Her soft fragrance surrounded him when he climbed back in, and he hoped it wouldn’t fade too soon. Now, more than ever, he knew she was it for him.