Chapter 6
Kam wondered if most of Commander Mike Gallagher’s dates involved beautiful women dressed up for fine dining? Of course, why else would a woman douse herself in perfume?
You are simply…you, and only you. What the fuck did that mean? So far, this was the weirdest date she’d ever been on.
But this was not a date. It was a business meeting, or so he’d said.
Kam had occasionally joined the other instructors in getting something to eat after an intense class and they’d often talked about the classes they taught.
That could be considered business. When she’d joined the men from the martial arts academy, they all stank and most often tried to find a restaurant with outdoor seating so as not to gag the customers nearby.
She was also well aware of Commander Mike Gallagher’s light perspiration, but it was his masculine scent that had drawn her attention while she’d been up close and personal with him during the class. She’d never taken notice of the other men she’d used to demonstrate moves, but Mike was different.
So was this meal. Kam couldn’t remember the last time she’d been out to supper with a man, first-date style.
No. This is not a date.
“While we’re waiting, you said you wanted to talk to me about something.” She picked up her water and slugged down half of it. She really needed to hydrate before she drank wine. “I’m waiting with bated breath,” She teased.
He sat silently and stared at her from across the red-checkered tablecloth.
He nodded once. “You know that I’m a SEAL.
We’re constantly training and that includes hand-to-hand combat fighting.
The methods we’re currently using are tried and true but a bit old-school.
” He took a sip of his water and covertly swept his gaze to the tables around them.
Leaning forward, he spoke softly. “We deploy SEALs all around the world. They come in contact with multiple fighting styles. Our new captain believes that our men should be able to counter any moves that are put on them.”
“A lot of law enforcement are starting to learn Brazilian jujitsu.” She finished her water. “You saw how I was able to control your body even though you’re taller and outweigh me.”
“Yes. And that’s why I like this style of fighting.” He gave her a self-deprecating grin. “Although people would like to think that all Navy SEALs are over six foot tall, we actually have lots who are considerably under that height.”
Okay. What was it that he really wanted?
Antonio showed up at that moment and dramatically presented the unopened bottle to Mike who took all of three seconds to examine the label.
“I trust your chef.” He gave the server a small smile.
Antonio popped the cork and poured a tiny amount into Mike’s glass. He picked it up and expertly rolled it around the bowl.
His eyes met hers. “Have you ever been up to Napa and done a winetasting tour?”
“No, not yet.” She admitted. “I’ve only been in California for about eight weeks, and I’ve been a little too busy getting established in my new job.”
He nodded. “That’s understandable but if you ever get the chance, go.
It’s so much fun and informative.” He handed the glass to her.
“Slowly roll the liquid around the glass. See how it makes streaks? That’s an indication of the alcohol content.
” His gaze met Antonio’s. “I’m sure you’re not interested in a lesson on winetasting.
Antonio, this is a beautiful bottle of wine. Please, go ahead and pour for us.”
Kam felt a little embarrassed because part of her really wanted a lesson in winetasting.
She was certain, though, that Antonio had several other tables to see to.
Visiting California wine country bubbled up a few notches on her to-do list. When she’d accepted the job in California, she promised herself to do more things that she enjoyed.
Finding a recreational softball league still remained in first place. She missed playing ball.
“Chef is preparing something special for you, Ms. Hood. I’ll be right back.”
As soon as Antonio left, Mike took a sip of his wine. “This is excellent.” He looked to see her reaction.
As though put on center stage, Kam took a small sip rather than gulping it down like the inexpensive wine she picked up at the grocery store.
She closed her eyes without even thinking, savoring the sweet taste as it rolled over her tongue.
She liked how it changed slightly before she swallowed.
When she opened her eyes, Mike was staring at her.
“This isn’t just good, it’s damn good.” Kam picked up the bottle to examine the label.
Then, she took out her cell phone and took a picture of both labels.
“And now I’ll be able to find it in the liquor store.
I grew up on Chianti, but this is so much more…
” She couldn’t think of the right words to describe wonderful wine.
“Full-bodied?” Mike suggested. “Although they come from similar regions in Italy, compared to Amarone I feel like Chianti is too fruity. Too light.”
Kam pointed at him. “Exactly. It’s like the difference between light beer and a Porter. Robust. That’s what I’d call it.”
Mike laughed at her comparison. “I have to agree. I personally hate light beer. For the past several years, I don’t drink anything but dark beer. There are several from area microbreweries that I really enjoy. Anything else doesn’t seem to have much flavor to me.”
Kam’s eyes went wide. “Are you just saying that? Who told you that I preferred craft beer and dark over light?”
“Kam, seriously, who could have told me those things? This is only the second time I’ve ever seen you and as far as I know, we don’t have any friends in common.” Then he smiled. “But now I know that we have dark beer and good wine in common.”
There he went, again. Flirting. Right? Is he flirting? Or was he just talking to her as an equal wine and beer lover? She was totally overthinking everything tonight.
She took a second sip of wine and set the glass on the table. She needed to get this conversation back on business. “We were talking about Brazilian jujitsu and Navy SEALs.”
“The team commanders are visiting several different martial arts classes this week. In my report on Monday to the commander's board, I’d like to suggest that we incorporate Brazilian jujitsu moves into our hand-to-hand combat training.” The intensity in his eyes, his square posture, told her how serious he was about this idea.
She wasn’t at all sure what that had to do with her.
“Okay, that’s nice.” Then she offered, “Let me give you the name of the owner of the gym. He could arrange some special classes for you.”
“Thank you, but that’s not what we’re looking for.
” He held her gaze as she waited. “I’m going to suggest that we contract directly with you to teach classes to our hand-to-hand combat trainers on base.
Although they have a good facility where you currently teach, we train Navy SEALs. We have the best.”
Holy, shit . Kam needed to wrap her head around this…offer. She had so many questions. “Really?” was the only word that came out of her mouth.
“Yes,” he said with a smile. “You would be compensated for your time, which with the United States government really means you’ll have a ton of paperwork to fill out. You’ll also have to sign a nondisclosure agreement. You cannot talk, or write, about anything you hear, see, and do while on base.”
“I completely understand.” She wasn’t sure, but she might have a higher security clearance than he did. “I get top-secret Homeland Security briefings almost every day.”
Mike threw his hands up in the air as relief washed over his face.
“I totally forgot who, and what, you are. You already have some kind of security clearance. This is going to be so much easier than I thought. And the fact that Captain Hubbard already knows you.” Smiling ear to ear, he leaned forward. “Please, say yes.”
Before she could answer, his eyebrows drew together. “I suppose you’ll have to ask permission from your chief.” It was as much a question as it was a statement. “In the military, accepting a job other than those assigned requires a shit ton of paperwork.”
Kam snickered at how he was so concerned about all the paperwork. Her life was paperwork. “Don’t worry. I’ll just add the U.S. Navy to the list I already have filed. Homeland Security is my job, not my life.” As she said the words, she knew it was a lie, especially these days.
Since she’d arrived in California, she’d been going full steam ahead with her new job. Now, with the big bust, she was swamped with paperwork when all she wanted to do was hunt down Big Daddy and cut off his balls.
“You said that you needed to speak with Captain Hubbard about it first. Timewise, when you thinking?” If it were during the day, she would have to completely rearrange her schedule.
“Changing up training is something Captain Hubbard is really hot to do.” He shrugged. “Probably we’d want you to start in the next few weeks.”
She nodded. “I can work with that. We’re still interviewing the rescued girls but should be finished within the next week.”
“That reminds me, ballsy move threatening Big Daddy on public television.”
Kam was pretty damn proud of herself for that one. Homeland Security’s public affairs officer was having conniption fits. Her chief had threatened to put a security detail on her. “Yeah, well, not everybody is happy about it.”
“They’ll be the first ones to stand in front of the camera when you bring him to justice.”
Luckily, she didn’t have to answer because Antonio showed up with a large dish of antipasto and two small plates.
“Uhm, I’m sorry, Antonio, but we didn’t order this.” She hoped her grin softened her words. She quickly glanced around and suggested, “Perhaps this belongs to another table.”
“Oh, no, Ms. Hood. Chef made this special for you and your gentlemen.” He winked at her showing off his long Italian eyelashes. The young man was just too pretty with that olive skin, dark curly hair, and mannerisms that screamed Mediterranean.
She was speechless. She’d grown up in a loud, boisterous, Italian family back home, but people didn’t do kind things like this.
“Please tell the chef that we are honored.” Mike pointed to the platter. “This looks absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to taste it.” He picked up the two large spoons and scooped portions of the meats, cheeses, and assorted vegetables onto the small dishes.
Kam had never been so thankful that a man spoke for her. Normally she hated when men took over a conversation as though she weren’t capable. In this instance, she still hadn’t found her voice.
Mike grinned up at Antonio. “You can honestly tell your chef that he left Ms. Hood speechless.”