Page 7 of SEAL of Valor

Under a blanket of stars.

The face of a certain handsome cowboy swims into the front of my memory, bringing with it an onslaught of emotions better left buried in the recesses of my mind.

“You okay?”

Clearing my throat, I shift my gaze from the ornate fountain we’re sitting beside toward my date sitting across the table. Max Shep is the opposite of that cowboy in every single way.

His hair is light, his eyes bright, and there’s always a smile on his face. His hands are soft and uncalloused.

He’s handsome, kind, and seems to be completely enamored by me. Which should absolutely thrill me, I know. Unfortunately, as the anniversary of my life falling apart grows closer, the only thing I can focus on is what’s in the past.

No matter how many times I try to remind myself that I am not supposed to be looking back, that rearview mirror is still so enticing. Likely because there was never any closure.

“Yeah, sorry.” I close my eyes and take a sip of my water. “Actually.” Opening my eyes, I smile awkwardly at Max. “I got fired today.”

His expression falls, and he stares at me, shocked. “What? Are you serious? Why?”

I take a piece of warm bread out of the basket in front of me, even though my stomach is little more than a churning mess right now. I’m pretty sure if I eat anything, it’ll only come right back up.

“You remember that I told you I dated my boss, Phil?” He nods. “Well, he decided today that working with me is just too much for his ego to handle, so he fired me.”

Max reaches across the table and takes my hand. The touch is soft, warm, but it leaves me wanting for so much more. Lightning. That’s what I crave. Because I’ve already had it, a long, long time ago.

Stop obsessing, Reese.

“I am so sorry, Reese.”

“Yeah, well. Thanks.”

“Can you go after him for wrongful termination?”

“I can try, but he claims there are complaints against me and that, combined with the budget, is why he had to let me go.”

“So, he’s covering himself from a potential lawsuit.”

I nod. “I don’t have any legitimate complaints, but that doesn’t mean some weren’t filed on his behalf.” Tears blur my vision. “I’m sorry. You brought me to this beautiful place, and I’m just being a bummer.”

“Please don’t apologize.” He runs his thumb over the top of my hand. “Seriously, Reese, none of this is your fault.”

“Thanks.” I smile, then use my free hand to wipe a tear away.

“Do you want to call it a night? We can have them package up our food and go back to eat at your place. Or mine.”

My stomach twists. He’s been dropping hints like that for a week now. Subtle comments about taking our relationship to a level I have no interest in reaching anytime soon. With anyone.

Of course, I could still say no even if I did let him come over. But my home is my safe space. It’s a studio apartment, making it a far more intimate setting than the single-bedroom apartment I had when I first moved here. And letting anyone in the same room as my bed, even if it’s just to eat dinner at my little table, is too much.

“I appreciate that, but if it’s okay with you, I think I’ll just head home.” I push my chair back and grab my sweater from the back. Max gets to his feet and helps me put the sweater on.

“Are you sure? I can drive you.”

“Positive.” I lean forward and press a kiss to his cheek. “I really am sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Max rubs both hands up and down my arms. “Call me tomorrow?”

“I will. Goodnight.” I force one final smile, then take my purse and start toward the door. My heels click against the tile, and I focus on that sound rather than the pain trying to claw a hole through my chest.

You can do this, Reese.