Page 76 of Finding Kenna
“Now?” Kenna asked in disbelief as she grabbed hold of his wrists.
“Unfortunately, yeah.”
“Well…shit. What can I do to help you?”
That so wasn’t the reaction Aleck had expected. “You aren’t upset?”
“Of course I’m upset,” Kenna said. “But being pissed, or sad, or hysterical isn’t going to help you or change the situation. I’m disappointed that I don’t get to jump your bones tonight, but you’re going to come home safe and sound, then we’ll have something to really celebrate.” Her voice wobbled a bit at the end, but she took a deep breath and got herself under control.
“Fuck, you’re amazing.”
“I’m not,” she countered. “I’m scared to death on your behalf, but this is what you do. What you love.”
The first thing that sprang to his mind was that he loved her, but he kept that to himself. Because that was crazy…wasn’t it?
“So…what do you need me to do to help you?” she repeated.
Taking another deep breath, Aleck forced himself to start getting into SEAL mode. “Can you put the dishes away while I pack?”
“Of course.”
“Just throw everything in the dishwasher. Once they wash, they’ll be fine in there until I get back. And please take the leftovers with you.”
“Okay, no problem.”
“I can run you back to your place before heading to the base,” Aleck said.
“No way. That’s completely out of your way. I can take a taxi or an Uber.”
Aleck frowned. “It’s late.”
“Not that late,” Kenna said.
“Would you consider staying here for the night and heading to your apartment in the morning?” Aleck asked tentatively. He dropped his hands to her waist and held her in a loose embrace.
She was quiet for a moment before asking, “You wouldn’t mind me being here without you?”
“No, of course not. In fact, come over whenever you want. Maybe on days you don’t have to work the next day. You’re on my list of approved visitors so it won’t be an issue. You can get in because I programmed your palm print into the reader. And,” he added as he thought of something, “if you want to invite Lexie and Elodie over and have a girls’ night, feel free. They’ll probably be down because Midas and Mustang are gone too.”
“Wow, um, okay. Maybe.”
He smiled at her.
“But I’m sure I’ll be fine going home tonight.”
“Stay,” he cajoled. “I might not be able to join you in my bed, but I love the thought of you being there.”
“Well, shit. How can I say no to that?” she teased.
“You can’t.”
“Okay. I’ll stay.”
“Good. I’ll get the bags with the stuff you picked up this morning at the swap meet from the car, and give them to Robert or whoever is on duty to store for you until tomorrow. I’ll also arrange for a taxi for you.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do.” They stared at each other for a moment before Aleck pulled her closer. “Come ’ere,” he said gently.
