Back in the day, he was almost as happy and carefree as Colt. But somewhere between his time with the Army and the missions he’d done with Tac-Ops, Garrett had changed.
Killing, nearly being killed… Eventually, that shit took a toll on you.
Not that he regretted the choices he’d made. Not even a little bit. The fact was evil existed, and it needed to be stopped. And if no one signed up for the job, who knew how many innocent lives would be lost.
So no, he felt no remorse for the sacrifices he’d made up to this point. But he’d also come to realize he didn’t have to keep making them. Not all of them, anyway.
The woman lying in his bed was proof of that.
So, why are you still in here when she’s out there?
Tossing the used washrag onto the floor with his other dirty towel, Garrett opened the door and walked back into the room. He started to say something to Avery but stopped himself short when he saw her.
On her side with her arms tucked beneath her chin, the gorgeous woman’s eyes were closed, and her sheet-covered chest was rising and falling at a slow, even pace.
Warmth spread across his chest, and a smile formed on his face as he stepped around the foot of the bed to the other side.
Careful not to wake her, Garrett slid under the covers behind her before reaching an arm around her waist and tucking her sleeping form against him. When he kissed the top of her tousled hair, she mumbled something he couldn’t understand, which made him smile even more.
“Sleep tight, sweetheart.” He pressed his lips to her temple before settling down onto his own pillow.
For the next several minutes, Garrett remained awake. Lying in the silence as the room swayed back and forth with ocean’s growing waves.
He felt more content than he had in…he couldn’t remember how long. But still, his mind wouldn’t let him rest.
Thoughts of a future he wanted so badly he couldtasteit invaded his mind, and all he could think was…
I can’t lose her.
Part of him believed Avery would understand when he explained about his job and why he hadn’t been completely honest about everything. After all, being a financial software designer, she had to have a sensible, logical thought process. Didn’t she?
Another part of him—a part he hadn’t even realized existed until now—was terrified she’d see his deception as a betrayal and decide she never wanted to see him again.
After the way her sister’s ex had lied to her, Garrett couldn’t help but worry Avery would lump him in the same category the second he told her the truth.
You have to tell her.
Garrett released a quiet sigh. He would tell her. Soon. But for now, he was going to relish in the fact that she was here, in his bed.
Everything else could wait.
Chapter 10
Two days later…
“What the helldo you mean, you’re not going?”
Avery woke to the sound of Garrett’s hushed voice coming from the door.
Stretching her legs, she tested her muscles, smiling at their delicious soreness. Memories from the last two nights flashed through her sleepy mind, and Avery closed her eyes as she replayed every amazing, tantalizing frame.
Garrett wasn’t just a sweet, caring man who put her needs before his own. He was a sexual god. One who, in two short days, knew more about her body than she did.
“Dude, these waves are kicking my ass.” Colt’s low voice joined Garrett’s. “I haven’t felt this sick since that time in the eighth grade when everybody in my class got the flu.”
Her intention wasn’t to eavesdrop, but the room was small, and she wasrightthere. It wasn’t like she could really help it. But rather than make the situation awkward for all involved, she remained where she was, deciding she needed a few more minutes before becoming vertical.
“You don’t have the flu,” Garrett responded. “You’re seasick.”