“I’m not,” Noah said glaring at his friend as a sudden wave of defensiveness overtook him. “I mean, of course Gracie’s mine. I’d never want to deny that.”
Serena gave him an amused glance. “Nice to hear you say it.”
“Your daddy’s a big ninny, isn’t he?” Clint said, holding his finger out for Gracie to take it, then smiling and nodding at her like an idiot. Noah had to admit he was kind of surprised these big tough guys were fawning all over his kid. And sure, Clint and Levon each had a kid of their own, but still. It was weird to see these hardened men all soft and squishy over a baby. Clint looked at Serena. “Can I hold her?”
“Yes!” She passed the baby to Clint, who cradled her like a pro. Noah would have felt a little jealous about that if he hadn’t been so impressed. Maybe he’d need to talk to his buddies later for some pointers, once all this crap was over. And speaking of crap, Gracie let loose a squelching noise that indicated a diaper change was in order. The group laughed as Serena took her back from Clint, Gracie’s little red face looking far too satisfied with herself. “Right. Excuse me while I go get her cleaned up. And I might take you up on that drug store run offer later, if it’s still good.”
“Absolutely,” Levon said. “Whatever you need. Bathroom’s just down the hall.”
“Thanks.” Serena hurried away to grab the diaper bag from the waiting area, then head to the restrooms while Noah stayed behind with the guys and watched her go.
“You’re a lucky man, Noah,” Levon said. “She’s beautiful.”
“Which one?”
“Both of them,” Levon said. “Of course, not as beautiful as my Olive and Allie, but close.”
Noah glanced down at the picture on his friend’s desk of his wife and daughter. When Noah had first met the man, Levon had been like him. Alone, adrift, living only for the job. Then a new mission had come along, reuniting him with Olive whom he’d known in high school—and who he’d had a steamy night with at their reunion earlier that year—and one thing led to another and now Levon’s whole life had changed, for the better.
Warmth that had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with his feelings for Serena and Gracie spread outward from his core to his extremities. Maybe, if he was blessed enough, they might be able to work things out and try life together in the future. But first, he had to make sure that whoever was behind this bounty was gone for good.
He shook off the tender emotions sprouting within and focused on the computer screen again. “Okay. So, what’s our next step?”
Clint frowned. “Well, considering you’re getting pretty rank, bro, I’d say a shower.”
“Funny. Not.” Noah gave him a flat stare. “I’m serious. We’re here and that’s good. It makes me feel better knowing we’re with you guys and on US soil, but there’s still danger out there. I can’t rest until I know one hundred percent Serena and Gracie are out of danger.”
Levon stood and clapped him on the shoulder. “Understood, dude. But you need to rest. When’s the last time you slept?”
“Last night.” At his friends’ dubious looks, Noah sighed. “Fine. The night before. Or maybe the one before that. I don’t know.” He scrubbed a hand over his weary face. His head felt fuzzy and his muscles ached. Maybe the guys were right. His SEAL training had taught him that staying sharp in the field was crucial. Exhaustion made you weak and sloppy, which he feared he already was. His thoughts felt like quicksand. “All right. Yes. I do need to rest. I’m sure Serena does, too. But I don’t want to go back to my place. They tracked us to that hotel last night and I still don’t know how—so I don’t know how to stop it from happening again.” He rubbed his stubbled jaw, then pulled out his phone. “Let me see if I can get a reservation at a hotel nearby and—”
“No.” Levon placed his hand over Noah’s phone screen. “Don’t be stupid. There’s plenty of room at our place. Olive and I have the extra guest room. Gracie can use Allie’s Pack ’n Play tonight.”
Noah winced. “I don’t know. Things are complicated with Serena and I right now and I don’t want to be a burden and—”
“Seriously. Stop.” Levon gave him a look. “It was my idea to have you stay. In fact, I already cleared it with Olive before you got here, so stop arguing. And if you say the word ‘burden’ again I’ll kick your ass, tired or not. Friends take care of each other. Okay?”
He wanted to argue, but dammit, he was just too tired. After a long second, he gave in with a nod. “Okay. Thanks, man.”
“No trouble at all, dude.” Levon slapped him on the back. “And don’t worry about the intel. We’ve got this, don’t worry.”
“Yep,” Clint said. “And maybe a fresh pair of eyes on this is exactly what you need.”
16
“Th
anks so much for letting us stay here tonight,” Serena said to Olive once they’d gotten Gracie settled in the portable crib in the guest room. “Your home is lovely.”
“Aw, thanks,” Olive said, looking down at a snoozing Gracie. “She’s so precious.”
“She’s a little trooper,” Serena agreed. “After everything we’ve been through, she just keeps going.”
“Sounds like her momma,” Olive said, rubbing Serena’s arm. “C’mon out to the living room. I’ll make us some tea and we can check on the guys. See what they’re up to.”
“Sounds good.” Serena bent to give her daughter one last kiss on the forehead, then followed Olive out of the room and down the hall. The craftsman-style bungalow was adorable, with hardwood floors and whitewashed trim. Neat as a pin and completely baby-proofed, the ideal place for them to land tonight. She walked out into the living room to find Levon and Noah deep in discussion about the mission, so she took a seat next to Noah on the sofa and cuddled up into his side. It felt nice, normal. Like this was how it should always be, which caused a niggle of worry inside her.
They’d never really talked about what would happen with their relationship after this was all done. Sure, Noah had said he’d do his part and take care of Gracie, but was that all he saw in their future—just co-parenting? What about them? Was there even a “them” at all? At night, when they were in bed together, Noah holding her from behind, his soft warm breath tickling the back of her neck, it sure felt like there was something more between them, something strong and enduring. At least that was how it seemed for her. But Noah never talked about his feelings, so she had no idea where she stood with him. Sooner or later they’d need to talk about it. But maybe not tonight. Things were so nice and peaceful here; she didn’t want to ruin it by bringing all that up.