Ranger's Baby Surprise (Special Forces Elite 2)

I pulled two plates from the cabinet and served bacon, eggs, and toast. I wished I had some fruit. Oh well.

“I don’t know if I can believe that.” Every time I thought about Elliot leaving it started the roller coaster of grief again. If only he had stayed.

I sat across from Jake.

“I don’t know if this will make you feel any better, but your brother died doing something he loved.”

My eyes shot to his. “It doesn’t.” I instantly regretted snapping at him.

I didn’t think I could explain how I teetered in me grief. One minute I was sad. The next furious, and then nostalgic with memories of Elliot. It had been a month since I received the news my brother had died in Kiawai.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t mention it.” Jake finished his bacon and eggs and pushed back from the table. “I’m going to head to the store. I’ll be back in an hour or so. Need anything?”

He paused in front of the kitchen door.

“No.”

“All right.”

He walked out. I heard his footsteps fade and then the front door close behind him.

9

Jake

I drove down one dirt road and then another before the tires hit pavement. She was pissed. Bitter. Frustrated with her brother. Angry at the world for taking him. I could see it. I could feel it. And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.

Her emotions were so vulnerable and raw. The same emotions I pushed down every day.

I hit the steering wheel with my fist. I was angry too. I watched my best friend die. I couldn’t get there in time. I should have been able to save him. I was a fucking Ranger. What was the point if I couldn’t save Elliot from that explosion?

I pulled up to the hardware store and grabbed the list I had scribbled. I wasn’t going to let Olivia pay for any of it. I was going to make sure the house was perfect. Every nail. Every crack. Every seam would be perfect for her. Because when I had to leave again, I had to know she would be safe.

I looked up from the bathtub. Olivia was holding a glass of ice water with a slice of lemon in my direction.

“Thought you might need a break.” She placed the glass on the counter.

“Thanks.” I wiped the back of my hand across my forehead. “I should have the leak fixed for you once this caulking dries.” I stepped out of the tub.

“So my shower was the culprit?”

I nodded, chugging the water. “Yep. The water was seeping between the tiles. But I’ve re-grouted the entire wall and this will seal it.”

She twisted her lips against her teeth. Holy hell. She had no idea how that made mt cock jerk to life. I would have taken a step back, but the bathroom was small and there wasn’t anywhere to turn.

“That’s a relief.” She smiled.

I was glad that when I returned from the hardware store she seemed less angry. I had found her wrapping up the meeting with the realtor. I wanted to ask what the verdict was on the listing, but I knew it wasn’t any of my damn business.

The realtor had left Olivia with a folder and a stack of business cards. I couldn’t imagine this place ending up in someone else’s hands. I would do whatever I could to help her keep it. I just didn’t know how I would convince her yet that she had to fight to hold on to it.

“Hey, I’m going to the grocery store. I might be gone awhile. Any requests?”

“Surprise me.” I winked. I knew I was flirting, but I couldn’t fucking help it. I her. I wanted to touch her. I wanted her in my bed.

“Oh, al