Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen

T he song was coming, but not as quickly as Delaney wanted. That was mostly because her thoughts kept returning to Corbin and the conversation she’d had earlier with Wallace. The wolf analogy really hit home. No doubt she’d been feeding the wrong wolf because it had been howling the loudest. Could she stop feeding it? Silence her fears once and for all? Oh, how she wanted to.

It was interesting how closely her and Corbin’s first meeting paralleled Wallace and Lou Ella’s. They’d had an instant attraction and it morphed into something wonderful and lasting. Could that happen to her and Corbin? At this point, the best she could hope for was to open up a small space in her heart for the beginnings of a relationship. Take things one step at a time. Her next thought sent her into a tailspin. Was Corbin even interested in a lasting relationship or was she merely a form of amusement, a way to pass the time? Never again would she take anything at face value. She had to find out what Corbin’s true intentions were before she could even entertain the idea of a relationship.

She pushed aside the intrusive thoughts, turning her attention back to the song as she strummed her guitar.

They say I’m damaged goods, and I admit it absolutely, but baby you give me more hope than a person ever should.

I’ve got to learn to silence these fears and dry my tears.

Will you be there to hug me in the night?

Will you still love me in the morning light?

I’ll absolutely love you … for the rest of my life … until the stars fall from the sky.

She heard movement, realized Corbin was leaning against the doorframe. Her heart turned a cartwheel. He looked amazing in jeans and a snug sweater that stretched across his pecs. His messy hair was begging for her to run her fingers through it. She took in his lean jaw and arresting eyes, which were sparkling with amusement, making them look more amber. Wait a minute! The more she studied him, the more she got the feeling there was something off about Corbin. The rims of his eyes were a bit red like he might’ve been crying. Then again, he didn’t act like he’d been crying. He was probably just tired. They’d been under a mountain of stress. It was bound to take its toll eventually.

“Are you doing okay?”

He looked surprised. “Yeah, why?”

She tipped her head. “I dunno. You just look a little sad.”

He pursed his lips, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’m good.” With that, the last traces of despondency vanished, making her wonder if she’d only imagined it. “I like the song.” His grin gave way to a full smile as he repeated the lyrics. “I’ll absolutely love you … until the stars fall from the sky.”

Heat tinged her cheeks. She hated that she always blushed when she was embarrassed. Once the song was recorded, it would be on display for the world. Why was she feeling sheepish about Corbin hearing it now? The answer came to her in an instant. Because he knew she was talking about him, that’s why. In her music she was most transparent, her innermost feelings coming to the surface.

She caught the pleased look on his face. Were his feelings for her real? “You forgot a segment.”

He sat down at the foot of the bed. “Oh?”

“I’ll absolutely love you … for the rest of my life … until the stars fall from the sky.”

The hope in his eyes sparked something inside her. This had to be real! No one was that good at pretending. Even when she was with Tuck, a part of her knew he was only pretending to be appalled by his brother’s behavior. Tuck had a reputation for being rough. She’d turned a blind eye to the rumors because she wanted so desperately for him to be her knight in shining armor. And, back then, Tuck and Hugh’s behavior was more a part of everyday life. It wasn’t until she got away from it that she realized how truly warped they were and how mixed up her own mother had been.

“I like it.” Corbin gave her a searching look. “I’d like to hear the rest.”

“Do you think Wallace will mind me using Absolutely ? It has such a catchy ring to it.”

“I’m sure Pops will be honored.” He looked down at her notebook of lyrics and chords. “Is the song finished yet?”

“It’s getting close. I haven’t written the last verse and there are still a few tweaks to work out, but I’m pleased with the progress.”

“Sounds like you and Pops had a nice breakfast.”

She sensed his interest, even though he was trying hard to act nonchalant.

“Yes, we did.” She chuckled lightly. “He has some great stories.”

“That he does.” Corbin leaned forward and reached for her pencil, absently twirling it in his fingers. “What did the two of you talk about?”

It was Delaney’s turn to be amused. “He didn’t tell you?”

His lips drew together. “Nope.”

“Well, one of the things he mentioned is that you play the guitar and sing.”

His eyes widened. “He told you that?”

She couldn’t stop a smile from stretching over her lips. “Yep. Said you’re not half bad.”

He grunted. “Half bad, huh?”

She laughed. “Nah, just teasing. He said you were good.” Her eyes held his. “But I’d have to hear it to believe it.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep.” Maybe she was playing with fire, but she wanted to get to know Corbin and was tired of putting up so many barriers. She didn’t want to spend her life alone. She was tired of feeding the wrong wolf. There was that darn analogy again, but it had hit home. “Care to join me?” Her heart picked up a beat as she waited for his reaction.

A brilliant smile broke across his lips, causing her to lose her train of thought for a second. “I thought you’d never ask.” He got up and sat beside her.

Her heart hammered against her ribcage and she wondered if he could hear it. Sheesh! With him this close, it was hard to concentrate. His scent was clean and masculine with a hint of mint.

He reached for the paper. “Okay, what you got?”

She sat up straight, her back resting against the headboard as she started from the beginning. After the first round of the chorus, he joined in. His baritone voice was full and rich. They harmonized automatically, him taking over the melody while she played around with the harmonies. Like Wallace said, Corbin was good. The entire time they sang, all she could think about was that these lyrics offered a clear window into her heart, letting him know that she was having some strong feelings for him. Maybe it was good that they were singing. She could express herself better through music than dialogue. When the song ended, she put down the guitar and turned to face him. “What do you think?”

His eyes were riveted to hers and in them she saw desire swirled with a tenderness that sang to her heart. In this moment, her fears were soothed in a manner she’d not thought possible. “I love it,” Corbin uttered. Her breath caught when he touched her cheek. His finger trailed along her lips, lightly tracing their outline. A tender ache grew in her throat as she leaned closer. This time, it was her lips that touched his first, moving softly and cautiously until he deepened the kiss, pulling her into his arms.

The need for him was intoxicating, sending scrumptious quivers tingling down her spine as she buried her hands in his messy hair that her fingers had been longing to touch. His lips were hard, demanding, but she met him measure for measure, reveling in the way her spirit soared to the sky. Kissing Corbin was more thrilling than a thousand concerts all rolled into one.

Finally, he pulled back. His magnetic eyes burning with intensity as he searched her face. “Please tell me that wasn’t pretend.”

She laughed lightly, resting her palms on his chest, taking note of his rock-hard muscles. “No.”

He touched her wig. “Can I take this off? So I can feel your real hair?”

Delicious shivers danced through her. “Absolutely.”

They both laughed as he attempted to remove the wig, but the combs were embedded deep in her hair. She let out a tiny yelp at the pain of her hair being pulled.

“Sorry. I better let you do it.”

She took off the wig and hair net, then ran her fingers through her hair, which she was sure was an absolute mess.

“Let me do that.” His hands went up the back of her neck, into her hair. “Much better,” he murmured, his lips taking hers once more.

When the kiss was over, he rested his forehead against hers. His hands went to her arms as he rubbed them up and down. “You’re incredible.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

He pulled back, searching her face. She could tell he wanted to say something. “What?” she asked.

Concern trickled into his eyes. She swallowed, her fears returning with a vengeance. “What is it?”

“I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to freak out.”

“Okay.” Geez. He’d not even told her the bad news yet, and she was already freaking out.

“I’m falling hard for you.”

It took a second for her mind to process what he’d said. A warm glow settled over her.

He tightened his hold. “Don’t retreat. Please.”

She was giddier than a bubbly teenager, unable to hold back the laugh in her throat. “That was your bad news?”

He looked puzzled. “I never said the news was bad. Just that I wanted to tell you something and didn’t want you to freak out.”

She cupped his face. “Why? Because I’ve been feeding the wrong wolf for so long?”

His eyes rounded as he laughed. “You have been talking to Pops.”

“A little. You know, he’s a smart guy, you should pay more attention to his advice.”

“Ha. I’ll have to remember that.”

Was it her imagination or did a cloud move over his features? It was gone in the next instant as he searched her face. “So, does this mean you’re good with what’s happening between us?”

“That depends.”

He tensed. “On what?”

“On what this is.” She eyed him. “Is this a real thing, or am I a distraction … something to keep you occupied while we’re stuck in this cabin?”

An incredulous laugh left his throat. “Is that what you think?”

She thought for a minute. “No. I think your feelings for me are real. I just wanna hear it from you. I made a grave mistake before, and I’m not about to make that same mistake again.”

He frowned. “I’m not Tuck.”

“I know.”

His voice gathered intensity. “What I feel for you is real, more real than anything I’ve felt before.”

The truth of his words settled around her like a protective cocoon as she snuggled into the curve of his shoulder. He linked his fingers through hers, squeezing her hand. “I’m starting to care about you too,” she admitted. There was one other question she wanted to ask. “So, have there been other girls that you’ve guarded? Ones you’ve spent lots of time with?” She held her breath, waiting for an answer, realizing that she was starting to care a great deal about him … maybe even love him a little.

“No.”

Relief splattered over her as she turned to face him. “Really?”

A trace of amusement lit his eyes. “Really. You’re the first person I’ve ever protected.”

She frowned. “But I thought you had a long history of working in security.”

“I do, but mostly for bars and institutions, not for individuals. Sutton offered me the job the night of the party.” He paused. “Does that make you nervous? That I’m new at this one-on-one stuff?”

A feeling of bliss danced over her. “On the contrary, I think it’s great that I’m your first assignment.”

He turned to face her, the fervency in his eyes making her wonder if he could see into her soul. “The word assignment doesn’t even begin to describe what you are to me.” His lips turned up in a slight smile.

“What?”

“At the risk of sending you running for the hills, let me just say that from the first moment our eyes connected across that crowded room, I knew we’d end up together.” He studied her. “Does it scare you that I’m so certain?”

“A little,” she admitted, but his words were thrilling at the same time. “Maybe it runs in the family, like Wallace and Lou Ella at the fair.”

He laughed. “Wow, Pops rolled out an entire volume of the Spencer family history in one sitting. That must’ve been a long breakfast.”

“Long enough to get the goods on you,” she teased.

“Oh, no. Now I’m worried.”

She rested her head against him, savoring how safe she felt in his arms.

“So,” he began, “are you feeling a little cooped up in the cabin?”

“I was earlier, but I’m not now that you’re here.”

“You do say the most marvelous things,” he said tightening his hold on her and kissing the top of her head. “What if I told you I have a surprise for you?”

Anticipation thrummed through her veins as she turned to look at him. “I love surprises. What is it?” she asked eagerly.

“Would you like to go skiing? At Bear Claw Resort?”

“Today?”

“Yeah, this afternoon. Addie can get us all fixed up with the gear.”

The idea of learning how to ski was glorious. She wrinkled her nose. “But what if someone recognizes me?”

“That would be highly unlikely with your trusty wig, goggles, and a snow suit.” His eyes sparked in a challenge. “You game?”

It only took her half a second to reach a decision. “Absolutely.”

A crooked smile tugged at his lips making him look adorable. “You like that word, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

He groaned. “Pops started something.” He removed his arm from her shoulders, sitting up. “All right. Put your wig back on, and let’s get out of here.” His voice quivered with excitement. “I can’t wait to show you Birchwood Springs. There’s no place more beautiful after a fresh snow. Afterwards, I thought you could make us some sausage gravy and biscuits.”

“That sounds divine.”

“Then,” his voice went husky as he trailed a finger down the length of her hair, “I can make a fire and we can talk …” his eyes lingered on her lips “… or practice.”

A slow-burn tingled through her stomach. “Practice is great,” she said softly, leaning in for another kiss.