Protecting Ellis (Loved by the SEAL #1)

Chapter 26

Hop wasn’t jealous of Trip. The man deserved to find the love of his life. Love wasn’t in the cards for Hop. He’d tried and it had turned sour before the honeymoon was even half over. His ex had been sleeping around, betraying him every day and he hadn’t even known. When he found out, it had crushed him.

He vowed to never get involved again. Sure, he picked up women at bars, but one time with a woman was enough. If a woman wanted a second date, he said no. He wasn’t a dick about it, but being upfront was his way. When he met a woman, he would tell her straight up he wasn’t into relationships. Some women didn’t believe him, but he never broke the vow he’d made to himself once the divorce was finalized.

He’d stayed out late after Trip’s wedding, making his way home close to four in the morning. His grandmother had passed away recently, leaving him her house that wasn’t too far away from where most of the SEALs lived in Riverton. His sister had received a house in Texas, which wasn’t too far from where she and her husband lived so it fit their needs.

Every day Hop lifted up a thanks to his grandmother for keeping both houses for them. Having a mortgage-free house made a huge difference in his life. He thought about getting a roommate since there was an extra bedroom, but on mornings like today, he liked having the place to himself.

Way too early his phone rang and he thought about letting it go to voicemail, but it was his sister. She’d saved his life after his not so lovely marriage, so he answered because he still owed her.

“What’s up, Frizz?” His sister’s name was Caroline, but she had brown curly hair that went super frizzy in the humidity. She no longer got upset at the nickname, which made him love her even more.

“I need a favor. It’s big, and if you say no, that’s okay, but I’d owe you big time.”

Hop sat up, wiping his hand over his face. Frizz sounded serious, much more serious than she usually sounded. “What do you need?”

“Do you remember Vera?”

“No.”

“She was my roommate in college.”

“I don’t think I met her.”

“Yeah, you were deployed then.”

“What do you need from me? I stayed out late partying and I’d like to go back to sleep.” He could almost hear Frizz rolling her eyes as she sighed.

“This is a huge favor. She needs a place to stay, somewhere her ex can’t find her. A place he would never think to look. She works from home, so she doesn’t need to get a job out there, she just needs to lie low until he moves on to someone else.”

Hop swung his feet over the side of his bed and blew out a breath. “Really? This is the favor you call in? I mean, it’s huge, but I do owe you my life. Just a sec.” He put the phone on mute as he used the bathroom then brushed his teeth. He clicked off the mute button and sighed again. “Can you send me more details? She knows I’m not an option for a relationship, right?”

“She’s sworn off men. Also, you aren’t her type. She won’t be a bother. She’s an excellent cook, and she likes to clean. It would be just a few months until he gives up and decides to pester someone else.”

“Jesus, Frizz. I guess it’s okay. Send me her information and I’ll call you later. But sure. As long as she isn’t some crazy stalker type herself.”

“She isn’t. She just made a bad choice when it came to guys. You know how that is.”

The reminder of his failed marriage hit him hard. “Ouch. You vouch for her?”

“Yes, dear brother. She was the good roommate who helped me get my spending and drinking under control.”

“Oh, that was Vera?”

“Yeah. Mom met her. She talked about her all the time.”

“Okay, if you trust her, I’ll trust you.”

“Thank you, Ben. You’re a lifesaver.”

He chuckled. “So are you.”

They were both quiet for a moment as the past washed over them. That night, he’d been so close to letting it all go, and Frizz had talked him into facing the future and choosing life. They’d been close growing up, having only their mom around had meant they had to pitch in more than their friends. After that night, they’d grown even closer. If Frizz trusted Vera, he would, too.

He ended the call and sighed, realizing he was up for the day. The house needed a deep clean, so he guessed that was next on his agenda. At least he had a place where Vera could stay, he just hoped he didn’t live to regret this act of kindness.