Finding Carly (SEAL Team Hawaii #5)(21)

Carly closed her eyes and leaned against his palm.

“But I also know that you need this.”

Carly wanted to disagree. Wanted to tell him that no, she needed to hang out at his apartment until the police, or Baker, found some concrete evidence against someone and an arrest was made. But even she knew that wasn’t realistic…or brave.

“If I get kidnapped from Duke’s, I’m gonna blame you,” she lamely joked.

Not one ounce of humor showed on Jag’s face. “I will too,” he agreed. “You ready?”

Carly shook her head, but said, “Yeah, I guess.”

Now his lips quirked upward. “You’re amazing,” he said without making a move to get out of the car.

“No, I’m really not,” she protested.

Jag leaned forward—and Carly held her breath. Was he going to kiss her? Oh, God, please let him be about to kiss her.

But instead of dropping his lips on hers, he kissed her forehead.

Carly let out the breath she’d been holding—and thought she felt Jag smiling slightly—but when he pulled back, his facial expression was blank. “After you talk to Alani, how about we go visit Food For All?”

It was Saturday, and Carly knew the food pantry would be busy. Lexie, Elodie, and Ashlyn worked their asses off trying to help feed as many people as they could.

“Maybe Alani will have some food we could bring,” she suggested lightly.

“Maybe,” Jag agreed. “Stay put, I’ll come around.”

Carly nodded and watched as he climbed out his side of the vehicle and walked around the front. They’d had a talk about this, and while Carly insisted she could open her own door, she had to admit she felt better about him getting out first and checking the area. Not to mention, he’d be with her if anyone dared try something in the parking garage.

He was at her door in seconds, holding out a hand to help her out. After he shut the door, he didn’t let go of her hand, and Carly didn’t even think about protesting. This was a new thing in the last day or so, the constant hand-holding when they were out of the house. And she loved holding Jag’s hand. It gave her more confidence. Maybe if someone was watching her, they’d realize it would be stupid to do anything with this muscular man at her side.

They headed down the stairwell to the street and turned toward Duke’s. They walked through the mall part of the hotel entrance, toward the back, where the restaurant was located.

As soon as they got close, Vera let out a high-pitched shriek and came out from behind the hostess stand, running toward them.

Carly heard Jag chuckle right before he dropped her hand. She braced, and Jag’s hand at Carly’s back kept her from falling backward as Vera tackle-hugged her.

“Oh my God! It’s so good to see you, woman!” Vera said, her voice muffled in Carly’s hair.

“Thanks,” she told her.

Everyone around them was now staring, but for once, Carly didn’t care. She closed her eyes and reveled in the pleasure coursing through her. Vera’s reaction was genuine and heartfelt, and Carly fought to keep her tears from falling.

Vera pulled back and smiled. “Please please please tell me you’re here to work and not to eat,” she said.

Carly shrugged. “I’m here to talk to Alani. I’m not sure if I can get my job back or not. I did quit.”

Vera waved her hand in the air breezily. “Oh, you’ll get it back,” she said confidently. “The most recent hires have been horrible. Always late, wanting to take longer breaks than they’re allotted.” The hostess linked her arm with Carly’s and escorted her toward the entrance. “It really is wonderful to see you,” Vera said.

Carly looked back and saw Jag following at a discreet distance. Having him at her back was a huge relief. For the first time in ages, she didn’t feel the need to be constantly on guard. Because Jag would make sure she was safe.

Alani must’ve heard Vera’s screech when she first saw Carly, because as they neared the entrance, the manager came around the corner and smiled at her. She didn’t make a scene like Vera did, but the look on her face was just as genuine. She hugged Carly tightly then put her hands on her shoulder and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I’m good,” Carly said.

“We’ve all been really worried about you,” Alani said. “What happened was horrible. And damn scary.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here,” Carly replied, guilt threatening to overwhelm her. “Shawn came looking for me.”

“Well, I’m not,” Alani said firmly. “There’s no telling what that asshole would’ve done if he’d gotten his hands on you.”

Carly swallowed hard. This was even more difficult than she’d anticipated. But Alani didn’t seem to notice her discomfort. “Come on. If I don’t let a certain bartending duo see you before we talk, I’ll never hear the end of it.” Her former manager towed her into the restaurant toward the bar area.

There was another loud screech, then Paulo was racing toward her. Carly couldn’t help but laugh. Paulo was always a little dramatic and it felt good to see that nothing had changed in the time she’d been gone.

The bartender grabbed her up and twirled her around in circles before letting her feet touch the floor once more. “Girl! You’re back!”