Finding Carly (SEAL Team Hawaii #5)(57)

The problem was him, not her, but he was smart enough to know women didn’t like it when men said that.

For tonight, he’d do his best to spoil his woman. She could stay in the bath as long as she wanted, and he’d make dinner. He’d even watch The Voice without complaining. He secretly enjoyed the show, but they both got a kick out of his bitching about it.

It was a weird thing to both dread and crave the moment when they’d move their relationship to the next level. That time was coming soon, Jag felt it in his bones. Their make-out sessions had gotten more and more intense, and it was only a matter of time before neither could hold back any longer.

“What’s that smile for?” Carly asked as they reached the door to Food For All.

Jag hadn’t realized he was grinning, but it didn’t surprise him. Anytime he thought about being with Carly, he was happy. Pushing the sliver of nervousness out of his mind, Jag said, “I was thinking about you.”

Carly smiled. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he confirmed. “Come on, let’s get this done so I can get you home.”

“Sounds good.”





Shawn’s accomplice was getting impatient. He’d planned on watching and waiting longer, to wait until the bitch had gotten truly complacent, but he had to take action soon. That asshole she was living with was going to be a problem. He knew it. He’d have to make his move when the boyfriend wasn’t around.

Except Carly was stupidly weak. She never went anywhere alone. Getting to her at Duke’s wasn’t a viable option. He’d scoped the place out and it was obvious everyone there was still on edge. Not to mention the increased security presence the managers had hired.

He’d had dreams of snatching her from the same place Shawn had tried to, as a way to honor his friend. Now, he knew that wasn’t going to work.

So he’d have to move to plan B. But first, Carly had to stop being a fucking wuss and taking a babysitter everywhere she went.

His time was coming. He just had to be patient for a little while longer.

Visions of how shocked and terrified Carly was going to be ran through his head. He couldn’t wait to see her crying, begging for her life. He’d make her understand exactly how pathetic she was, how she wasn’t worth the dirt on Shawn’s shoes.

The man smiled, the anticipation heady. She had no idea what was coming, and it excited him beyond measure.

“Just a little longer,” he said softly, giving himself a pep talk. “The safer she feels, the more she’ll let down her guard.”

He just had to avoid the fucking detective and the asshole who was sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong. They’d never figure out the connection between him and the boat he’d used. Just thinking about that night was enough to make his blood boil. He’d done his best to get to Shawn through the storm, but the fucking boat had nearly capsized. It had taken all his skill just to get back to the private dock that housed the boat.

“Patience,” he said out loud once more. “You’re smarter than all of them. Piece of cake.”

Adrenaline coursed through his veins at the thought of Carly realizing it had been him all along. He’d relish her reaction, but briefly. Then he’d kill her. Dump her in the ocean where no one would ever find the body. The sharks and fish would take care of that for him.

Satisfied that it wouldn’t be long now, the man smiled. He hadn’t been this excited in years. “Enjoy your life while you can,” he said out loud. “Because I’m coming for you.”





CHAPTER FIFTEEN





Carly was happy to realize she hadn’t thought about Shawn or Luke—or anyone else who might not like her—since she’d arrived at Kenna’s condo. She’d been here for two hours now…and had done nothing but laugh and enjoy spending time with all the other women.

Apparently, these sleepovers were now a thing and Aleck had gotten used to being kicked out of his own condo so the girls could hang out. When she said something about that to Kenna, she’d just laughed and said her husband was more than happy to leave because he’d much rather them gather there, where everyone knew they were safe, and none of them would have to drive or deal with anyone harassing them. She also said the guys liked getting together at Slate’s place for some “man time.”

They’d already eaten dinner—Aleck had picked it up from Helena’s, one of the best restaurants on the island for authentic Hawaiian food—and dessert, malasadas Elodie had brought from Leonard’s Bakery. And of course, there had been lots of margaritas poured over the last couple of hours.

Carly was feeling mellow and happy. It was great to spend time with her friends. She felt…normal. And after all she’d heard about Monica, she was glad to finally get to know the other woman.

She was quiet, as Kenna had said. But she was still fully present in what was going on around her. She wasn’t aloof and didn’t look bored…she just didn’t say much, which was all right, since the others seemed to have more than enough to talk about.

“So…” Kenna drawled with a knowing look on her face. “You got anything to tell us, Mo?”

Monica looked surprised. “Um, no?”

“Whatever!” Kenna scoffed. She and Carly were sitting on the couch, both with their legs crossed. Elodie was in a huge beanbag in the corner, Lexie was on the floor, a pillow under her ass, leaning against the sofa, and Ashlyn was currently in the kitchen, mixing up another batch of drinks. That left Monica in the recliner.