Finding Kenna (SEAL Team Hawaii #3)(22)

Marshall: I’ve got on my BDUs. Nothing special.



Kenna rolled her eyes. Guys had no clue how much women liked a man in uniform. There was no explaining why, at least for her. It just was. And she couldn’t freaking wait to see Marshall in his. He was hot in jeans and a black T-shirt. But camouflage? Be still her heart.



Marshall: Cat got your tongue?

Kenna: Just trying not to drool on my phone, thinking about you in a uniform. Any chance I’ll get to see you in your dress whites someday?

Marshall: I’m sure that can be arranged. ;)



Shit, had he just used the winky emoji? Kenna couldn’t stop smiling.



Kenna: You sure you still have time to show me around today?

Marshall: Absolutely. Nothing short of world war 3 would keep me from our date today.

Kenna: So it’s a date?

Marshall: Yes.



One word. Kenna could practically hear his emphatic response.



Kenna: Cool. So I’ll meet you in the parking lot for the Pearl Harbor memorial in an hour?

Marshall: I can still come and pick you up if you want.

Kenna: I know, and I appreciate it. But…as much as we’ve talked in the last week and as much as I like you, I’m not comfortable with you knowing where I live yet. Sorry.

Marshall: Don’t apologize. I’m not comfortable with you knowing where I live yet either.



Kenna wasn’t sure if he was kidding or not. It was hard to tell that kind of thing over text. And since he didn’t use any funny emojis to help her figure it out, she decided to just move on.



Kenna: You’ve got a yellow Jeep, right?

Marshall: Yup. I’ll text you when I get close. Wouldn’t want any other guys with yellow Jeeps horning in on my date.



Kenna sent an eye-rolling emoji.



Kenna: Not sure you have to worry about that.

Marshall: Their loss is my gain. I need to go. I’ll see you in an hour. Drive safe.

Kenna: I will. Later.

Marshall: Later.



Kenna sat back on her couch and couldn’t help but smile. One of the things she liked most about Marshall was how much he made her laugh. He simply made her happy, which felt really good.

He’d proven to be a good listener as well. One night after she got home from work, and after an especially hard shift with table after table of assholes, she’d sent him a brief note about how tired she was and wishing him a good night. He’d immediately messaged back and asked if he could call.

They’d ended up talking for an hour. Kenna had gone on and on about the more frustrating parts of her job and the various ways people acted like jerks. He hadn’t blown her off or made jokes. He’d listened. Then he’d shared some of his shitty experiences with humans.

It made her feel even closer to him.

But most of the time when they spoke or sent messages, they were light and silly, making her smile much like she was now.

Knowing she needed to get ready to go, Kenna put her phone aside and stood. She’d make herself a grilled cheese sandwich then get changed. She and Marshall hadn’t talked about having lunch, and he might not have time anyway. She wanted to see as much of the base as he’d be able to show her. She might be able to sneak onto private beaches, but getting on the Naval base without an escort or a military ID wasn’t possible. She didn’t want to get arrested, after all.





An hour later, Kenna climbed out of her Malibu when a bright yellow Jeep pulled up behind her. Marshall had texted just minutes before, like he’d said he would, something else she appreciated…when he said he was going to do something, he did it.

“Hi,” she said as she climbed out of her car.

Though she’d expected him to stay in his car while she joined him, Marshall got out to greet her. Her breath caught in her throat when he brushed his lips against her cheek in greeting.

“Hey. You look great.”

Kenna hadn’t expected the kiss, but it felt natural. He stepped back immediately and wasn’t crowding her or making her feel uncomfortable. She’d gone out of her way to try to look nice today. The first time she’d seen him, she was half naked in her shorts and sports bra, and the second, she was in her waitress uniform of khaki shorts and a Duke’s T-shirt. Today, she’d put on a pair of jean shorts and a v-neck shirt that showed off her cleavage. Tastefully, of course. Normally she lived in flip-flops when she wasn’t at work or going for a run, but because she wasn’t sure how much walking they’d be doing, she’d worn sneakers. She’d left her hair down, but had a ponytail holder in her purse in case it got too hot.

All in all, Kenna was very pleased with her efforts, and was happy Marshall had noticed.

“Thanks,” she told him, smoothing a lock of hair behind her ear. “You do too.” And he did. Marshall had on his camouflage Naval uniform and was just as good-looking as she’d imagined he’d be. His dark hair was a bit mussed and he was clean shaven this morning. She couldn’t decide if she liked his face better bare or with a five o’clock shadow. Then she wondered what he’d look like with an actual beard. But a trimmed one, not long and shaggy.

“What are you thinking about so hard?” Marshall asked.

Kenna knew she was blushing. “Um…honestly?”