Finding Kenna (SEAL Team Hawaii #3)(41)

“I work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,” she said. “I’ve got some errands I need to do, but tomorrow I’m gonna go for a long run first.”

“Don’t jump on any unsuspecting scuba divers,” Marshall teased.

Kenna chuckled. “I didn’t jump on you, and I think I’ve learned my lesson on that one,” she said. “What about you?”

“PT and meetings. There’s a chance we might have to ship out, but we’re waiting to see how things go. Hopefully everyone can get their heads out of their asses and we won’t have to go anywhere.”

Kenna’s belly clenched, but she merely nodded. “I hope so too.”

“Did you know that Lexie works at Food For All downtown?” he asked.

Grateful for the subject change—Kenna wasn’t ready to think too much about Marshall and his friends heading into a dangerous situation yet—she nodded. “She said something about that the last time she texted me. Talked about one of her favorite people who frequently visited. I think his name was Theo?”

“Yeah, that’s him. Anyway, she’s going to be in charge of a second location of Food For All out in Barber’s Point and will be moving this week. The guys and I will be helping with some of the big stuff, but if you have the time, and you want to, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind help with organizing the new space. Elodie’s going to be volunteering there as well. Making healthy and somewhat gourmet box lunches for people.”

“I’d love to help,” she said honestly.

“Awesome,” he said with a smile.

Kenna eyed him for a second, then said, “It’s important to you that I like Lexie and Elodie, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “First off, they’re awesome, and I know you’d click with them once you really get to know them. But second, they’re around the guys and me a lot. And like we talked about before, I think they’ll be a great help and resource when I get deployed.”

Kenna smiled.

“What?” he asked.

“I just love that you’re talking long term.”

Marshall leaned over and once more put his hand behind her neck. It was obviously his go-to way to get her attention. And she loved it.

“I was already pretty sure I wanted something serious with you, but today clinched it. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman, Kenna. You’re funny, outgoing, kind, friendly, fun to be around, and I can’t deny that I’m physically attracted to you. And before you say it, I know you aren’t perfect, and we’ve already been over how I’m not. But your good qualities shine through so strong, I can’t imagine ever getting pissed over something silly, like you not wanting to do the dishes. Lexie and Elodie are not only my friends’ women, they’re my friends too. I desperately want you guys to all get along.”

“We will,” Kenna said. “I have no doubt. I already like them. And the fact that they went out of their way to stand up for me at Duke’s and make up that story so those bitches would be nicer…that said a lot about who they are as people.”

“Good. You’ll be okay with them by yourself? I can’t get off work to help out during the day. We were planning on moving the big stuff early in the week.”

“Marshall, I’m a professional waitress. I can talk to anyone about anything. I’ll be fine.” She thought it was cute that he was worried.

“Okay. Good. For the record?”

When he didn’t continue, Kenna said, “Yes?”

“If you’d have invited me up to eat and shower with you, I would’ve said yes. At this point, I can’t deny you anything.”

Kenna smiled. She loved knowing she had that kind of power over him…the same power he had over her. Leaning forward, Kenna kissed him. He quickly took over, holding her close with the grip on her neck and devouring her mouth.

They were both panting when they finally pulled apart for some air.

“Damn,” Kenna breathed.

“Yeah,” Marshall agreed. “Come on, I’ll walk you up.”

“You think that’s a good idea?” Kenna teased. She could feel her nipples pressing against her suit and she was damp between the legs.

“I just need to make sure you get inside safely. I’d be a shitty boyfriend if I left you in the parking lot.”

Kenna shook her head. “No, you’d be normal.”

“I don’t like to be normal,” Marshall said. Then he kissed her hard and fast and turned to get out of the Jeep.

Kenna knew she was smiling like a crazy person, but she couldn’t stop. Marshall grabbed her bag, and her hand, and they walked into the complex.

They were at her door in less than a minute. Marshall handed her the beach bag with her fast food he’d put inside. He pulled her against him in a long, heartfelt hug. Then he stepped back as she unlocked her door.

“Have a good night,” he said.

Kenna might’ve been offended that he didn’t look like he was going to give her a goodbye kiss, but she had a feeling if he did, they’d definitely end up inside. “You too. Let me know when you get home?”

He nodded. “You have next Sunday off, right?”

“Yes.”