Finding Kenna (SEAL Team Hawaii #3)(74)

“Bye.”

Aleck felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted from his shoulders. He started the engine and backed out of the parking space, the note he’d found already forgotten in his glove compartment as he accelerated out of the lot. He needed to at least shower before Kenna arrived. She might be anxious to see him, but she wouldn’t be very impressed with how he smelled if she got there before he had a chance to clean up.





Chapter Seventeen





Kenna couldn’t believe Marshall was actually home. She’d dreamed about this day for so long, and it was finally here. After she hung up with Marshall, she immediately called Alani and explained the situation. Her manager was very understanding, and because Kenna rarely called in when she was supposed to work, she was more than happy to give her the night off. Considering her shift was starting soon, it was even more generous of Alani to be so cool about the request.

She took the time to change out of her Duke’s uniform, putting on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, not even bothering to do anything with her hair, which she’d put up in a ponytail for work.

While she was changing, her phone began to ding with texts from the girls.



Elodie: They’re back!!!!

Elodie: If you don’t hear from me for a while, don’t be alarmed, I’m just hibernating in bed with my husband!



Lexie: Did you hear? The guys are home!

Lexie: Midas told me Aleck talked about you all the time.

Lexie: Get it, girl!



Carly: I got a text from Jag. He said they’re finally back. I’m so relieved!



Ashlyn: Holy crap! I can’t believe Slate messaged to tell me he’s home. I’m way more excited than I should be about this. He’s kind of a jerk, but it was super nice of him to let me know!



Not wanting to take a second longer than necessary to get to Marshall, Kenna shot a quick text back to each of her friends before heading out of her apartment. Even though Marshall said he didn’t need anything from the store, she still made a quick stop on her way to Coral Springs. She wanted to make his return special in some way.

She gathered up some of the things she knew he loved to eat. The Maui onion potato chips he was addicted to, a bag of Kona coffee because she thought she’d finished up the last bag he had, some fresh mangos, some POG juice—passion, orange and guava juices—and a bag of the Hawaiian popcorn he liked so much, the kind with mocha crunch and furikake. Kenna thought it was gross, but if Marshall liked it, he was getting it.

She also wanted to stop and get some malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery, but that would take too long. So she cheated and picked up some generic malasadas and doughnuts from the grocery store. They wouldn’t be as good, but they’d do in a pinch. She’d make it up to Marshall later by getting the good stuff.

Everything within her was urging her to get to Marshall’s condo as fast as possible. Intellectually she knew he wasn’t going to disappear before she could get there, but emotionally, she wasn’t as certain.

Kenna did her best not to be impatient as she checked out, but it seemed to take forever before she was finally on her way. The closer she got to Marshall’s condo, the more nervous she became. It was silly. He’d sounded excited to see her and more than welcoming, but she couldn’t help but wonder if things between them would be any different.

For her part, she felt the same toward him. She’d missed him terribly and had resorted to going back and rereading his old texts and messages that he’d sent before he was deployed, just to feel closer to him.

Butterflies were swirling in her belly by the time she finally arrived and parked.

Robert had obviously seen her pull into the lot—the man didn’t miss anything—and by the time she had opened her car door, Alfonso was walking quickly toward the vehicle.

“Hi,” she said as he approached.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Madigan. Let me take those for you,” he said, reaching for the bags in her hands.

“Thanks,” she said as she handed them over gratefully.

Alfonso smiled at her as they walked toward the entrance. “Mr. Smart is back.”

It was kind of cute how excited Alfonso sounded as he said that. “I know,” she said with a smile. “It’s why I’m here. I was supposed to work tonight, but how could I concentrate on anything knowing Marshall had returned?” Kenna knew she was babbling, but she was excited and nervous at the same time.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact us,” Alfonso said as he held open the door to the lobby.

“I stopped and got some of Marshall’s favorite foods, although I didn’t want to wait on Leonard’s malasadas,” she continued. “So I got some generic ones. His sweet tooth should be assuaged either way.”

Alfonso smiled at her.

As they approached the security desk, Robert stood. He had a huge smile on his face too. “Hello, Ms. Madigan. I’m guessing you’re happy Mr. Smart is back.”

“Oh yeah,” Kenna said with feeling.

Robert chuckled. “I’m sure Alfonso has said this already, but if you need anything, please let me know.”

“I will. Thanks. I’ve kept Marshall’s pantry and fridge stocked since I’ve been hanging out here, so we should be good.”