“She’s trying to send us away. Thing is, we’re not leaving Nick behind.”
I hear Jake whispering in the other room. He thinks I’m upstairs still trying to download some damned music, but I had a sense that there was mutiny brewing. Good thing I checked.
They’re camped out in my mother’s living room and she is so not going to be happy about the sand thing. Because it’s everywhere. Jake’s stretched out across the good couch – you know, the one no one’s allowed to sit on unless it’s a major holiday, and Saint’s on my computer. My computer. Mark Kendall, Jake’s senior chief, is staring out the window and Chris is sprawled on the floor, headphones on singing, Welcome to the Jungle. I can always count on him to be the voice of reason except when he’s wrapped up in his music.
“Nick’s staying here. With me,” I tell them. They look surprised to see me, but hey, I’ve learned a few things hanging out with them.
They, of course, are not happy about that at all.
“First of all, one of the reasons you want to keep Nick here today is because you’re going to ask him to fix your music download problem,” Jake says, locking onto me with those smoke gray eyes. He’s wearing a bandana wrapped around his head and they’re all wearing Desert Cams, which is weird, because I specifically needed them in jungle BDUs.
There’s no way in hell I’m doing all their laundry.
Nick crosses his arms and stares at me, and I’m losing in this distraction technique game. But I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve.
I’m not staying if there’s not going to be some majorly hot woman throwing herself in my general direction,” Nick says.
“Kaylee will be here. And she’s hot.”
He snorts. And snorts again. “Yeah, and you’ve fixed it so we can’t stand each other.”
“That’s only for a little while and then I’m going to make sure you fall-”
“Don’t say it.” Nick holds up his hand and his voice sounds strangled. “Don’t say it or write it or even think it. I’m single, happy and full-steam ahead.”
Not for long, hon.
“She’s plotting against you,” Jake informs him. “Against all of you.”
“Is that true?” Saint asks me, but before I can answer, Jake starts in.
“You know what she’s doing to you? Want to know who she’s trying to pair you up with?”
“Not that FBI Agent again,” Saint says.
“Oh yeah. Big time.”
Saint stands and stares me down. He’s really big. And handsome. But he’s pissed.
I do the only thing I can. I save myself. “Jake’s trying to sleep with the female pilot,” I tell him, and immediately he turns on Jake. Jake jumps up swiftly and ends up across the room and out of Saint’s reach.
Chris starts in on Paradise City and I realize he’s using my MP3 player.
“Don’t believe her,” Jake says. “I was only trying to get us a better flight time. Besides, Steph isn’t giving you any air-time in Nick’s book, but your love interest gets plenty. Plenty.”
Crap. Time for plan b. It’s not smart to piss off Jake’s CO, but it’s all I’ve got. “Chris suggested I write a book about a woman who becomes a Navy SEAL. You know, kind of like GI Jane. He said you’d love to fall for a heroine like that.”
Oh yeah, that does it. Because all heads turn to Chris, who stops singing immediately.
“Are you kidding me?” Saint demands of Chris.
“I never said that. Tell them I never said that.” Chris turns to me, but I’m too busy studying his eyes. I love his eyes, one blue, one green, mainly because they give him that slightly crazed look. Coupled with his six foot six frame, and the fact that he can sing like no one’s business, he’s a great hero.
And since I’m not helping him, Chris does the only thing he can. He diverts, dodges and weaves. “Nick did a little more with that reporter than just give an interview the other day,†he says. And Nick spits the coffee he was drinking all over the place. My mother is definitely not going to be happy but my plan is working beautifully.
“Son of a -… Saint, look,” he starts, but Saint is moving toward him fast. I do the only thing I can. Distract them. With women. And I’m slightly amused that a big, strong Navy SEAL like Nick is now hiding behind me.
“Tori’s looking for someone to play with.”
“I like Tori,” Saint says, but James raises one eyebrow at me and disappears, I’m guessing, to try and beat Saint there. And now Jake’s pissed that both men are going to beat him to Tori.
“I like Tori too,” he tells me, and then he smiles. “But there’s also Kellie…”
“Right. And you know, Sharon mentioned something about a nice shiny stainless steel .308 with a leupold vari X 3 stainless scope.”
Jake’s eyebrows raise, his interest piqued. “Yeah? That sounds…hey, who’s that?” He points to a mysterious looking woman who’s suddenly appeared in the room.
“I’m…”
“Tessa,” Chris finishes for her. She looks surprised, but hey, he is psychic. “You’re a witch.”
Tessa looks directly at Jake. “Sasha sent me. She said you mentioned something about bringing it on?”
“Oh yeah.” Jake walks toward her and Chris follows, mumbling something about Sasha and spells.
I turn to the only SEAL left, just in time to see Kaylee walk into the room. For one second, I feel guilty about what I’ve just unleashed onto the blogosphere, but hey, I warned everyone.
New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read — romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. Her alter-ego is 
*sits back with popcorn to watch*
…think I’ll take Tessa & Kellie dancing –
…at your DanceHall.
:smoke:
LMAO! Let’s go, babe! :biggrin:
You’re gonna hit the dancehall with two chicks after the way you left Lena??
You’re a braver man than me Gunga Din 😮
Bring it on, guys. I need inspiration. 😉 And feel free to bring high-powered weapons while you’re at it. I seem to have misplaced the rocket launcher I use against those damn pesky crop dusters….
Kellie – I’m on my way.
Cece, sug, who do you think invited me to the DanceHall? You really need to keep better track of your characters comings and goings. Because Lena and I have come to an understanding…and I’m bringing along Bo Black – stole him from Jill…
Should be fun. Hope you’ve got insurance.
Tori – they never go anywhere without them…:shoot:
Jake, I’ll give you the time of your life in Susie’s beer garden when Cece isn’t watching!! 😉
Jake ~ I’m disapointed. I thought you were going to be a challenge. But as soon as someone gives you a bit of a challenge, you run back to the girls that think you’re all that.
Now, Bo Black. Don’t you look yummy. Why don’t you come play with me instead of Jake? *wink and flash of cleavage*
Got you to come find me, didn’t I?
Sweetheart, the thing is, I’m the challenge. I thought you’d have figured that one out by now…
I’ll save you a dance. If you can catch me.
I just want my damn gun back. Don’t make me hurt you, Jake.
Sorry, Jake. I don’t chase after anyone. Especially when I have two men like Bo and Gabriel to entertain me.
Have fun with your fans, and next time you tell Sasha to bring it on, be sure you can keep up.
Aw, Tessa, you’re putting up a brave front. But Bo’s over at the DanceHall already. *shrugs* As for Gabriel…well, if you think he can entertain you the way I can…
Sharon – Christ, woman – come to the DanceHall and have a beer. I just need it a little while longer.
*Mutters a few choice phrases and snaps fingers. Bo pops back into the room, see’s Tessa’s naughty smile directed at him and heads straight for her.*
Not anymore he’s not. Did you forget I’m a witch?
*Clasps hands with Bo.*
Come with me, Baby.
*with another snap of her fingers they both disappear. *
Um Jake I’m really sorry but Lena left you a nasty note on my blog 😳
Tell Saint that I do laundry.
Of course, he’ll have to strip first… :thumbsup:
Cece – who do you think found her that FBI guy? 😉
Raine – how did you know that Saint had a stripping scene?
Seriously – he does. And he’s good at it…
Ah, jeez. Bo’s gone partying. A week from deadline. Men.
Well, the guys and I have had a fun day. They were reasonably well-behaved (relatively speaking :biggrin:) while I was at the eye doctor’s. But I probably shouldn’t have taken them to the library afterwards. 😉
Hey, if you guys get too bored I need someone to um . . . research with. Come on over!!:thumbsup:
Well it sure wasn’t you, cherie! Zander Boudreaux was kind enough to send him my way. Now behave or I’ll sick him and John Kane on you, okay. Don’t rile Susie…she’s been rather, how shall I say, tense lately.
LOL! Got a sexy military guy for me? :LOL:
I just checked my closet, and my desert BDUs are missing. 😮 They better be back in there and clean before I deploy again. :shoot: (But I have to admit, they look far better in them than I ever did.) 😎
Jill – I’ll try and reign them in tonight, but I can’t promise anything.
Tori – they’re fighting over you, aren’t they?
Teresa – Nick’s been trying to sneak out and see you all day…but I needed him here.
*thinks about Michelle’s request and then laughs as a future post is born* Oh yes, Michelle, I think that can be arranged…
Jean – I obviously have no control over them…I’m lucky they didn’t take you along for the ride. Jake promises to buy you a drink. Or two. Or several…:LOL: Of course, this is also the same guy who broke into your house…
Lena – I won’t even attempt to make an excuse…
Steph.
My money’s on you. :thumbsup:
Grins*
Thanks, Crystal. I could use all the moral support I can get with this crew of men.:LOL:
I’m with Crystal! Do I need to call that editor and talk some sense into her head????:shoot:
Damn. I always miss the party. *plops down in the corner and pouts*
Well, Steph, it was probably my fault for forgetting to lock the door before heading to work the other day. Clearly, it was an invitation to look around. And the dachshund is babygated into the kitchen, so I’m sure he raised a ruckus, but that wouldn’t bother Jake. He could have hung around, though. I had the annual exam thingie on Monday, so the dust got cleared out. Might have been fun to take Jake for a test drive…I have a fresh bottle of Ouzo…
Amy – you can make that call!
Oh Lynn – Jake thinks you look very cute when you pout. He said he’ll bring the party to you next time…
Might have been fun to take Jake for a test drive…I have a fresh bottle of Ouzo…
Smiles and saunters out of the house…
Wow! Jakes’s hotter than a Suzuki Katana. What a a test ride! Not sure where he went from here, but I’m outta’ Ouzo, and I’m crawling off for a nap. (And I hope he gave Sheila’s vampires back, but, thankfully, he didn’t bring any with him when he came here.)