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“H oly shit.” One of his guys, Rick, drew out the words. “I’m handling this next customer.”

A low whistle came from one of the mechanics who was going out on break. “I wouldn’t mind working behind the counter for a few minutes.”

Iron glanced up from the papers he was trying to organize and did a double take, then scowled. “That’s Vivienne, a friend of mine. Make her uncomfortable and you’ll be on bathroom cleaning duty for a month,” he grumbled.

The men went silent, but a stab of jealousy punctured his chest. They were both young and fit. Good guys with no vices tying them down. Vee was free to date whomever she wanted. She was in a T-shirt and jeans that hugged her body from her hips to her ankles. Her hair was loose and wavy around her shoulders, and she clutched something in her hands as she moved through the parking lot. He spotted Brynn’s accessible van and appreciated that she was waiting for her to get safely inside.

He stood up and walked to the door. His limb felt surprisingly good today, or maybe it was remembering how open and caring Vee was as she massaged ointment into his tight, bruised skin. She had no idea that she was the only person aside from him to touch his amputated limb. At first, he was uncomfortable as hell when she knelt on the floor and took the lotion from his hands, but he relaxed when there was no revulsion or disgust on her face. For someone who had been raised by extremely wealthy and judgmental people, Vee’s acceptance and big heart were a gift. When she said she wanted to move away from that lifestyle, he believed her. She had too soft of a heart not to share it with others. He stepped out of the collision center and waved to Brynn and the other women in the car, before turning his gaze to Vee.

“Hey. Did you have an okay time?” He felt the weight of his shitstorm of a day lift off his shoulders when she grinned at him.

“I did. They’re all so nice. I can’t believe they came over to meet me and bring me supplies. I was wondering how you were doing here the whole time, though. I finally asked if they would drive me here.”

Her concern for him had him drawing in a long breath. He’d been blessed with a family who cared for him, but it had been a long time since someone else had expressed that they were thinking of him. Coming from Vee, it meant even more. He shouldn’t embrace the warmth spreading through his chest. Shouldn’t be stepping closer to her. “Good timing. I’m just wrapping up.”

She held whatever was in her hands close to her chest. “Don’t rush because of me.”

“What do you have there?” He tilted his chin toward her hands.

“I found the most beautiful shell today. It’s for you.” She opened her palms and gazed up at him with eyes that sparkled brightly.

“For me?” He was aware of the beat of his heart and the woman in front of him. Everything else seemed to fade into the background. What he’d been doing at the shop, his irrational jealousy, and the guilt over being a shit son and brother seemed to dissolve.

“Yes, silly.” She gave him a gentle nudge and chuckled, like it was every day he received a thoughtful gift. “A treasure that appeared unexpectedly. Just like you.”

If only for this moment, he was completely immersed in what Vee was showing him and the way her gesture made him feel. She’d plucked this pretty shell from the ocean and thought of him. Her smile was so fucking bright, so endearing, he wanted to kiss the hell out of her right in front of the shop. Instead, he placed his hands under hers and stared down at the shell.

“Vee.” His voice was brimming with emotion, but he couldn’t have cared less. “I’m going to keep this forever.” He was worried he wanted to keep her forever, too, but he kept that to himself.

“You should keep it here, so you have a little piece of your ocean inside your office.” A glossed strand of her pale hair fell forward, skimming over the cream and orange shell. He looked up from where their hands were connected around the shell, but her eyes were already fixed on his face.

He held her gaze as blood pounded through his body. “You know, that’s a damn good idea.” He couldn’t help it if his voice had dropped a few octaves.

“Will you show me around?” A cloud parted above them, and a stream of sun highlighted the light dusting of freckles over the bridge of her nose.

“Of course. We’ll go to my office first so we can find the perfect spot for this.” He closed his palm around the shell, warm from both of their hands, and grasped the door handle with the other. He held the door for Vee and aimed a pointed look at his employees over her head. He was pleased when they quickly looked away. The shop was something he’d built from the ground up. To him, it was more than just a business, but a symbol of clarity and hope from the future as he fought his addiction steadily having more wins than loses. For years, pouring himself into making the collision center successful had helped to center him. If he woke up at night with phantom pains in his legs, he’d get up, come to the shop, and work. Even in the dead of night, he could often be found here.

Once again, he found himself seeking her approval, something he didn’t love the feel of. He’d been confident, edging on cocky, before he let his friend walk to this death. A blow like that though, knowing you could’ve stopped a tragedy, but instead watched it happen, was soul-stealing and humbling at the same time. He’d made sure the waiting room was always comfortable and clean, remembering the night when his mother was driving him and Eli home from a birthday party and their car died. The man who helped tow their car was nice enough to give them a ride back to the shop, but the paint-peeling walls, and the scent of stale menthol cigarettes wasn’t exactly welcoming. Neither was the chipped linoleum floor and lack of chairs. They’d had to wait there, either standing or sitting up against the wall for their dad to come pick them up.

He studied Vee as she surveyed the space, first landing on the stacked stone reception desk. Two of his employees waved and smiled, then picked up what they’d been doing. Wide, soft-cushioned armchairs in gray and warm red faced a wood-planked feature wall with a flat-screen television beneath recessed lighting. Large potted plants, a throw rug, and a central coffee table gave the space a living room feel. At least that’s what he’d been hoping for. He rubbed his thumb back and forth over the shell.

“Iron, this waiting room is amazing. All your colors and furniture choices are so warm and relaxing. I love how you made space for kids too.” She wandered over to the other side of the room. Gaming chairs were sitting on the floor in front of an Xbox system. There was also an ice hockey table and a pinball machine.

“I’ve never played a video game before, but this looks like so much fun.”

“Got a system at home we can play on.” Home. Shit, he was playing house with Vee and liking it far too much.

“Really?” Her eyes widened again, something she did when she was bursting with anticipation over something others might take for granted. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her enthusiastic grins.

“It’s a beautiful day and I bet the water is warm.” The thought popped out of his mouth without warning. “We could grab you a bathing suit on the way home and spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Later we can order pizza at home, and I’ll show you how to play?”

“The girls brought me a bathing suit in what they called my emergency supplies. That sounds like so much fun.” As soon as she said the words, her smile died. “I shouldn’t be so happy when Thalia is still missing.” Her look of distress pulled at him, and he offered her his hand, leading her toward his office. He closed the door behind them and pulled her against his chest. The gesture of physical comfort was for her, but he felt himself melting into her embrace. The muscles and shoulders in his neck loosened, and drawing a breath seemed more fluid.

“We’re going to find her, but it might take some time. I know it’s not easy, but Thalia doesn’t seem like the type of person who would want you to be suffering. We have some of the best helping with the search.” Her chest rose and fell, and he did his best to focus on her breathing and not the way her body felt against him. A few minutes later, they left his office, and he showed her to the main garage where several cars were in the process of being repaired. Instead of her eyes glazing with boredom, they lit inquisitively as she asked questions all about the process of collision repairs. His front desk team was once again polite as they said their goodbyes and headed out to his vehicle. She’d no sooner buckled her seat belt when his cell phone rang, lighting up the vehicle’s display screen with the incoming call. A wide grin lit her face. “It’s Hannah!”

“Go ahead. You can answer it.” He backed his SUV out of the parking space as Vee took the call.

“Hanni, how are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly good. I wanted to check to see how you were feeling. Are you with Iron?”

“Yes, he’s sitting right next to me. You’re on speaker. We’re driving back to his place now.”

“Hey Iron. Thanks for letting Vivi crash at your place. We should be home the day after tomorrow.”

He was relieved to hear how steady Hannah sounded after surgery. “Send me the flight info and we’ll come pick you up at the airport.”

“That would be great. Thanks. Viv, why don’t you bring your things with you to the airport and then Iron can drop us all off at my place.”

His stomach plunged. Logically, he knew once Hannah returned home, Vee would go back to her sister’s place. Their living arrangement was only temporary. Still, the grinding in his gut told him he’d already gotten way too emotionally involved.

He stole a glance at Vee when she said nothing in response to Hannah’s suggestion. She’d tugged her bottom lip in between her teeth and was holding her breath. He reached over the console and gave her leg a squeeze.

“Right. Of course,” she said on a rush of breath.

“Awesome. Collin wants to make you his famous pizza the first chance he gets.”

In the background, Collin’s voice was audible. “Aunt Vivi for pizza.” His excited laughter echoed through the car and Vee smiled.

“I’m looking forward to it, Collin!” She angled her chin, glancing over at him and offered what was probably meant to be a reassuring grin. It struck him that despite everything that had gone on in her life, she cared about his well-being too. He certainly didn’t want her feeling sorry or responsible for him, but what was reflected in her expression wasn’t pity. It was simply an unspoken connection. One they’d had from the start.

“I’ll have Branch send over the flight information and thanks again Iron.”

“My pleasure. Rest up.”

Hannah and Vee exchanged goodbyes before she leaned forward to hit the red button on the display to end the call. They were both silent for a moment or two, then he cleared his throat and spoke.

“How do you feel about going to your sister’s house?” Part of him wanted to tell her she could stay with him as long as she wanted. The other, more sensible part of him, understood that Vee was eager to please those around her. Had probably been doing so her whole life seeking the love and acceptance of a family who just didn’t give a shit. He didn’t want to lead her answer in any way or worse, set off some internal battle between being with him or Hannah.

“I…” She trailed off and looked out the window before taking a breath. “What do you think?”

He should just tell her going to Hannah’s would be best, but he couldn’t make himself say the words. “I think you’ve taken a huge leap toward independence in a very short amount of time. It’s okay not to have all the answers right now.”

“I wish I could be decisive and confident like Hannah. She always knew what was right for her and fought for it.”

“Didn’t you do the exact same thing when you left the rehearsal dinner?” He glanced over to the passenger seat. She was still nibbling her bottom lip. How he wished he had the right to pull over to the side of the road and kiss the worry right off her face.

“I feel so ashamed, Iron. Why’d I wait so long? Why didn’t I say enough is enough years ago?” Her eyes focused on her clasped hands in her lap.

“It’s easy for the what-ifs to take over once a situation has passed. You can’t go back. Only forward.” The irony of his words wasn’t lost on him. Those what-ifs still kept him up at night. Sometimes he’d dream that he’d made a different decision and pulled Scooter away from danger and they’d all come back to US soil as a team of six. Then he’d wake up to reality, the nightmare, and realize he’d never get the chance to amend his mistake.

“I know. I just let myself become trapped for so long. I don’t want to waste the rest of my life making decisions that won’t bring me what I want.”

“What is it that you want, Vee?” His voice drifted through the vehicle like smoke.

“Home. A family. Somewhere to belong.”

Up in the distance, his bungalow came into view and there was a pang in his chest. She’d shaken him up and he wasn’t sure things would ever completely settle back into place when she was gone. “No matter what happens, no matter where you go, you have a place with us here in Virginia.”

He pulled into the driveway, parked the car, and turned off the ignition. The interior of the SUV was silent without the hum of the engine.

When she directed her gaze at him, his heart caught in his throat at those wide, innocent eyes glazed over with unshed tears.

“Thank you,” she whispered. They sat there, eyes locked. Thoughts he didn’t dare speak joined the crackling energy snapping in the space between them. He released a long breath, willing himself not to do something stupid like lean over the center console and kiss her. She had healing to do and needed all her strength and attention focused on one thing. Finding herself. “Ready to hit the beach?” he asked, tone lighter than it had been in a long time.

“Let’s go.” She grinned at him and opened the car door.

*

After Iron dug a pair of swim trunks out from the back of his drawer and pulled them up over his hips, he took off his prosthetic. Vee had already seen him without it. Maybe that’s why he’d been so comfortable suggesting they spend the afternoon on his private stretch of beach. He wasn’t embarrassed by his lack of a leg. He just hated the potential for awkward questions or comments and then people either distancing themselves or being too helpful because they assumed he wasn’t capable. For Vee, it just simply was. If she asked a question, it was out of simple curiosity. Him being an amputee didn’t seem to affect her one way or the other, so he’d made the decision to do something he hadn’t in years. Spread a towel out on the sand and swim in the sea. He stood, positioning the cushioned top of the crutch beneath his arm, and moved across the room. When he got into the living room, Vee was waiting with two towels and one of those radiant smiles on her face. If he hadn’t come to know her, hadn’t watched the transformation before his own eyes, he might’ve thought her frequent grins were disingenuous, something for the cameras. This fresh-faced, bright-eyed woman’s joy was addictive, though. He didn’t miss the way her eyes roamed his body, pausing on his chest. When a pretty blush colored her cheeks and burst of heat speared through him. She already looked far healthier from when they’d stolen her away from Texas. She’d been beautiful before, but watching her blossom over the past week and embracing her new life made him realize how her smile, which didn’t reach her eyes at first, now radiated. She stood up from the couch and he nearly swallowed his tongue. The bikini she wore was conservative but did nothing to hide her full breasts or the flare of her hips. She was a decade his junior. His friend’s sister. The last thing she needed was to have the man who’d committed to protecting her, gawk at her.

“I got some towels from the bathroom closet.”

“Thanks. Lead the way.” He recognized his mistake the moment she turned around. The flirty ties on either side of her bottoms danced against her hips as she walked out to the deck. Once they hit the beach, he had to focus on not faceplanting in the loose sand. She was already opening the towels, the wind tugging at the bright-blue edges of the fabric, when he joined her by the water.

“It’s beautiful here. I can see why you love it.”

“Haven’t been out here in years.” When she just stared at him, he continued. “I watch the water from the deck, but it’s been a while since I’ve experienced it up-close-and-personal like this. Even longer since I’ve been in the water.” He tossed the crutch onto the sand beside him and crouched down, bracing both arms in front of him. The terry cloth towel touched his hands, and he walked them back, easing into a sitting position.

“Why?” She sat next to him and opened a bottle of suntan lotion that must’ve been concealed between the towels.

“At first, I was too busy healing, then hating what I’d become.” His gaze inadvertently moved to the overgrown vines on the pergola. “After that I threw myself into making the shop work. I’m not lying when I say the last few weeks have reminded me of how I used to feel before the explosion that killed my teammate. Before I lost my leg and gave up my career as a SEAL. The first time I’ve felt a flicker of purpose outside my collision center or the baseball team. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of those things, especially time on the field with the kids, but meeting you has made me see things in a different way.”

Vee poured some lotion between her hands and smoothed it down one long leg. Jesus. Why had he thought this was a good idea? The surf crashed against the shore, then receded. The bold sun overhead glinted against the water, making it gleam silver.

“At the shop when you said you shouldn’t be so happy while Thalia was still missing, well, that hits hard for me. I feel the same way about Scooter. I don’t know how I’m supposed to let him go.”

“Maybe you’re not supposed to. Maybe he’d want you to hold him right here.” She reached over and placed her hand over his heart. “You might have space for the memories if you let go of the guilt. I don’t think he’d want you to feel responsible for his death. He made a choice too. Knew the stakes were high, right?”

“Yeah, of course. There were three hostages.”

“What happened to them?”

“They were saved because Scooter diverted the attention by rushing toward the terrorists.”

“He died a hero, Iron. And despite what you want to believe, you’re one too.” She dropped her hand but not her gaze, holding him hostage with eyes as silvery blue as the ocean.

“I’m no hero, Vee. I’m broken.” His words were rough and low, blending with the wind and surf.

“No Iron.” She shook her head, face more solemn than he’d seen before. “You’re unbreakable.” She touched his face, almost reverently, then got to her knees and moved behind him. “I’ll do your back. You do mine. Then we hit the water.” He wasn’t sure if she’d changed the subject abruptly because she sensed his distress. It felt like she was slowly chipping away at his pain, taking some of it to hold on her own. Her hands started in the center of his back and spread across his shoulders. She wasn’t just applying lotion but kneading the tight muscles of his shoulders and neck.

The scent of coconut swirled with salty air and made his stomach clench. He dug one hand into the sand beside him and fisted it into the tiny granules, trying to temper the intense physical response he was experiencing. He wasn’t going to fuck this up by doing something stupid, but each time the little beauty queen stroked his skin, the sensation made his cock swell. He stifled a curse when she stood up and circled around him, sitting between his legs. She lifted her thick hair, dropping it over her left shoulder. He should be thankful. If she’d sat any closer, there’d be no mistaking the result of his attraction against her back.

His hands trembled when he squirted lotion into his palms, more when her sun-warmed skin was beneath his fingertips. He swallowed hard as he applied lotion to the back of her neck and over the delicate slope of her shoulders. Was it his imagination, or had she leaned back into his touch? He couldn’t shake the mental image of cupping her lush breasts, of dipping his fingers beneath the hem of her bikini bottoms to bring her to climax as they faced the sea, just like this, with her back pressed against his chest.

He worked to slow his breathing and smoothed more lotion over the backs of her arms. He’d never felt this way about a woman in his life and not just the physical desire. He loved talking to her and having her close. It would be all too easy to hold onto her too tightly, but that wouldn’t do. Not when she was just learning to be free. Not when she was meant to fly.