He shook off the tender emotions sprouting within and focused on the computer screen again. “Okay. So, what’s our next step?”
Clint frowned. “Well, considering you’re getting pretty rank, bro, I’d say a shower.”
“Funny. Not.” Noah gave him a flat stare. “I’m serious. We’re here and that’s good. It makes me feel better knowing we’re with you guys and on US soil, but there’s still danger out there. I can’t rest until I know one hundred percent Serena and Gracie are out of danger.”
Levon stood and clapped him on the shoulder. “Understood, dude. But you need to rest. When’s the last time you slept?”
“Last night.” At his friends’ dubious looks, Noah sighed. “Fine. The night before. Or maybe the one before that. I don’t know.” He scrubbed a hand over his weary face. His head felt fuzzy and his muscles ached. Maybe the guys were right. His SEAL training had taught him that staying sharp in the field was crucial. Exhaustion made you weak and sloppy, which he feared he already was. His thoughts felt like quicksand. “All right. Yes. I do need to rest. I’m sure Serena does, too. But I don’t want to go back to my place. They tracked us to that hotel last night and I still don’t know how—so I don’t know how to stop it from happening again.” He rubbed his stubbled jaw, then pulled out his phone. “Let me see if I can get a reservation at a hotel nearby and—”
“No.” Levon placed his hand over Noah’s phone screen. “Don’t be stupid. There’s plenty of room at our place. Olive and I have the extra guest room. Gracie can use Allie’s Pack ’n Play tonight.”
Noah winced. “I don’t know. Things are complicated with Serena and I right now and I don’t want to be a burden and—”
“Seriously. Stop.” Levon gave him a look. “It was my idea to have you stay. In fact, I already cleared it with Olive before you got here, so stop arguing. And if you say the word ‘burden’ again I’ll kick your ass, tired or not. Friends take care of each other. Okay?”
He wanted to argue, but dammit, he was just too tired. After a long second, he gave in with a nod. “Okay. Thanks, man.”
“No trouble at all, dude.” Levon slapped him on the back. “And don’t worry about the intel. We’ve got this, don’t worry.”
“Yep,” Clint said. “And maybe a fresh pair of eyes on this is exactly what you need.”
16
“Thanks so much for letting us stay here tonight,” Serena said to Olive once they’d gotten Gracie settled in the portable crib in the guest room. “Your home is lovely.”
“Aw, thanks,” Olive said, looking down at a snoozing Gracie. “She’s so precious.”
“She’s a little trooper,” Serena agreed. “After everything we’ve been through, she just keeps going.”
“Sounds like her momma,” Olive said, rubbing Serena’s arm. “C’mon out to the living room. I’ll make us some tea and we can check on the guys. See what they’re up to.”
“Sounds good.” Serena bent to give her daughter one last kiss on the forehead, then followed Olive out of the room and down the hall. The craftsman-style bungalow was adorable, with hardwood floors and whitewashed trim. Neat as a pin and completely baby-proofed, the ideal place for them to land tonight. She walked out into the living room to find Levon and Noah deep in discussion about the mission, so she took a seat next to Noah on the sofa and cuddled up into his side. It felt nice, normal. Like this was how it should always be, which caused a niggle of worry inside her.
They’d never really talked about what would happen with their relationship after this was all done. Sure, Noah had said he’d do his part and take care of Gracie, but was that all he saw in their future—just co-parenting? What about them? Was there even a “them” at all? At night, when they were in bed together, Noah holding her from behind, his soft warm breath tickling the back of her neck, it sure felt like there was something more between them, something strong and enduring. At least that was how it seemed for her. But Noah never talked about his feelings, so she had no idea where she stood with him. Sooner or later they’d need to talk about it. But maybe not tonight. Things were so nice and peaceful here; she didn’t want to ruin it by bringing all that up.
“Here you go,” Olive said, handing her a steaming mug of herbal tea, then taking a seat beside Levon on the loveseat and curling into him under his arm. They were totally in love, that much was obvious. And it gave Serena hope, seeing big tough Levon be so gentle and caring with Olive and their daughter Allie—who was also sleeping. If they could make it work, maybe she and Noah could too.
She sipped the warm, sweet tea and sighed.
Noah glanced over at her and gave her a little wink that made her toes tingle. “Gracie down for the night?”
“Yeah, at least until the next diaper change,” Serena said.
“Man, I remember those days.” Levon grinned. “Sounds corny as hell, but enjoy them. They go by too fast and before you know it, the kid’s crawling around already.”
“And once they’re mobile, no one sleeps again,” Olive said, and they all laughed.
“When I was locked in that villa with her in St. Dourdane, all I wanted was a few hours to myself,” Serena said, shaking her head. “But now that we’re out, I’m afraid I’m going to miss something she’s doing. That’s weird, right?”
“Not at all,” Olive said. “Allie does new things every day. The surprises never stop.”
Noah was quiet. Serena frowned and nudged him with her shoulder. “Everything okay?”
He nodded, staring down at his hand on his
