She opened the door, and he grinned down at her. He was big and broad standing there in her doorway, and he smelled clean, like he’d just showered and shaved. “I didn’t want to be presumptuous, but I brought myself a coffee as well. We can sit outside if you’d prefer and are up for some company.”
“No, you can come in. I think after last night, I feel safer with you than anyone.”
Troy stilled and looked directly at her, his blue eyes filled with concern. “I don’t like that you were put in that situation,” he said. “I’m happy as hell that I found you again, but it never should’ve been like that.”
“Definitely not,” she agreed with a shudder. He frowned, but she took the cardboard drink tray and her purse from him. “Come in. Thank you so much for bringing my things and the food. I know I look terrible,” she rambled as they walked into her living room.
“Hey, you look as pretty as ever,” he countered with a wink.
She blushed but took the bag of bagels from him, setting it on her kitchen counter. “Well now I know you’re lying, but thanks for the sentiment, I think. How’d you end up with my purse, anyway?”
Troy had the decency to look embarrassed. “The PD was sorting through everyone’s belongings. I sort of volunteered to come see you.” He watched as she looked inside her purse, pulling out her keys.
“How’d you get into your place?”
“I had to get the management office to let me in. They weren’t happy given that it was the middle of the night, but Harper—that’s my best friend—basically threw a fit. She drove me home from the hospital.”
“Hell, sweetheart. You had a late night.”
“Yep. Which is why I’m thrilled you brought me this massive coffee.” She smiled at Troy, loving the grin that broke out across his face.
“And here I thought you were just happy to see me.”
“That too,” she assured him. “Like I said, I lost your cell number. I guess I was flustered and didn’t save it in my phone like I thought.”
“I would’ve found you eventually,” he said. “I was even ready to get my sisters to help track you down. I never would’ve heard the end of that,” he said with chuckle.
She grabbed some plates from her cupboard, feeling Troy’s eyes on her as she stood up on her tiptoes.
“Can I help with anything?”
“Nope. I think you’ve done more than enough.” She grabbed some butter knives from the drawer and watched as he pulled several different types of cream cheese from the bag.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like. I know I got a lot, but you can freeze the extras.”
“They smell awesome,” she said. “And I have to admit that I’m starving. Did you get in late, too? I assume you had to stay on the boat awhile doing your SEAL stuff.”
“I did,” Troy said, grabbing a bagel and spreading cream cheese over it. “I didn’t get home until nearly five a.m. I slept a good five hours before texting you.”
Caitlyn reached over and grabbed her iced coffee, taking a long sip. “Want to sit in the living room to eat? It’s more comfy than the table.”
“Whatever you want works for me, Butterfly.”
She flushed, and he chuckled. “I have to admit I love that blush that spreads across your cheeks. And the freckles are cute as hell.”
“More like embarrassing.”
“Believe me, I’m not complaining,” he said with a wink. He grabbed his own iced coffee and plate and made his way into her living room, looking totally at ease. If Caitlyn had shown up at his place, she was sure that she’d feel awkward and nervous. He acted like he walked into women’s homes every day.
Shoot.
Maybe he did.
Troy sank down onto one end of her sofa, and she took the plush chair right beside it. They set their plates on her coffee table. “Damn. Your apartment even smells like you,” he said, nodding at the candle. “When we first met, I thought you smelled like vanilla cupcakes.”
“I’m kind of obsessed,” she admitted. “I’ve got vanilla candles and lotion. But I actually prefer chocolate in my food.”
“Noted,” he said with a grin. “And you like iced coffees. I hope having them add cream and sugar was okay?”
“Perfect, actually.”
They started eating, Troy eating twice as fast as she did, she noted with a smile. Once again, she noticed he seemed completely at ease around her. She just felt…disheveled.
“How are your wrists?” he asked, eyeing the red rope burns.
“Pretty good. They cleaned them yesterday because I had scrapes and small cuts from the rope. The saltwater stung like crazy when it splashed onto them. God. It was complete and utter chaos back at the pier when we docked.”
Troy nodded. “We showed up hours later with the yacht. A massive investigation is already underway.”
“I can imagine. When I met with Evelyn a few weeks ago, she had those federal agents with her. It seemed a little unusual, but I have to admit I don’t know how much security is usually around a Navy admiral. But when those gunmen rushed the boat—”
She cut off, her voice choked, and hastily set her plate down on the coffee table.
“Hey, Butterfly,” Troy said, setting his own plate down. He was up before she realized it, kneeling down right in front of her. Troy’s hand lightly clasped hers, his thumb rubbing over her skin as his other landed on her thigh. “You were amazing. More than amazing. I
