She nodded. “I’m twenty-seven, but everyone thinks I’m younger. It’s the freckles,” she said with a shrug.
“I still think they’re cute as hell,” he said with a wink.
“And you’re really going to watch a chick flick with me?”
“Hell yeah,” he said. “And I still plan to eventually take you out to dinner. But today? Relaxing with a movie after that insane night sounds just about right.”
Chapter 14
Troy’s lips quirked as he glanced down at Caitlyn, asleep against his side. She’d grabbed the remote earlier, scrolling through an assortment of movies, and they’d started it, sitting beside one another on her sofa. She’d curled up with a blanket, but halfway through, had ended up snuggled against his side.
He thumbed a text to his teammates, letting them know he’d see everyone early for PT the following morning. A couple of them were meeting for drinks and dinner later on with their women, but he knew Caitlyn wouldn’t be up for that today. And he didn’t want to leave her side.
She looked so small, nestled there against him. He’d wrapped an arm around her shoulders when she’d still been awake, and she’d willingly let him hold her close. Now her pretty red hair fell in soft waves around her face, her pink lips were slightly parted, and he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be holding this woman in his arms.
He’d have to wake her up soon. The movie had ended, and he didn’t want to freak her out just sitting there on her sofa for hours holding her. At the moment he was content as hell just to be with her though. Last night had been gut-wrenching. He was used to rescuing civilians, even dealing with hostage situations. Those usually involved strangers though. People he’d never see again. Every person he rescued mattered, and every life was important, but when he saw Caitlyn in the hallway outside the cabin? It’s like someone had ripped his heart out.
Flipping through the channels, he turned on a football game, keeping the volume low. He’d give her thirty more minutes or so. If she was still out, he’d have to reluctantly wake her up.
His phone buzzed with a text from his CO, and he glanced down at the screen.
Navy divers found the body of the missing gunman.
Troy breathed a sigh of relief. Although Caitlyn and the other passengers weren’t likely to have been in further danger, the fact that she recognized one of the men concerned him. It’s not like he’d wanted to show her photos of dead bodies to eliminate the one she recognized. She’d been through enough. Although there still was no update on the one who’d escaped by boat.
The crowd roared on TV, and she stirred slightly. He grabbed the remote, turning down the game, but she sleepily looked up at him. “Sorry. I can’t believe I fell asleep on you,” she said softly.
“I don’t mind,” he said, helping her to sit up. She remained right at his side though, snuggled under the blanket.
“Did the movie just end?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.
“Yep. I was planning to wake you up in thirty minutes,” he said glancing at the clock on her DVR. “Sorry if the game was too loud.”
“No, it’s fine. Man. I needed that rest,” she said with a laugh. “I promise I’m not usually so lazy on Sundays.”
“Hey, no apologizing,” he said. “Last night was brutal, even for me. I may be used to going on missions, but everyone eventually crashes after the adrenaline rush. I slept like a baby when I finally crawled into bed this morning.”
She flushed as her stomach rumbled. “Well, that was embarrassing. I didn’t really eat much last night since we never got to the dinner portion of the evening. And like I said, I just woke up before you texted.”
“I could go for some food. Want me to order pizza? Or if you’d rather I get out of your hair, that’s fine, too. I know I sort of just showed up earlier.”
“We could order pizza,” she said.
“Awesome. It doesn’t count as our dinner date though. This week’s kind of crazy for me with training a couple of evenings, but how about next Friday or Saturday? Assuming you don’t have events you’ll be busy with or other plans.”
“How about Saturday? I actually have plans with Harper and some friends Friday night.”
“Sure thing, Butterfly. Do you like seafood?”
“Love it. Maybe we can eat somewhere and then walk along the boardwalk? It’ll be easier now that I don’t have crutches.”
“That sounds perfect. How’s your ankle doing anyway?”
“A little bit sore,” she admitted. “Being tied up last night didn’t help. It just throbs every once in a while. I’ve been meaning to start physical therapy just so it heals properly.”
“That’s a good idea. I busted my leg a few years ago. I could show you a few stretches if you want.”
“Um, sure, I guess.”
Troy got up from the sofa and knelt down, his large hands taking hold of her bare foot. “I guess I should’ve asked first. Is this okay?”
“Yeah,” she said, watching as he carefully rotated her foot. She pointed out where the break had been, and his thumb gently slid over the bone. It shouldn’t have been sexy looking at his muscular hands on her skin, but goodness. She felt feminine and small next to his strength. At least she’d gotten a pedicure after her cast had been removed. Her toenails were painted a pale pink.
He told her about resistance bands and recommended a few stretches for her to try after she purchased one. Then they ordered a pizza, watching the rest of the football game. It was amusing to see Troy so excited. Caitlyn wasn’t really into sports and didn’t have any brothers. She didn’t mind watching it with Troy
