He frowned. “That’s probably not ideal for event planning.”
“Not at all. Luckily this isn’t my busy season. I do have a few things coming up, but at least I won’t be hobbling around on crutches anymore. I’ll have to take it easy at first, but I should be okay. I’m not one to do crazy adventurous stuff anyway. I’ll leave all the jumping out of airplanes and stuff to you.”
Troy’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he grabbed it, assuming it was one of his buddies asking where he was going. His jaw clenched as his CO’s name flashed across the screen. “Damn. That’s my CO. Hang on a second.”
She looked over at him in surprise, but he was already lifting his phone to his ear.
“Sir,” he said, listening intently as his commander indicated there was an emergency unfolding and the team was needed on base. They’d recently gotten back from Afghanistan, where they rescued his teammate’s girlfriend from the hands of terrorists. Although his CO couldn’t give him details over an open phone line about what this situation involved, if they were being called in right now, he knew it was urgent. It felt like he’d barely gotten back, and they were likely already being sent out again.
Pocketing his phone, he glanced down at the woman. “I’m sorry to rush off, but I have to get to base for an emergency meeting.”
They continued walking toward the parking lot, Troy resisting the urge to scoop her up into his arms and carry her again. It was a silly thought. She’d been dealing with a broken ankle on her own just fine before he came along. He wasn’t about to leave her here alone and helpless though. Sure, it was a safe area, but he wanted to get her into her vehicle before he left.
“Is everything all right?” she asked, glancing up at him.
Worry creased her brow, and Troy loved that she seemed concerned. She was probably used to putting out all sorts of metaphorical fires as an event planner. He knew he’d never be good at anything like that. He’d plan a date or to meet up with his buddies, but weddings? Conferences?
Best to leave that to the experts.
“Yep,” he said, clearing his throat. “Duty calls. We never know when we’ll be called up or sent on a mission. I need to go in for a briefing, but it’s possible we’ll be sent out. If you do call or text me to make plans for our dinner and I don’t respond immediately, don’t be alarmed. I swear I’m not blowing you off,” he said. She looked a little confused but nodded, her green eyes growing a bit wary. He was being rather intense considering he’d just met the woman. “And you’re sure I can’t get your number?” he asked.
She bit her lip but shook her head no as they stopped near a small white SUV. “This is me,” she said.
Troy nodded. “Climb in, and I’ll stick your crutches in the back for you.”
She did as he instructed, and he frowned as he shut the back door. She’d already started the engine, but he couldn’t stand around and talk even if he’d wanted to. “How’s your ankle?” he asked as she lowered her window.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll take some Tylenol and rest when I get home. And I’ve got your number, so….”
“Don’t forget to call me,” he said. “I seriously would love to buy you dinner and get to know you better. Drive safe, okay?”
Her cheeks pinkened slightly, and his heart thudded in his chest. Damn, she was gorgeous. A little shy, perhaps, but he’d love to bring her out of her shell. “I will. Bye Troy.”
“Bye, sweetheart. Butterfly,” he added with a wink, and she smiled.
She raised her window and backed out, and Troy stood there, unwilling to get into his own car until she was gone. As her SUV was driving away, the setting sun reflecting off the windows, he realized he still didn’t even know her name.
Chapter 2
Caitlyn Thomas sighed as she sank down onto her sofa, propping her leg up on the cushions. Her mind whirled as she mentally replayed back everything that had just happened at the beach. One moment, she’d been watching Stacy, her somewhat self-centered client, who’d dragged her across all of San Diego today looking at prospective wedding locations, and the next? A movie-star handsome blond guy had been jogging straight toward her.
She’d assumed he was headed toward the parking lot, jogging to the stairs she was waiting by on the boardwalk. But when the six-foot-plus guy made of nothing but solid muscle approached her?
Her heart had nearly pounded out of her chest.
Troy.
He seemed nice enough, assuming everything he’d told her was true. He had sisters. He was in the Navy. Maybe he’d been a touch cocky, sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her down the steps to the beach without giving her a chance to protest, but it would’ve been awkward as hell attempting to maneuver the stairs on her own. She could’ve slid down on her butt, one step at a time, she supposed with a laugh. Because that wouldn’t have been embarrassing. Not at all.
And then he’d given her that nickname, Butterfly. She’d known he’d chosen it because of her red hair—plus, she hadn’t told him her name. He was flirty and sweet. Cute, too, if she admitted it to herself. Short-cropped blond hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin from lots of time outside. Not to mention in peak physical condition.
But a date?
She’d been burned too many times to assume he’d be much different from every other guy she’d met recently. He looked to be a few years older than her, but all men were the same, weren’t they?
She reached over and grabbed her
