When I was in college, winter had always been my favorite time of the year. Spring breaks always sucked because I’d been deep into a grueling spring training schedule, while summer vacations I’d spent preparing for the upcoming season. But winter breaks were the one time each year I could escape, party, and hook up without a care in the world.

Not anymore. Most of the time I could barely tell what season it was. In Afghanistan, the long, frigid days and nights blended together. Nowadays, I was checking out terrorists instead of sexy coeds. And strangely enough, I was fulfilled.

Today, I’d get a reprieve from my smelly men. Our SEAL team was the first stop on the much appreciated Christmas USO tour. Kept the morale high. The first plane had arrived yesterday, and the second one had just landed now.

Pat, Vic, and I were on our way to greet the planes. No idea who was on the tour—usually it was a mix of professional athletes, cheerleaders, comedians, and movie stars. I’d done a USO tour myself when I’d played professional ball. Hanging out with the SEALs during Christmastime was what had convinced me to leave my career behind and join the Teams. My father was a retired Marine, and I’d always wanted to serve my country. It was the best decision I’d ever made.

I handed Vic the big “Welcome to Afghanistan” sign, and the three of us walked to the runway to welcome the USO company. Yup, I was right—a few huge guys walked down the jet way. I immediately recognized one of them, a top quarterback. I was about to shake his hand when Pat whispered in my ear, “Hey, bro, isn’t that Omelet Girl?”

I looked up. Fuck my life. Sara, the girl I’d met in Pacific Beach one night last summer while hanging out with Vic walked down the jet way in a skintight sweat suit emblazoned with a flame on the jacket. Pat had nicknamed her Omelet Girl because he’d stopped by my place the morning after I’d met her, and she’d cooked us omelets. They were damn good omelets, too. Vic had bitched those eggs should have technically been his since he’d been my wingman the night before. That only caused Pat to fuck with him some more. But besides being a good cook, I knew next to nothing about the girl. She’d never told me she was a professional cheerleader. A fucking San Diego Wildfire Girl—part of the hottest dance team in the league. Then again, I’d never told her I was a Navy SEAL. I guess we were even.

My eyes traced her body, her incredible curves hiding beneath her clothes. I flashed and remembered her legs spread on the rim of my hot tub as I ate her for all I was worth.

“Hi, Sara.” I grinned. “Welcome to Afghanistan, beautiful.”

Her mouth flew open and closed, her lips twisting as if temporarily lost in thought. And I wondered if she’d call me out on what I’d done. After a beat, she gave me the same unabashed grin I’d given her. Though hers was more of a smirk. “Kyle! What are you doing here? Wait, you’re on the USO tour, too?” she asked excitedly, fluttering her lashes in a dramatic fashion. It was clear she was giving me a hard time. I excepted as much.

She stared at my uniform, realization settling across her face. “Why are you in cammies? Were you on the other plane? Are you playing again? Which team do you play for?”

Whoa, she should’ve been an interrogator. She could probably do a better job than I could. I laughed and pulled her to my side as she noticeably cringed at the barrage of questions. “SEAL Team Seven, sweetheart—I don’t play ball anymore. You just flew thirty-six hours to entertain me. And I’m ready. Come here, baby. Give me a kiss.” I hugged her and kissed her cheek, pressing her tight little body up against me.

But our moment ended abruptly when she pulled away from me, her eyes sending me a pained look. Guilt crashed over me—we’d spent an incredible night together, then I’d deployed without saying good-bye. I’d told her I’d call her but never had.

An older lady with bleached-blonde hair and a Botoxed face who resembled an alien nudged Sara, uttering, “I’m going to get set up in the USO barracks. Don’t take long. We’ll reconvene in the morning.” Sara nodded. Probably the chaperone. Those cheerleaders usually traveled with their directors; like modern-day chastity belts. She gave Sara a look that screamed, “Keep it moving!” before walking away. Fuck that, to get some alone time with her I’d throw a flash bang grenade if I had to. Despite her wholesome all-American good girl cheerleader image, Sara was a freak—our night together was one for the books. And I needed a replay.

Her body flinched at the sound of a mortar going off in the distance, and I held her close, cradling her through the blast. The pink sky hung above us, thick with smoke.

“I can’t believe you’re here. I couldn’t figure out why you’d vanished. I thought we’d connected.” She paused and her eyes focused on my gun. “A Navy SEAL? That’s why you gave up football?”

“Absolutely. I love football but now my life has a different meaning. But football will always be a huge part of my life. I loved playing. Out here, football is important to the men and women who serve. That’s how we tell time. Each game means the passing of another week. Another week closer to going home.” Vic and Pat stepped over to us. “You remember Vic and Pat, don’t you?”

Her girlfriends now gathered to her side and I recognized Sara’s friend, Maya, from the club. They were extremely close. There were seven other cheerleaders: a redhead, two brunettes, another blonde, a Latina girl, an Asian girl, and a sister. It was like an ice cream shop of hot women—one flavor for any taste.

“Yeah. Hey, Vic,” she greeted, blushing. Vic tipped his head in return. “And Pat was your ‘trainer,’ right?”

Pat smirked and gave her a reverent hug. Most SEALs lied about their jobs. Trainer was the job I’d given him when he’d met Sara. His eyes made a respectful dance around her friends, but he maintained his distance. Ever since he’d married Annie, Pat kept himself in check. He didn’t want any temptation. His only goal these days was to stay alive so he could return home to her and their son in one piece, especially now that Annie was pregnant again.

The rest of the plane had disembarked now. There were other military men attending to the sports players’ accommodations. My men had gladly volunteered to take care of the cheerleaders. Well, mostly Vic and I. I grabbed Sara’s luggage and escorted her and her fellow cheerleaders to the barracks with the guys trailing behind me. One look from me told them they needed to help the other ladies out. I would be the one assisting Sara. Hopefully in more ways than one. They were to stay in the Distinguished Visitor quarters—small single rooms each, with their own bed and dresser. Much better than the shithole barracks I bunked in. With any luck, I’d be crashing with her tonight.

As the guys made their way down the hall with the other girls, I placed her suitcase in her room, dust flying everywhere. “So you’re a cheerleader? Girl, I knew you were a dancer,” I lightly teased, causing her to smile.

She sat on the edge of the bed. The chin-length bob she’d rocked in the nightclub had magically grown into waist-length curls. My mom was a hairdresser; I knew extensions when I saw them. “I’m in college getting a degree in education. Why didn’t you tell me you were a SEAL? I think it’s awesome.” She wasn’t letting me off the hook that easily.

Her legs were crossed, indicating she was somewhat closed off to me, but I could only concentrate on the outline of her panties through her sweats. That side view was what dreams were made of. I loved my job, but I missed being around women. Their voices, sweet-smelling hair, and soft bodies were intoxicating.

I simply wasn’t used to giving accountability to anyone but my Team. And of course, my mother. But even she didn’t know about my missions. “Don’t take it personally. I don’t tell anyone what I do. It’s safer that way. If a guy goes around boasting he’s a SEAL, he’s probably a liar.”

“That makes sense…” her voice trailed off. She avoided making eye contact with me. Yup, I’d hurt her by not calling. Time for damage control.

I knelt by the side of her bed and clutched her hands in mine. It was easier to be accepted at eye level than standing with our vast height difference. “I want to apologize for never telling you I was about to deploy. That’s why I didn’t call you. I thought we bonded, for real, but since I was leaving I didn’t see the point of starting anything. That would have made it harder on you in the long run.”

She nodded and bit her bottom lip. “It’s cool. I get it. I do.” She didn’t. Not even a little. But I kept my mouth shut. “I figured you’d thought I was a slut for going home with you the night we met. I don’t normally do that, I swear.”

All girls wanted you to believe you were the only man they’d hop into bed with. I didn’t doubt her, but I wasn’t one of those men who actually cared if she was easy since I was a player. I loved a woman who knew what she wanted—in and out of the bedroom. I didn’t want no damn virgin. “I believe you. But you’re here now. You’re like an angel sent to me. Call or no call, I missed you,” I relented. “I’ll take care of you while you’re here and make sure you’re safe.” It was a genuine offer. Some of the shit I had seen left me with nightmares. But I was damn good at my job.

I touched her shoulder and watched her body shiver. I wasn’t going to push myself on her, but I hadn’t gotten laid since that night. I’d be damned if I wasn’t going to try. Besides, I really liked her. With just one night, she’d kept me on my toes.

Her body responded to me, her chest heaved, her mouth moistened. That was all I needed to see. I kissed her, my beard scratching her soft skin.

“Kyle, I’ve thought about our night together so many times. But I don’t want to get kicked off the team. We have strict rules about not entertaining the men.”

I placed my finger over her lips. “It’s okay, baby. If you want to spend some alone time with me while you’re here, I can arrange that. I want you. But the ball’s in your court. Trust me. No one’s going to know.”

Her eyes widened but her brows furrowed. After an awkward pause, she finally spoke, her voice cracking. “Yeah. Sure. Why not? I’m game.” Her eyes told me she didn’t agree with what she’d said. But I wasn’t about to question her. She rubbed her fingers over my chest and traced them down to just above my cock. I groaned inwardly, my balls tightening. Yep. I was in for a world of hurt tonight. My length grew inside my cammies, and I wanted to take her then and there, but I needed to wait.

She fought a yawn, but it overtook her. I knew she must’ve been tired, after her long travel day. I had a week to be around her, take care of her every need, and maybe she’d take care of mine. Plus, I couldn’t wait to see her dance in those tight, white boy shorts the girls on her cheer team wore.

“You’ve got a big day tomorrow. I’ll work something out for after the show.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Kyle.” Her plump, pink lips parted, begging me to kiss them.

“Get a good night’s rest. I’m your personal security guard for the week. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kissed her with gusto, showing just how much I wanted her, and cupped her ass in my free hand. Then left before I got both of us in trouble. I walked back to my barracks, adjusting myself as I went. I’d plan a date with her tomorrow night. Shit, Pat owed me one. He’d find a way to hook a brother up.

I didn’t normally believe in fate—Pat and Annie were always talking about how they were destined to meet and be together. But that was for suckers, right? Shit. I shook my head. Could it be true? What were the chances of Sara and me meeting in San Diego, both omitting parts of our lives, and reuniting all the way across the world? I wasn’t gonna lie. The cheerleader and football player had a nice ring to it.