CHAPTER TWO
Bryce stood with Daphne and Jax as they studied the road network through Timbuktu. To say it was a maze of unmarked streets and identical looking buildings was not an understatement. The global positioning systems, aerial photographs, and paper maps did not agree with one another and, while that wasn’t unusual, it did make getting on target a little challenging.
Add to that the fact that the jihadists were known to use explosively formed penetrator technology and they were in for a fun night. As the mobility force commander of the op, it was Bryce’s responsibility to figure out the best way to mitigate encountering those bombs as well as get them in and out of the city without anyone knowing they were there. He’d succeeded before with similar situations and he sure as hell was going to make sure tonight wasn’t any different if they ended up with a vehicle interdiction.
He was going to have to rely on navigation software, landmarks, and vigilant observation if they ended up rolling into the northwest district of the city. “How active is the UN peacekeeping presence in the area?”
Daphne pointed to an aerial image on the large screen and then looked at both men. “They operate mostly in the outlying desert and, to our knowledge, they haven’t been inside the city very much in at least eight months. Their mission has been focused on making sure the small villages and tribes don’t fall under the influence of the jihadists again. Which is why we believe Yahya Abu el Hammam has decided to hide inside the city. Seems like he’s hiding in plain sight, playing the odds, and hoping no one recognizes him.”
“Yeah, I’ve got to agree,” Jax replied as he moved closer to the aerial map. “The place is a maze, so he has half a chance at succeeding.”
Bryce glanced over at Daphne and grinned. “He sure wasn’t a match for you, though.” When her cheeks flushed, he thought she was prettier than any woman he’d ever seen. Knowing it wasn’t the time or place to do something about his attraction, he let out a long slow breath. “If you could send this to my tablet, then I can plan a couple of options.”
“Absolutely.” She pushed her finger across the big screen and waited. “Let me know when you have it.”
Checking his tablet, he nodded. “Got it.” Looking up, he tried not to stare but found it almost impossible because she had the sweetest smile he’d ever encountered. It lit up her face, and being the selfish bastard that he was, he wanted them all pointed in his direction.
Jax shoved his elbow into Bryce’s side and he finally looked down at his tablet, pulling himself together. “Do we have a number of how many anti-aircraft guns the group might still possess?”
“At least one, possibly two,” Daphne replied. “I haven’t picked one up in months, so I don’t know if they’ve moved it or have it stashed for just the right moment. I’ll be monitoring all the images during your mission and TOC will relay anything of significance, so we should have intel long before you need it.”
“I hope it’s your beautiful voice that’s going to be updating me as we move through the op,” he responded as he once again stared at her beautiful face. “Because I surely couldn’t think of another one I’d like whispering in my ear.”
Daphne’s expression flattened, and she shook her head. “No, Lt. Andrews, I will not be whispering in your ear, but perhaps Ensign DeLuca will do.”
Realizing his statement was inappropriate, he looked down and nodded. “Of course, I’m sorry that didn’t come out right.” Groaning silently, he knew if he could kick his own ass he would. He’d just done the unthinkable and let his personal feelings bleed into his professional life and made the very lovely and professional CIO uncomfortable.
Something he’d never done before.
And planned on never doing again.
Jax shoved an elbow into him again and shook his head. “Do you have what you need?”
“Yes. I believe we’d be better off by inserting with little birds. The MH6 has a low signature for the high-density non-permissive environment, and we have a greater chance of landing on the X without anyone up our asses.” Looking across at Daphne, he cringed. “Apologies for the language.”
“Not anything I haven’t heard before and, considering it’s my job to ensure nothing is up your ass, we’re good.”
“Appreciate it.” He noticed she avoided making eye contact and he couldn’t blame her.
“You’re going to need a Chinook on the exfil, though, because with the extended fuel bladders and the high heat, they won’t give you enough latitude to exfil with more than one person, if you go in with six on the benches.”
“Do we have those readily available?” Jax asked.
“We will have whatever you need, Lt. Henderson. This is an HVT that everyone wants their hands on. We’ll have AC-130’s overhead, dancing to whatever tune you call.”
“That’s what a man likes to hear.” Looking over at Bryce, he nodded. “Looks like dropping in is the best option. We don’t need to be driving through the maze of Timbuktu and have our asses hangin’ out.”
“Agreed,” Bryce replied.
“Need anything else from CIO Ross?”
“No, sir.”
“Let’s go then and leave her to her duties.”
“Roger that.” Bryce gave Daphne a nod and noticed she only briefly made eye contact and swore he’d apologize at the first opportunity.
Walking out of the room, he kept his eyes down and wondered why she had affected him the way she had. Nothing like it had ever happened and he didn’t know why the brown-haired beauty was making him act like an idiot.
As he and Jax walked along the corridor that led to the hangars, he chastised himself again and again. “I was an ass,” he stated quietly.
“That you were, and since I know you well enough to recognize it was completely out of character, I’m going to refrain from giving you a speech.”
“I lost my cool and started flirting.” Looking up at the ceiling, he shook his head. “I’m always one hundred percent on point, completely professional, and what I said back there wasn’t.”
Jax threw his head back and laughed. “See, I knew I didn’t have to kick your ass because you were already doing a hell of a job.”
“I’ve got to apologize and make it right.”
“Leave it for now; you’re not breaking any fraternization rules, since you both hold essentially the same rank, but you can’t say shit that’s personal in a briefing.”
“I know,” he groaned loudly, “what the hell is wrong with me?”
“I’d say a bad case of lust.”
“Oh, I think it’s a lot worse than that.”
Jax chuckled. “What the hell is it with SEALs and Africa?”
“Not sure, sir. Not sure at all.”
“I expect you to conduct yourself in a professional manner from here on out. You need to see if she has any interest in pursuing anything personal before you move an inch forward. The last thing you need is any shit on your record that suggests you don’t know how to handle yourself.”
“Roger that, sir.”
They walked into the hangar and met the rest of the team, and Bryce pulled himself together, so he could do what he’d always done, and that was giving a hundred and fifty percent to the mission.
No matter what his brain was doing.
***
Bryce walked in the direction of the pool and thought about Daphne as he pulled up the memory of her smile for the fiftieth time. She was a damn stunner with her heart-shaped face and amazing body. Add to that a mouth he wanted to devour, and she was his idea of perfection.
Was that why he’d lost his professional shit like he had?
Did all it take was a pretty face and fierce intelligence to knock him on his ass?
Apparently so.
Which is why he needed to apologize before they were wheels up tomorrow. Women had a hard enough time in the Navy without idiots like him making comments that were suggestive. And though his hadn’t been horrible, it certainly wasn’t professional.
Letting out a frustrated groan, he knew there wasn’t much he could do unless they ran into each other before the briefing tomorrow. He certainly wasn’t going to chase her down on base and make her feel uncomfortable, but he sure would like the chance to make things right. Which, God-willing would happen, he thought as he passed the container-like housing.
Seeing a group of women at the end of the row, he figured this might be where they bunked and wondered how they did it. Looking up at the stack, he shook his head and said a prayer of thanks that’s not where he was billeted. Give him a tent or the outdoors and he’d be fine, but those stark metal boxes reminded him of a coffin.
He walked toward the group of women and was about to pass them when he caught sight of Daphne. She was dressed in PT gear and looked like she was about to go out on a run. Lifting his hand, he waved and watched her face break into a big smile.
That’ll do, he thought to himself. A woman gives you a smile like that and it’s not ‘cause she thinks you’re a dog with bad intentions. When she excused herself from the group and walked toward him, he tried not to grin like a fool. “CIO Ross, I’m glad we ran into each other because I need to apologize for what I said earlier. I know that it was unprofessional and want you to know I never meant any disrespect. I’m sorry.”
“I figured it was something like that. You seem like a buttoned-up guy, and I’m guessing the flirting isn’t a regular thing.”
“Absolutely, and I appreciate your understanding and promise never to say anything like it again.”
“That’s a heck of a promise and, if we turn out to be friends, then I won’t hold you to it.”
“Friends?”
“Yeah, why not?”
“I’d love that.”
“Daphne.”
“Pardon me?”
“That’s my first name, so please feel free to use it.”
“Oh, of course.” Gazing at her smile, he nodded. “Thank you.” Transfixed by her beauty, he continued to stare as a thousand questions popped into his head. Not able to decide which one he wanted to ask first, he stood mutely and tried to come up with the least personal one.
“Where are you headed?”
“What?”
“Where are you headed on the base?” Daphne asked.
“Sorry about that, I was lost in the sauce for a minute.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a laugh. “I’m headed to the pool and hopefully moving in the right direction.”
“You are.” Tilting her head to the west, she said, “Follow me. I’m on my way to the mud run, so I’ll show you the way.”
“Thank you.” He gave her a smile and then wondered if she was serious about the friend thing. If she was, he’d be totally on board because he wanted nothing more than to have a chance to get to know her.
And kiss her.
He definitely wanted that. Which made the speech he’d given her a minute ago a big fat lie. “Appreciate you answering all my questions in the briefing earlier. I always like to get as many facts as I can, and I’ve been told that I sometimes take it overboard.”
“I’m in intelligence, so as far as I’m concerned, there are never too many questions. After all, getting and having the facts is my job description.”
“Never thought of it like that, but I guess you’re right.” Seeing her long ponytail swing over her shoulder made him wonder what her hair looked like down and knew it wasn’t something he’d likely get the answer to anytime soon. “How long have you been stationed in Djibouti?”
“Twenty-four months. I’m returning stateside next week, and I’ve got an assignment with NSW Support Activity One at the NAB in Coronado.”
Silently shouting out a hallelujah, he nodded as if it wasn’t a big deal. “I’m stationed there as well, so when you get settled, I’ll have to take you out for pizza or whatever you’re craving from home.” When her eyes flew to his, he wondered if he’d gone too far. “As friends of course.”
“Of course,” she replied with a laugh.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, he reminded himself. As long as he didn’t trip all over himself and act like an idiot, he may actually have a shot with the beauty. “What’s the first thing you want to have when you return stateside?”
“I’m from San Diego, and I’ve been dreaming of crispy tacos, guacamole and chips, with a big margarita to wash it all down.”
“Then that’s what we’ll have. Just tell me your favorite place, and we’ll go.”
“That’s sweet of you, but don’t feel like you have to.”
Stopping, he turned and slipped off his sunglasses. “Daphne, there is no have to, but a whole lot of want to.” Her cheeks grew pink, and he prayed it was a sign of her interest and not anything else. “As friends, of course.”
“Thank you, Bryce. I’d like that.”
He let out a breath of relief and nodded. “Good, I thought for a minute I was being a pushy asshole and making you feel uncomfortable. I’ve never asked someone out to dinner that I’ve worked with since I joined the Navy and didn’t think there were fraternization rules against us having a meal, but coming on too strong is wrong and I know that and since I just apologized for saying something inappropriate, I don’t want you to think I’m not one hundred percent a gentleman and…”
“Breathe,” she said quietly.
Letting out a chuckle, he looked down into her sparkling eyes. “I’m the youngest of three, so I got into the habit of saying my piece when I had the chance because my older siblings are loud and pushy. If I didn’t say it all at once, it never got said.”
“I just have one sister, so I never had much competition when I wanted to say something.”
“You’re lucky.”
“My parents are missionaries, so they were never much interested in what either of us had to say unless it furthered their message of salvation, so I would’ve liked a couple of more siblings to talk to.”
“I’ll loan you my sister because she can talk until your ears bleed and loves nothing more than sharing her opinion on all matters great and small. Which works out since she’s a lawyer and people pay her to talk all day.”
“Seems she found the perfect job.”
“That she did.” Slowing his pace, he decided that stretching out their walk to the pool was his best option. “So, have you gotten to see much of the country while you’ve been here?”
“I’ve taken about a half-dozen trips, and I think my favorite was Lake Abbe. Which isn’t a lake at all.”
“Is that the place with the salt flats?”
“Yes,” she replied excitedly. “It’s situated next to Mount Dama Ali, which is a dormant volcano. The landscape is almost completely level with steaming sulphuric vents that make the place look apocalyptic. Some of the vents are 150 feet in the air, and it has a surprising population of flamingos.”
“Flamingos?”
“I know; it doesn’t make any sense. I also went to the Gouda mountains and the Maskali Islands, which are located in the Gulf of Tadjoura. The beaches are as pretty as anything you’d see anywhere in the world, and I’m grateful to have had a chance to see it.” Crossing her arms, she looked up and smiled. “When I joined the Navy, I promised myself that I’d see as much of the world as I could.”
“Me too!” Bryce replied. “A lot of the guys think it’s nuts, but I don’t want to miss seeing everything I can.”
“Exactly.”
Seeing her bright smile made something in his chest expand, and he wondered if maybe they couldn’t have an adventure together someday. “Got to admit, I’m a bit jealous of all the trips you’ve taken. The last time I was in the area, I only managed to see the Zakouma Preserve in Chad. It was amazing but not as exciting as what you’ve seen.”
“I’ve heard about Zakouma, and I’d love to go someday because I’ve heard the elephant herd is well over five hundred.” She ran her hand over her ponytail and gave him a small smile. “They’re my favorite animals.”
“We got to see the herd when we were there running security for some MSF nurses, and I have to say it was pretty damn spectacular.” They stopped in front of a Quonset hut and Bryce figured they had reached their destination. “Where is the mud run being held?”
“Over on the other side of the athletic compound.”
“I’ll come over later and cheer you on.” Looking at her beautiful, open face, he couldn’t help but feel like getting to know her could very well change his life.
“All right, Lt. Bryce Andrews, I think I’d like that.” Waving, she turned toward a set of buildings and disappeared around the corner.
Pumping his fist a couple of times, he let out a quiet victory yell. “That’s what I’m talking about,” he mumbled as he walked into the building. A date, he had a freaking date with a woman who by all accounts was incredible. So what if it was at least a month off and it was a friend thing. At least he had a chance.
As he dropped his gear on a bench, he wondered if there was something about this part of the Saharan region that was lucky for SEALs. After all, Frisco had met the love of his life in Chad; maybe the same thing was possible for him.
***
Daphne stood at the starting line with her friend, Helen, and shook out her legs. Glancing around, she tried to see if Bryce had shown up. When she didn’t see his handsome face, she decided it was better that way because the last thing she needed was for him to see how slow she was at these events.
The fact that she always managed to finish them was a testament to her grit, and the only reason she put herself through the torture was because her physical qualifications were coming up and she wanted to pass them without question.
“Who are you looking for?” Helen asked.
“No one.”
“Maybe the no one is that handsome SEAL you walked off with earlier.”
“It’s not a big deal, but he did say he might stop by, and I don’t want to be rude and ignore him if he’s on the sidelines.”
“Yeah, that’s what you’re worried about.”
“You hush; it’s not what you think.”
Sliding her hands on her hips, Helen smirked. “And what is it that I’m thinking?”
Tightening her ponytail, she shrugged. “Something naughty.”
“You do realize that physical relations between consenting adults is not naughty and everything your parents tried to sell you about the evils of the flesh is probably wrong.”
“I know.” Bending over, she touched her toes and knew intellectually it was true, but sometimes had a hard time shutting down the loud shrill voice in her head telling her otherwise.
Not that she couldn’t.
“Daphne.”
Looking over, she saw Bryce wave her over. “I’ll just say hi and then be right back.”
“Take your time,” Helen called out.
As she walked in his direction, she did her best not undress him with her eyes. His damp T-shirt clung to his wide chest and his PT shorts draped beautifully on his hips, and she had no idea why he was interested in spending time together. A man like him had his pick of women and she hadn’t ever been the one they picked. “That was a fast swim.”
“Didn’t want to miss the race. What are you in for?”
Groaning, she looked across the concrete expanse. “Grass crawl, three different mud pits, hurdle jumps, tire flips, and tire steps.”
“Cakewalk.”
“For you,” she replied as she shook her head. “Nothing about the next forty minutes is going to be cake-like at all.”
“Now that’s where you’re wrong. Let me run alongside you and show you how much fun this thing can be. Looking down, he lifted his eyebrows in question. “As long as that’s okay with you.”
Snorting, she shook her head. “I like to keep my humiliation to myself, but since you’re here, it’s not like I can turn you away.”
Leaning forward, he looked from side to side. “If I do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, then please tell me. I know my attraction to you is obvious and if I make an ass out of myself again, just get in my face, and I’ll back off.”
Looking up, she saw his pained expression and took his hand. “We’re on our own time and we can hang out and get to know one another. I like you, Bryce, and can use all the friends I can get. Just make sure you don’t say flirty things in briefings and we’ll be fine.”
“You got it.” He let out a long breath. “I feel a lot better now that I have confirmation you’re interested because this crazy energy between us is off the damn charts. I feel like I’m sittin’ in an electric chair and you’re the one in control of the switch.”
Letting out a snort, she stepped back. “That sounds horrible.”
“Not at all,” he replied as he took a step closer. “It’s like being totally alive and knowing you’ve got the chance to see colors you never knew existed.” He gave her a rueful grin and shrugged.
“Oh Bryce, that’s…”
“Here come the guys,” he said as he waved them over. Leaning over, he put his mouth to her ear and whispered, “It’s true, Daphne, and I don’t plan on ignoring it.”
Before she could form a response, she watched the group of SEALs walk up. Her brain was scrambling to make sense of his statement and it couldn’t, so she decided to ignore it and deal with it later. “Hey, guys.”
Jax gave her a nod and looked around. “We came to conquer.”
Bryce grinned as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Not in a SEALs’ nature to miss a chance to kick some ass and we’ll be doing that today.”
Caid let out a loud snort. “Not much ass to kick, this is too easy.”
“The men on base take this thing seriously, so I hope they have a sense of humor when they get their butts whipped by you guys.”
“Not much anyone can do about it because we play to win,” Jax replied as he cracked his knuckles.
Ace looked at the crowd and shook his head. “I’m going to the starting line, so I don’t run anyone over.”
“Me too,” Caid said.
“Have fun,” Daphne replied as she stepped away from the group. “See you guys later.”
“What are you talking about?” Bryce asked as he lifted her hand and laced their fingers together. “We’re doing this thing together.”
“Don’t you want to go with the guys?”
“Why would I want to do that when I can be next to you?”
“I’m hoping to survive this thing and have no prayer of winning, so you should do it with your buddies. Unless you need a good laugh and are interested in seeing me roll in some mud.”
“Not the worst thing I’ve ever heard of.” Tugging her forward, he walked in the direction of the starting line. “Let’s kick some ass.”
“I’m not really an ass-kicker, I’m more of a ‘pray to survive’ type of girl.” Seeing Helen, she waved her over. “Bryce is joining us.”
Helen leaned forward and waved. “Welcome to the party.”
“Thanks, looking forward to it,” he responded with confidence. “This is going to be good.”
Sliding her hand away from Bryce’s, she stepped back. “You go ahead.”
Leaning over, Helen whispered, “Why are you moving away from the hunk?”
“Because I don’t want to be caught in the melee when he kicks everyone’s ass.”
Leaning back, Helen took a slow perusal of him and shook her head. “He’s here for you and you should enjoy it.”
“Maybe.”
The horn blew, indicating the start of the race, and Daphne watched the SEALs take off, leading the pack. “Here goes nothing.”
“Come on, darlin’, let’s go find ourselves some mud.”
Taking Bryce’s outstretched hand, she laughed as they headed for the first obstacle. Moving through the grass crawl quickly, she wondered if he was as good as he seemed. Helen finished before them and ran toward the next obstacle. “Are you sure you don’t want to go ahead?” she asked as they ran toward the first mud pit.
“If you think I’m gonna miss crawlin’ through mud with a pretty lady, then you’re crazy.”
Laughing, she ran toward the pit and dove in and started to slog through it. Looking over, she saw Bryce move next to her with a huge grin on his face. “Having fun?”
“More than you can imagine.”
When they made it to the end, he hauled her out and took her hand as they ran to the next pit and repeated the process. After that, they flipped tires together, and then went through another mud pit, and finally made it through the tire steps.
Crossing the line hand in hand with laughter spilling from their mouths, she heard Helen and the SEALs cheering them on. The moment they crossed the finish line, Bryce scooped her up and swung her around as he yelled hooyah.
Before he let her slide down his body, he said quietly into her ear, “That was our first team building exercise. Can’t wait until the next one.”
Seeing the sparkle of mischief in his eyes as he held her against his chest made her realize that Lt. Bryce Andrews was not only handsome and chivalrous but a lot of fun. “Me too,” she replied as she slid down over his muscled chest.
Looking up, she felt her breath catch as she studied his carved square jaw and bright green eyes. He was the whole package with his impressive height and muscled physique. Add to that his awkward charm, and he was impossible to resist. “Thanks, Bryce.”
“All my pleasure,” he replied. Taking her hand, he pulled her in the direction of the big outdoor shower that was set up. “Let’s get rinsed off and then get something to eat.”
“Are you sure?”
Stopping abruptly, he dropped her hand. “I thought you were interested.” He shook his head and exhaled slowly. “Did I get my signals mixed-up?”
She took his hand. “No, I like you, Bryce, it’s just that…”
“What?”
Realizing she was being an idiot, she shook her head and then gave him a smile. “Nothing.”
Moving her muddy hair off her shoulder, he rested his hand on her shoulder. “Let me take you out for supper tonight, then.”
Looking at his hopeful smile, she decided there was nothing she’d like to do more than get to know him. “There’s a Pizza Hut outpost on the other side of the base and I’d love to grab a slice with you, so you can tell me about Zakouma and the elephants.”
“Can’t think of anything I’d like to do more.”
She watched him press his hand to his heart and stumble back with a huge grin and decided that Lt. Bryce Andrews was not only a dreamboat but damn charming.
Which meant that going to San Diego might turn out better than she imagined because not only was she excited about her new responsibilities, but also about the very handsome, sweet man next to her.