SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,19
want water or tea?”
“Water, please.”
“Are you hungry?”
Her stomach growled on cue. Cheeks burning, she smiled. “Guess that answers your question.”
Rafe chuckled. “I’ll see what Nate prepared for the trainees.”
She blinked. “The same Nate who helped with my rescue?”
“That’s the one. He’s a professional chef.”
Her mouth gaped. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. The man can make anything taste good.”
As he spoke, the rest of Rafe’s teammates entered the cafeteria. Eli Wolfe, Wolf Pack’s leader, walked to their table while the others headed for the kitchen.
“Maddox wants an update,” he said to Rafe.
“As soon as Kristi eats, we’ll call from the conference room.”
Eli’s eyes twinkled as he turned to Kristi. “You didn’t like the food at Memorial Hospital?”
“To be honest, the food didn’t smell all that appetizing.”
He laughed. “I agree. You won’t be sorry you waited.”
She glanced at Rafe. “I’m guessing the trainees have already eaten. I don’t want to inconvenience Nate, especially since he was up half the night running down a mountain to protect me. A bagel or something simple is fine.” The way her stomach felt this morning, simple was better than a five-star gourmet meal.
“I’ll see what he has available.” He joined his teammates in the kitchen.
“So, you make wedding dresses?” Eli asked.
“That’s right. Are you getting married soon?”
He held up his left hand to show his black wedding band. “Already married to the most amazing, gorgeous woman ever born, and we have the most beautiful daughter in the world. How long have you been in business for yourself, Kristi?”
She smiled at his description of his family. Kristi longed for her future husband to describe her as amazing and beautiful. Hugh never said anything like that about her. Definitely not the right man. The sooner she turned down his proposal, the better for both of them. “Almost four years.”
“You like it?”
“I love it. Designing and creating the right dress for a bride is a dream job.” Her smiled faded. “How long will I have to stay here, Eli?”
His eyebrow rose. “Tired of my company already?”
Kristi’s face burned. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I need to return to Bakerhill soon. I have responsibilities to fulfill.”
“At the expense of your life?”
“My assistant is able to make dresses without me. She can’t design them. I have a design consultation on Monday that I can’t miss. The wedding is in two weeks.”
“I don’t know anything about how long it takes to make a dress, but I remember my wife stressing about her own dress six weeks before we married. Why did this bride wait so long to consult with you?”
“She’s marrying a Marine who’s deploying a week after the wedding. They haven’t known each other long, but fell in love instantly. He wants to marry her before he deploys. He’s determined that she have the protection of his name before he goes.”
Eli’s expression softened. “We’ll see what we can do to get you back to Bakerhill.”
Relief flooded her. She didn’t want to let Maggie down. “Thank you.”
“Do you only sell your own designs in your shop?”
She nodded.
“How long ago did you decide to design wedding dresses?”
“I was a freshman in high school when I convinced my father to take me to a bridal show.” Kristi smiled at the memory of her father’s consternation when she requested the outing for her birthday. For her, he’d conceded and accompanied her to the show, then taken her to dinner at her favorite restaurant.
He chuckled. “I bet that went over well.”
“You have no idea how many people stared at us during the show. Dad was relieved when the show ended.”
Rafe returned to their table with a plate for Kristi along with a to-go cup. On the plate was a toasted bagel a small bowl of cut fruit, and a small container of cream cheese. “Nate said if this isn’t what you need, let him know and he’ll make an omelet for you.” He turned to Eli. “Get your breakfast. I’ll sit with Kristi until you or one of the others returns to the table.”
Eli’s brows furrowed as his gaze shifted to the doorway to the kitchen. “What’s taking them so long?”
“Nate is making personalized omelets.” He pointed at his team leader. “Mine is the Spanish omelet. No mooching my breakfast, Wolfe.”
“That sounds good. I might ask Nate to prepare two Spanish omelets.” He clapped Rafe on the shoulder. “I’ll bring yours when it’s finished.”
“Thanks.” As the other man strode toward the kitchen to place his order, Rafe turned his attention to Kristi. “You and Eli appeared to be