SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,51
installed the best system they had.”
“It’s adequate.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Fortress Security’s top-of-the-line model. Because you’re a client, Brent will cut you a deal.”
“It’s necessary?”
“I wouldn’t recommend a new system if I didn’t think you needed it to keep you safe.”
“I thought keeping me safe was your job.”
His lips curved. “We will. Doesn’t hurt to have an excellent system to keep you safe when we’re gone.”
Rafe wrapped his arm around Kristi’s waist. “If Jon says your system needs upgrading, you can take that to the bank. We’re not into sales. We just want you safe.” He kissed her temple. “I need to know you’re safe when I’m deployed,” he murmured.
Kristi’s expression softened as she leaned into his side. “Evaluate my security needs and give me an estimate. Hopefully, Mr. Maddox will give me an excellent discount.”
He hugged her. “Thanks.”
“Relationships are two-way streets. We give each other what we need. I need a new security system, and you need peace of mind.”
Unable to help himself despite their avid audience, Rafe kissed her. “You need to eat,” he said as his teammates grabbed sandwiches and coffee, and sat at the large kitchen table.
“I’m not hungry. The tea is enough for now.”
“Your body needs fuel to heal even if you don’t feel hungry. Stress does funny things to our appetites. Some people don’t want to eat at all. Others can’t stop eating.”
Kristi wrinkled her nose. “I guess we know which category I fall into.”
“Do the best you can. Otherwise, Jackson will tear a strip off my hide for not taking care of you.”
“Can’t have that.”
He chuckled at her unenthusiastic response and handed her a sandwich. Rafe sat beside her at the table with his sandwiches and cup of coffee. By unspoken consent, the conversation stayed light while they polished off their meal.
When they finished, Rafe helped Kristi to her feet. “What about giving me a tour of Kristi’s Bridal?”
“Are you sure? Most men aren’t comfortable here.”
He wouldn’t be comfortable, either, but walking around the first floor would help him learn the layout of her house. “I’ll survive.”
“Don’t blame me if you break out in hives from all the lace and satin.”
They returned to the first floor, and Kristi led him to the kitchen. “I know it’s overkill to have two kitchens in one house, but I use this one for Kristi’s Bridal. I keep water, coffee, soft drinks, and tea, iced and herbal, stocked. Depending on whether I have a morning or afternoon session, I serve muffins or cookies, sometimes a cheese platter with crackers if I know the bride-to-be prefers that. I also have other baking supplies here if the mood strikes me to make something more elaborate.”
“I prefer the kitchen upstairs.”
Kristi smiled. “So do I.” She led him from room to room, each one containing elegant furniture until she opened the door to her workroom.
She turned on the light and stepped inside. “This is the heart of Kristi’s Bridal.”
Rafe followed, looking at the sewing machines, large table, a long rack with dresses in a rainbow of colors. The dresses were in various phases of completion. On the opposite wall was an even longer rack of wedding dresses.
He whistled and fought the growing urge to back out of the room before he knocked over something. He was definitely out of his element here. “Nice.”
Kristi grinned. “You earned serious brownie points for not running from the room.”
“I’m afraid to move. I might break something.”
“Do you want to see the designs I put together for Maggie, the Marine’s bride?”
Not really. “Sure.”
She laughed and clasped his hand. “Come on. It won’t hurt, I promise.”
As Kristi started toward the computer and design table on the far side of the room, Rafe caught movement outside the window from the corner of his eye. He tackled Kristi as a bullet shattered the glass pane.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Rafe covered Kristi with his body and drew his weapon. When she groaned and shifted, he held her still. “Don’t move.” Had he hurt Kristi when he tackled her?
“Rafe!” Eli called.
“West side, last room on the left. Shooter fired one shot through the window.”
“Injuries?”
“I’m okay. Not sure about Kristi.” He watched the window, weapon aimed and ready, although he figured the shooter was gone since he didn’t continue to fire into the room.
“Stay down until Cal and Jon clear the area.”
“Copy that.” Without taking his focus from the window, Rafe said, “You okay, Kristi?”
“I don’t know. Everything hurts.”
“I’m sorry.” Although Rafe didn’t regret shoving her from harm’s way, hurting Kristi wasn’t his intention. He might