SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,78
recording her. One of her original security team members promised to send us a copy of the security footage. Once we have it, hack into Ward Security’s server, find that footage, and delete every bit of it.”
“I’ll be glad to do that for you. How is she?”
His hand clenched around the phone. “Afraid to go into her own bedroom.”
“The fear will pass.” In the background, a baby cried. “Oops. I have to go. Claire is in the shower. Talk to you soon.” Zane ended the call.
Twenty minutes later, Rafe and Kristi were back on the first floor in the kitchen. Between the two of them, they prepared pancakes and coffee for Wolf Pack and peppermint tea for Kristi.
When the group finished eating, Eli said, “I’ll clean the kitchen. Kristi, what’s on the menu for your clients?”
She grimaced. “More chocolate chip cookies that I need to bake, and cheese and crackers.”
Rafe and his teammates exchanged glances. The members of Wolf Pack could handle a grill, but baking cookies might be beyond their skill set. “Chocolate chip cookies from scratch?” he asked.
“They’re slice and bake.”
He relaxed. “I can handle the cookies. Does the cheese need to be sliced?”
“It’s pre-sliced. You just need to arrange the slices on the platter with the crackers.”
“We’ll take care of it. Go work on Maggie’s dress.”
“Thanks, Rafe. You’re a lifesaver.”
“I’ll remind you of that when I need to get myself out of the doghouse.”
She started for the hallway, then stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “I can help in here so you can go to bed sooner.”
“You already helped prepare breakfast. This is a team effort. Besides, baking cookies won’t take that long since the dough is already prepared. Go work on that beautiful dress.”
After blowing him a kiss, eliciting a series of catcalls from Rafe’s teammates, Kristi laughed and hurried from the room.
After a couple of beats, Cal murmured, “If you don’t marry that woman, you’re an idiot, Torres.”
He flashed a grin at his friend. “My mother didn’t raise a fool.”
While Eli cleared the breakfast dishes, Rafe started a fresh pot of coffee and sliced cookie dough, arranging the slices on sprayed baking sheets. Two hours later, the kitchen was clean, cookies were arranged on trays, and the house was filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. He might have sampled one or two. He considered it the baker’s privilege since he had to be sure the cookies tasted good.
After washing his hands, Rafe walked to the workroom to check on Kristi. “How’s it going?”
She stopped sewing and smiled at him. “Coming along. I’ve been smelling those cookies. Did they turn out?”
“They’re delicious.” He grinned.
Kristi laughed. “Did you leave any for me?”
“Of course. I saved a couple for you. They’re in a plastic bag, hidden in your tea cabinet.”
“Perfect spot. None of your teammates will bother looking in there.” She rose and came to him. “Going to bed now?”
“For a few hours. Eli and Cal are on duty. Jon’s asleep and Jackson will be close. If you need me, come get me.”
“I’ll be fine. Sleep well.”
Rafe decided not to push. If something happened, he’d know. One of his teammates would wake him. He’d as good as declared his intention to marry Kristi a couple of hours ago. That news would make his teammates all the more protective of the woman who held his heart.
He climbed the stairs to the second floor, stretched out on the bed, and dropped into a light sleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Kristi concentrated on assembling Maggie’s dress until Jill arrived. She glanced at her assistant who held a large to-go cup in her hand as she shuffled through the doorway with dark circles beneath her eyes. “Late night?”
Jill shrugged off her sweater and dropped her purse in the closet. “Mom was having a crisis. She and her fifth husband are fighting, and she’s worried that her latest marriage is imploding.”
“I’m sorry. That must be difficult for all of you.”
“Understatement. Is that Maggie’s dress?”
She nodded. “Want to see?” When her assistant nodded, Kristi held up the partially completed dress for Jill’s perusal.
Jill gasped. “This dress was a concept yesterday morning, and now it’s coming together right before our eyes. You’ve worked like a demon on that masterpiece. So, exactly how early did you get up this morning?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“I thought so.” She frowned. “You should have waited for me. I planned to help you assemble the dress.”
“I couldn’t sleep. We’ll be slammed again today. Since you’re here now, I’ll let you take over.