Her forehead puckered. “How so?”
He explained the fundraiser. “The Trident Foundation. It supports Navy SEALs and their families in times of need.”
“Oh.” She looked at him with wide eyes. “I didn’t realize that’s what it was for.”
He shrugged, stroking one soft calf. “Yeah.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“I’m a nice guy.”
“Well.”
He frowned, his hand going still. “What? I am.”
Her smile was knowing. “Sure.”
“Hey.”
“I’m teasing you.” She reached out and touched his lips with her index finger. “What I meant was, you look like a very sexy bad boy with your long hair and tattoos and beard. But I’m coming to see that you are, in fact, a very nice guy.”
“Yeah, well, don’t tell too many people. Wouldn’t want to ruin that bad-boy image.”
Her smile made heat pool in his groin. “You’re the one who was claiming to be a nice guy.”
“Just to you.” Because for some crazy reason, he wanted her to know that. “Hey, have you eaten?”
“No.”
“Want to go get something? We could go to Conquistadors.”
She sucked on her bottom lip and regarded him warily. “I actually have work to do…”
He considered that. “Look, I don’t want to be that guy who distracts you from shit you have to do. Really. I know your work is important to you. But you have to eat, Hayden.”
She nodded slowly. “Yeah, that’s true. So we could just go for something quick…”
That wasn’t what he wanted. At all. But he really didn’t want to be an asshole. “Sure. Just grab a bite and I’ll bring you home. Or would it work better for you if we just ordered something in?”
“I need to cook dinner for you sometime.”
“Okay, then.”
“But not tonight.” She made a face. “Sorry. I don’t like eating restaurant food all the time. It’s healthier to eat at home. But I suck at finding time to shop and cook. Especially lately, with looking after my aunt and uncle and everything else. I picked up a few things yesterday when I was shopping for them, but honestly, after spending the whole afternoon at the spa, I don’t have time to make anything.”
“No worries. We’ll order something healthy. What’s your favorite place?”
“EVO.”
“Right, you mentioned that the other day. Mostly vegetarian?”
“Yes.”
Ugh. He squared his shoulders. “Okay, I can do that. Let’s have a look at their menu. I’ll go pick it up and you can get some work done.”
“Really?” She gazed back at him.
“Sure.” They moved over to her computer on the desk. “So what’s up with your aunt and uncle? You never said anything before about looking after them.”
She brought up the EVO menu on her screen. “My aunt fell and broke her hip a couple of months ago. She’s doing better, but still not getting around well, and it turns out my uncle is as helpless as a newborn guppy.”
Amusement curled inside him even though it was a serious topic. “So not only are you killing yourself trying to find the cure for cancer, you’re looking after your aunt and uncle.”
“Well, I’m trying.” She sighed. “I’d like a fish taco.”
“Sounds good.”
“I’m surprised you’re not telling me to try something new.”
He gave her a slow grin. “Hey. This is new for me. I have to try new things too.”
“Somehow I don’t think that’s as difficult for you as it is for me.”
He grimaced. “In my experience, change is usually for the better. But it can be hard for all of us at times.” He kissed her nose. “I’ll go get the food and be back soon.”
“Thank you.” Their eyes met, and the connection stretched out warm and vibrant.
“You’re welcome.”
Fuck, he just wanted to explore how soft and smooth she was everywhere. But he could also be patient. And dammit, he wanted her to be happy, and if she was worried and stressed about work not getting done, he’d find a way to help her with that.
Christ, what was even happening with him? Usually when he was worried about making a woman happy it was a question of whether he should use his fingers, tongue, or cock.
He made the quick trip to EVO and returned with their food, which they ate sitting on her couch. The fish taco was surprisingly good. He told her more about the skydiving and how thrilled the guy who’d jumped with him had been. They were nearly finished when Hayden’s cellphone rang.