“Not really,” Beck admitted, but he tagged along to admire the bright flowering shrubs. “But it’s nice.”
“You live in a house?”
“A condo. Nothing special but it’s on the bay and has nice views.”
“How long did you say you’ve been out of the Navy?”
“A little over a year.”
Colin eyed him. “Assume you saw action overseas.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Why’d you leave?”
Beck stared across the verdant space. “Well, I guess there were a few reasons. Things were changing. Politics were making it harder to get things done. Sometimes it felt like we were filling out paperwork more than anything. And…” He paused, thinking. “I saw some of my teammates struggling with balance. The married guys who ended up divorced because they were never home. Even when they were on leave, they’d come in to work on their gear, cleaning their weapons or doing some last minute stuff before we deployed again. I mean, I get it—we all loved what we did. But I just thought maybe it was time for me to find that balance…time for a life of my own, before it’s too late. I saw the things they missed…the weddings and funerals and births. And they loved their families.” He looked at Colin. “I can see how much you love your wife.”
Colin nodded, his eyebrows pulled together. “Hell yeah. Been married forty-five years.”
“That’s great. You’ve probably been through some hard times together.”
“Yeah.”
“I saw some of my buddies’ wives struggling…saw how hard it was keeping things going when their guy was away so much.”
Colin gave him a long level look. “Yeah?”
Beck nodded, keeping his tone casual. “Those Navy wives dealt with it because they had to. But your wife shouldn’t. You’re right here…yet your wife is still struggling.”
For a minute, Beck was afraid the old dude was going to hit him. He’d tried to be subtle about it, but what the hell, clear communication was important.
“Sorry if I’m butting in. Just something to think about.” He headed back into the house, knowing Hayden was probably in there trying to get things sorted.
“I’m going to have to do some laundry,” she muttered when he found her.
“Hayden, I can do it,” Gina protested, having used her walker to enter the kitchen.
“You can’t do stairs yet, Aunt Gina. And you can’t carry laundry when you’re in your walker.”
“I can kick a bag of laundry down the stairs.”
Hayden laughed.
“I’ll do it.” They all turned to see Colin entering the kitchen. He stepped over to the sink, where he turned on the faucet and started scrubbing his hands.
“Um, do you know how to do laundry, Uncle Colin?”
“No damn clue,” he said. “But Gina will give me instructions and we’ll manage.” He turned, using a towel to dry his hands. “Thank you though, for offering. We really appreciate everything you do, Hayden.”
She ducked her chin briefly. “Of course. Okay, while you’re doing that I’ll put together the lasagna and get it in the oven. And I picked up a salad at the deli.”
Beck watched as Colin hesitated.
“You make good lasagna,” he finally said. “We appreciate that too.”
“Thanks!” Hayden smiled and moved to the counter.
“What can I do?” Beck asked.
She gave him directions and between the two of them they assembled layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and put it in the oven to bake.
“Damn, that looks good.” He arched a brow. “When did you say you were going to cook for me?”
Her slow, sexy smile made his dick thicken. “Anytime you want.”
He moved into her space, crowding her against the counter. “My buttoned-up little professor is learning to let loose.”
She laughed and laid her arms over his shoulders. “Should we go back to my place and make another lasagna?”
“Fuck. That makes me feel guilty. You slave away here all afternoon and then go home and do more cooking? Nah. I’ll take you out to Emilio’s.”
She laughed and he bent his head to nuzzle her ear. His blood heated as he breathed in the scent of her hair, her curves all pressed up against him. He hadn’t spent last night with her, because she’d gone home with Carrie and he’d gone home alone to his condo. Just him and his hand. Which had been sorely needed after watching Hayden enjoy that tequila, a look of nearly sexual pleasure on her face. He’d fucking hated that she was on the other side of the bar from him, save the few times he got to take a break and go around and feel her up a little and sneak a kiss. He’d wanted to be right beside her, or better yet, have her in his lap as he held a glass of spirits to her mouth so she could taste it and then he could lick it off her lips…