Free Delta Recon (SEAL Team Phantom Series, Book 2) by Elle Boon

rooms for the night. You want us to bring you back something to eat?”
    Tay looked down at the sleepy looking woman. “No, I’ll just see if I can’t get whatever she’s having.”
    Jaqui snorted. “So far I’ve had broth, juice and water. I think you’ll starve, big guy.”
    “Don’t worry about me. There’s a cafeteria I can get something from.”
    Kai gave him an assessing glance, then pecked Jaqui on the cheek. “You stay out of trouble, and don’t let this one do anything stupid. We’ll be back in the morning.”
    He had to stand by while the rest of the team said their goodbyes, even Dallas, who being the clown he was tried to kiss her on the lips, but failed as she turned her cheek with a laugh.
    “You know I would rip your lips off, Dallas. Besides, who knows where those things have been.” She gave a mock shudder.
    Dallas frowned. “Hey, I haven’t had them anywhere.” He paused. “Lately.” Winking, he sauntered out ahead of the others.
    “That boy is gonna get in more trouble with some lady, or because of a lady,” Kai said, waving as he walked out the door.
    “I didn’t think they’d ever leave. How are you feeling?” Tay sat back in the spot by her hip. He could see she was trying to hide the fact she was hurting from him.
    “They took the pain pump out this morning when they moved me up here. I’m not sure when I’m due for meds.” Looking at the clock with a forlorn expression, she grimaced.
    Tay knew what he’d gone through, and pushed the call button, explaining what they wanted to the voice over the speaker, he stayed next to Jaqui even when the nurse came in. He looked at the woman’s name, and watched as she gave the dose.
    “Can I place an order for dinner along with Jaqui, or do I need to go down to the cafeteria myself, Heather?” He knew the answer, but wanted to see how the lady would answer.
    “You can order a meal, and as luck would have it, Ms. Wallace is cleared for a regular diet as well. I’ll bring you both back a menu. Now, don’t get excited, it’s not the best selection, but better than broth,” she laughed then walked out.
    Jaqui patted his hand. “You can stop planning all the ways she can be killed now.”
    The slurred tone of her voice had him looking down. He loved that she understood just what he was thinking, and was fine with it. Many women would have been appalled at his thoughts, but his Jaqui made a joke, and accepted it and him. Loved. Yeah, he was pretty sure he loved her. Like head over ass loved. Watching her eyes drift shut, he promised to always keep her safe, even if it meant he had to kick his own ass.
    He tensed as the door opened, holding his finger to his mouth, he eased up from the bed and met the nurse halfway across the room. Quickly he scanned the card and ordered for both he and Jaqui. She looked over to the bed and the sleeping Jaqui, then smiled and nodded.
    “I’ll place the order now,” she said quietly.
    “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
    After checking that he didn’t need anything else, she left. Tay wanted to lay next to Jaqui and hold her, but worried he’d wake her up, and didn’t want to cause eyebrows to raise at Walter Reed. Instead, he pulled the reclining chair next to the bed and sat.
    The cell in his pocket vibrated. Pulling it out, he read a text from Kai, letting him know where they were staying. He told him all was good, and that he had dinner handled. Before he replaced his phone, he opened his browser and checked to see if there was any news about the drug cartels. Although the government liked to keep missions hush hush, sometimes the media caught wind of things, which was not good for those in the military. His search came up with nothing, making him relax. Opening his email, he scrolled through, deleted several until he came to one from his mom. The woman was tenacious in her quest to get him married so she could have grandbabies. His head jerked up, automatically looking at Jaqui. His mother would