Warrior (Navy SEALs Romance Book 5) Read Online Free Page A

flat tire. I’m getting it fixed later today. But how about you? Any luck out here this morning? I’ve heard you have to get here before sunrise to get a good spot on the pier.”
    “That may be true for some folks, but those who cast around here know to stay outta my way when it comes to my fishing!” Mrs. Romero said, laughing and showing a gap-toothed smile. “But speaking of getting up bright and early… I happened to let my cat in last night and saw you talking with a very handsome young man.”
    The old woman stared directly at Emily, the wrinkles around her eyes giving away her humorous mood even as her dark brown eyes bored into the younger woman’s. Emily felt herself blush slightly, not from being caught in the act but from being put on the hot seat.
    “Oh, that. That was just my Good Samaritan. He showed up as I was getting out of the car to inspect the damage, and luckily he was able to change it. Don’t worry, I already got a good chewing out for driving on those tires long past the point where it was safe!”
    “Good! But you’re a smart and capable woman. You shouldn’t have to wait for a man to tell you to get your car checked, you should know better,” Mrs. Romero said, wagging her finger at Emily in mock anger. “You have a good head on your shoulders, now use it to look after yourself. What if those tires had caused you to have an accident? Or what if you’d broken down in a bad neighborhood instead of near the house? Or what if that man who came along wasn’t such a Good Samaritan, and instead he…”
    “All right! I get it!” Emily said with an appreciative, apologetic laugh. “You’re right. I’ll do a better job of looking after myself.”
    “I know you will, carina. It’s just that you’re one of those rare gems, and we wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Now go… finish your walk in this lovely sunshine, and get busy today!” The woman patted Emily’s cheek like only a true grandmother could do, then turned her attention back to her oversized fishing rod. She turned back to call over her shoulder, “If I catch anything good, I’ll have it ready for you when you get home… but only if you promise to come home at a decent hour! If you work too long, I’m giving your portion to Mittens!”
    “I’ll be good, I promise!” Emily called back as she moved on, matching her stride to the pounding of her heart.
    Who needs snooty academics who are too good to talk to the new professor when you have wonderful people in your life--people like Clark and Mrs. Romero--who genuinely care?
    Emily made it home, had a quick bite to eat, and showered before heading to work. A note on her car’s windshield told her everything she needed to know about this mysterious man she’d reluctantly promised to meet for lunch:
    Forgot to mention it last night, if I stand you up it only means we got an emergency call. I’d try to let you know either way, but just didn’t want you to feel like I’d ditched you. Fingers crossed nobody needs saving today!  --Mike
    Emily smiled and tucked the note into her briefcase. She looked around cautiously for a moment, wondering if Mike was still lingering somewhere nearby. The thought was unnerving, but she reminded herself not to judge him too quickly.

Chapter 5
    “ M ore iced tea , honey?” the waitress asked, her plastic pitcher poised in mid-air over Emily’s half-empty glass. She poured to the rim after Emily nodded. “Do you need more fries?”
    “Oh no, thanks. I'm just about full.” Emily gestured to the scrap of a burger and the handful of fries left on her plate. She looked back at her notebook, content to have eaten lunch alone and gotten some reading done.
    “Don't worry, girlfriend. Any guy who'd skip out on a lunch date with someone as pretty as you don't deserve to eat, much less get to eat with you.”
    She smiled reassuringly, trying hard not to look like she was showing Emily pity.
    “Well, thanks. But he told me he might not