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EVERLY SLIPPED THE flowy chiffon dress over her head in the small tented dressing area, adjusting the material over her breasts. Her strapless bra lay on the chair, the lines of the dress not working with it. She turned sideways, looking in the mirror. They’d been shooting for hours, trying to catch up on lost time due to the rain delays. The clothes were all amazing, and while it was fun, she’d been slightly on edge the entire time, afraid something bad was going to happen.
Tyler and Mark had both been here all day on the lookout for any suspicious activity. True to his word, Mark had somehow gotten a list of names of the crew. She didn’t think any of them were involved, but she also understood why he wanted to be thorough. Although she presumed her old phone number was still getting texts from the man harassing her, she hadn’t seen them.
That didn’t make her worry less though.
She stepped into a pair of high-heeled sandals, the delicate leather twisting across the vamp in the front. She had to admit it was a sexy shoe. She fluffed her hair, readying for the next round. The hair and makeup team had been amazing. She now had a perfect manicure and pedicure, sexy waves, and perfectly applied makeup. She hated the feeling of when makeup was caked on, but they’d made her look fresh and beautiful with minimal products and fuss.
“Are you coming, Everly?” one of the other bloggers, Bria, called from outside.
“Yes! I’ll be there in a minute.”
Her bra and panties were still on the chair by her purse, but the dressing area had limited access. The thong she’d put on wasn’t the most comfortable, but at least she didn’t have visible panty lines. She felt like a sexy goddess in this dress and couldn’t wait to see the look on Mark’s face when he saw her.
He’d been hovering protectively around her all day. Rather than scaring her, it had made her feel safe. He and Tyler had taken turns grabbing lunch, and she knew her brother was close by now so that Mark could eat.
Walking across the makeshift dressing area in the tent, she pushed aside the flap. One of the security guys was still standing there, looking bored. Her heel caught on the edge of the tent opening, and she nearly stumbled. The man caught her, his beefy arm wrapping around her waist.
A chill snaked down her spine, but he released her as she righted herself.
“Easy there,” he said in a raspy voice.
“Oh my God, are you okay?” Bria called out, walking over. “I almost tripped earlier, too. I love that dress!” she continued, looking at the bold floral print. “It was made for you Everly. With your blonde hair? It’s amazing! Quick—let’s get a selfie of the two of us! I love, love, love these dresses.”
Everly stiffened but smiled as Bria held out her phone, trying to capture them in a selfie.
“I should’ve grabbed my selfie stick or tripod. Excuse me! Can you take our picture? Pretty please?”
The security guy grunted but walked over, taking the cell phone from Bria. He snapped a picture of the two of them, looking at it a beat. Grabbing his own phone, he swiped the screen, answering a call. Everly hadn’t heard it ring, but it was probably on silent. He held both phones for a moment before giving Bria back hers.
“I’ll text you a copy,” she said, smiling as she looked at the picture.
“Oh, I’ve got a new number. It’s a long story. Hey, there’s my brother.”
“Girl, he is hunky! You said he has a girlfriend though, right? Bummer. And I can tell the other guy is majorly into you. Mark, right? Those looks he was shooting your way were enough to nearly send me up in flames.”
“He was not,” Everly protested, flushing.
“Oh yes he was,” she said with a laugh. “How long have you guys been together?”
“Not long,” Everly mumbled. They crossed the grassy area back toward the pier where Tyler was scanning the area, leaving the security guy behind to watch over their things. She wished Mark wasn’t eating lunch right now, but he’d see her soon enough. Her long dress blew in the breeze, the lightweight material clinging to her breasts as it fanned out behind her.
“Oh, that is fabulous!” the creative director said. “Sexy and hot but chic. Get some large fans in case the wind stops blowing. The fabric on that dress is amazing and looks perfect rippling out behind her.”
A team began scrambling around, readying for the next part of the session. Everly paused for a moment, taking it in. She’d gotten to show one of the designers her sketches earlier, and she’d seemed impressed. It would be amazing if something came from this opportunity. Everly had her direct contact info, and the woman had asked Everly to email her after the shoot was over in a few days.
Bria was standing off to the side of the hustle and bustle, snapping more selfies while they prepped for the photos, and Everly realized she didn’t even miss it. Of course, she would post some pictures—eventually. Tyler had gotten one of the guys to pick up a new cell phone for her. Ace was transferring her information over, and she’d get it from him later on. She’d borrowed Mark’s phone earlier to take a few shots of fabric and materials, the pier and location, etc.
He’d been a good sport, even though she knew he still didn’t get it. Taking shot after shot of clothes wouldn’t ever be something he was interested in. He’d kept her safe last night though, crashing on the sofa and letting her sleep in his big bed.
She flushed just recalling falling asleep between his sheets. It was intimate knowing Mark slept there every night. His bed was big and sturdy, masculine, and the only thing missing had been him. He was too tall to comfortably sleep on the sofa but had insisted. When he’d kissed her earlier that evening, it had been mind blowing. She might’ve been on top of him, but he’d controlled the kiss, and she’d been shocked at how her body had reacted. Just recalling Mark’s big hands on the back of her bare thighs? Her skin heated. The way he’d kissed her was possessive—like she was his.
Everly didn’t know what to make of that. She’d have no doubts about getting to know him better and see where things could go between them if she actually lived here. When she flew back home, would he simply forget about her? Find a new girl one Friday night?
Tyler had warned her a week ago that Mark was wrong for her. Was he just a player? She didn’t have time to examine it now but couldn’t deny the attraction simmering between them.
“We’ll be starting in fifteen!” the creative director called out.
“Nice. I’m going to post some sneaks,” Bria said, swiping at the screen on her phone. Everly noticed her brother was on the phone as well, probably touching base with Rachel. She looked around, the breeze lightly blowing her dress again. It had been a long day since they’d arrived so early, and she stifled a yawn.
“Everly.”
Startled, she turned to see Mark coming toward her. Since he hadn’t shaved that morning, he had dark stubble covering his jaw. His gaze swept over her, taking everything in—the chiffon wrapped around her breasts. The dress billowing against her legs. The sexy sandals she had on. “Holy hell,” he muttered as he got closer. “You look amazing. Maybe I should get you back inside the tent before other people notice.”
“Oh stop,” she joked.
“I brought you a coffee,” Mark said, handing her a steaming cup. He ducked down and kissed her cheek, and from such a large, gruff, guy, her heart melted.
She smiled up at him. “That was so sweet. Thanks! You’re my hero,” she joked, gratefully taking it from him and taking a sip. It slid down her throat, dark and wonderful. How he knew she’d needed a strong coffee, she wasn’t sure. They’d had coffee together that morning, but she hadn’t expected him to bring her anything now. He was attuned to her in a way she couldn’t even explain.
Mark’s lips quirked as he looked down at her. “Rescuing you from the Pacific doesn’t count, but bringing you coffee does? I’ll have to remember that next time I want to play hero.”
She took another sip, her lipstick leaving a red mark on the lid. “I appreciate all your heroic efforts,” she clarified. He watched her for a beat, not saying anything a moment before clearing his throat.
“I walked around the perimeter. Ace said he hasn’t gotten any texts on your phone today, which is a little surprising. I’m worried the man sending them is planning to come down here.”
She clutched the coffee cup, looking around. “I guess he might. I mean, he was watching me pose in my bikini last weekend. I’m being careful though, making sure to stay around other people. It’s a closed set. Of course, maybe he’s just being a creep and watching from afar.”
“I don’t like that either,” Mark said.
She blew out a sigh. “We’re going to another location tomorrow—a warehouse. We might do some shots on a boat later in the week if they can get it scheduled, and then that will be that.”
“You’re set to fly home next weekend?”
“Well, I need to rebook my flight. I was originally supposed to fly out tomorrow but canceled it of course since the rain delayed everything. How about you? I know Tyler leaves frequently on missions or whatever. Are you guys leaving soon?”
“I’m not sure. We never know ahead of time when we’ll be sent out. And if I do go, I won’t be able to share any details. I’m sure you already realize that with Trigger being my teammate. We have to deploy quickly and don’t know how long we’ll be gone.”
She nodded, suddenly feeling worried. She’d been so nervous about her own situation that she hadn’t really considered the fact that Mark could be sent into harm’s way. In the back of her mind, she knew it could happen. As he’d said, her own brother was a Navy SEAL. The thought of Mark being hurt filled her with worry though.
“Hey,” he said, seeming to sense her concern. His hand rested on her forearm, his thumb rubbing her skin. “We’re careful. And I won’t just up and leave without telling you.”
She swallowed but nodded.
“We’re jumping ahead of ourselves. I’ve got no idea when our next op will be. If we’re sent out while you’re here in San Diego, I’ll get in touch with the other team on base. They’ll make sure you’re safe, Ev.”
“That’s part of the problem. I’ll be flying back to the East Coast soon. My crazy stalker might still be around. It’s creepy as hell, but life goes on. I can’t just hide out in a dark room somewhere, letting him win.”
He studied her for a beat. “Your job is flexible, right? Stay here longer. At least until we find the asshole who’s harassing you.” Mark’s eyes burned with intensity as he watched her.
“I just—I could, yes. But my apartment and things are back home. I’d need to get more stuff if I was staying here for an extended period of time. Besides, this is crazy. I can’t believe I’m even considering it. Stay here in San Diego?”
Mark lifted a shoulder. “You’re young. When’s the time to be flexible in life if not now? You know we can keep you safe. I’ll keep you safe, Everly. Think about it. Hell, even if you decide to go back home, I’ll fly you out to visit me.”
“I can’t let you do that.”
“We live on opposite coasts. I want to see more of you. Maybe it’s sexist, but I like the idea of taking care of you. I know you can support yourself, but selfishly, I want you to come here again, too.”
Her lips parted. Most of the guys she’d dated seemed to beat around the bush, avoiding anything resembling commitment. Or they’d only have the intention of taking her to bed for the night. Mark was older than the college guys she’d been with. She felt almost inexperienced compared to him. He wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted and threw her entire world off-kilter.
“Isn’t this rushing things though? If I stayed here, I mean. We’ve known each other for barely more than a week.”
“I still haven’t shown you San Diego yet,” he said, his lips quirking. “We could sightsee and explore. I’ll take you to the beach one day. I’m up early to train with my teammates, but you could hang out with us and watch as long as you promise not to fall into the Pacific again.”
“I don’t know,” she joked. “Maybe I’ll meet a hot sailor that way.”
Mark growled and moved closer, plucking the coffee cup from her hands and setting it on the railing. He didn’t give her a chance to say another word, just lowered his head and kissed her. People were moving around them, her brother was somewhere nearby, but all that she felt and focused on was Mark. It felt like he was claiming her, right here in public for the whole world to see. His broad hand landed on the small of her back, pressing her against him. She gasped, loving this slightly assertive side of him. He didn’t hesitate, just moved in and took what he wanted.
Her heart fluttered.
Mark stepped impossibly closer, and she felt his erection against her belly. The heat from his body seeped into her, and she knew she’d regret not exploring more of whatever was happening between them. If she went home next week, she had a feeling she’d be missing out on a lot. She might barely know this man, but he somehow understood her in ways she couldn’t explain.
He kissed her again, slowly, then pulled back, his hand still on her lower back. His dark eyes glittered with intensity, and she swore her heart was going to beat right out of her chest.
“Five minutes!” the director of the photoshoot called out.
“Stay here, Everly,” he murmured. “Stay in San Diego with me.”
Her breath caught as she looked up at him. She bit her lip, hesitating for a beat, but nodded. “I’ll stay here a few weeks. We’ll see what happens.”
Mark ducked closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “What happens is I’ll make you mine.”
