Her Adoring SEAL (Midnight Delta Book 3) Read online

  “They were about to when Lydia yelled she was going to be more fun because she was willing.” Beth stopped talking as she relived the terrifying time in the jungles of Mexico.

  Beth realized she was crying because Jack was rocking her and murmuring into her hair. She dragged herself back to the present and continued her story. “They left me naked in the dirt, and I was crying and scrambling for my clothes. The next thing I knew one of the men was screaming. I looked over and he was on the ground writhing in pain and Lydia was being dragged into the cabin by her hair.”

  “They whipped her. I thought she was going to die. Dios.” She buried her face in his chest and sobbed. “She almost did die. She still gets sick because of what they did to her, and it’s all my fault. She was trying to protect me.”

  “It wasn’t your fault, sweetheart. You are her baby sister, she loves you and of course she wanted to save you.”

  “She suffers because of me.”

  Jack shifted, pulling her even closer, so her face was now nestled in the crook of his neck. He kissed the top of her head.

  “One day, you might have a daughter and understand she did what came naturally.”

  “But I can’t. I could never allow that kind of touch. I will never marry. I will never have children.” More tears dripped from her eyes.

  “Ah, Beth.”

  “All I wanted was to be a wife, a mother, and a teacher. They took that from me. I will never be able to stand having a man touch me like that.”

  “Maybe with time.” Jack’s hold was gentle, and his voice soothing.

  She heard the hope. It matched what she felt in her own heart. But she knew better. Too much had gone on in her life. She was broken.

  “No, Jack. Not even with all the time in the world.” He needed to know this. She refused to let this wonderful man live with a dream that could never come true.

  The lights came on. They looked at one another, and for the first time, she saw something besides encouragement in Jack’s eyes. She saw sorrow.

  Chapter Six

  Jack had enough. It had been one week since the thunderstorm, and Beth had barely been out of her room. Rosa used guilt to get her back to the garden, but nothing Jack said persuaded her to come horseback riding. Finally, Jack sent in his secret weapon.

  “Well?”

  “She’s coming on the picnic.” His mother smiled at him.

  “You’re a miracle worker.”

  “I think it was the temptation of the Texas bluebonnets. Telling her they weren’t going to be in season much longer was what did it.”

  “I’ll see you and Dad out front. I have the horses ready, and Rosa packed a great lunch.”

  “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?” His mother grinned.

  “Nope, pretty sure about you.” He gave his mom a gentle squeeze.

  He’d considered everything Beth said, and didn’t say, the night of the thunderstorm. The woman might have said there was no hope, but in his line of work hopeless was nothing more than the starting line. It’s why they were out today, and why he would continue to badger her until she began to see things his way.

  They rode to his mother’s favorite place. Richard kept an eagle eye on Grace, even though her mount was used to riding with her specially designed saddle to accommodate her needs.

  An hour later they dismounted near a creek under live oak shade trees. Richard and Jack tethered the horses, and then Richard settled Grace on the picnic blanket, while Beth and Jack started dishing out the food.

  He watched as the beauty of the surroundings finally got Beth to relax. Grace encouraged Beth to start talking about her childhood, while he and Richard talked about David’s buying trip. Jack admired Beth’s easy movements as she got up from the blanket.

  “Can I help you?” Jack asked.

  “I’m going to pick some flowers to take home with us.”

  “Take the basket, honey,” Grace suggested.

  “That’s a great idea.” Beth took out the remaining containers, and slid the handle of the basket over her arm. It was great to see her so excited, and he got out his phone so he could take a picture.

  “Oh, you have it bad.” Richard laughed.

  “What? Everybody needs to have their picture taken in a field of bluebonnets.”

  “It’s true dear,” Grace agreed. His mom was a great wingman.

  Richard continued to talk, but Jack didn’t pay any attention. He watched Beth as she walked away from him in a pair of capris pants that hugged her ass perfectly. Beth’s blouse tightened across her breasts when she bent over to pick the first bunch of flowers. There wasn’t anything about Beth Hidalgo that didn’t call to every one of his senses. He lined up a shot as she placed some flowers into the basket. Her smile was beautiful. He’d send it to Clint for Lydia, and also save it for himself.

  He set down his phone and watched as she enjoyed the afternoon and picked more flowers. Then she reached down and flew backward with a scream. He was up and on the run in a heartbeat. He’d seen it. A snake.

  By the time he got there, he was barely aware of the knife in his hand, but he’d cut the head off the rattler and he knelt near Beth. She’d been bitten on her inside upper thigh. God, right near her femoral artery.

  She was still scrambling backwards.

  “Is it dead?”

  “It’s dead. Don’t move Beth. I need you to stay still.”

  “I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt too badly.”

  “When you move the poison has a chance to move around too.” She let out a low moan, and clamped her hand on her thigh.

  “How bad does it hurt? Let me see, okay?”

  “Don’t be worried. It’s not that big of a deal, right?”

  “Let me take a look at it. It’s a big deal.”

  She moaned louder. “Okay, maybe you’re right. It’s beginning to feel like a real big deal. It’s starting to hurt.”

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Stay still while I get a look at this.” He heard his dad come up behind him.

  “Jack, the chopper is on its way. It’ll take her straight to the hospital in San Antonio.” He gave Richard a grim nod over his shoulder.

  “Beth, I’m going to cut the leg of your pants so I can get to the bite wound, okay?” He didn’t wait for her to answer, he just cut. The bite was deep, and already red, and swelling. He touched it, and she gasped in pain.

  Dammit, most times you were supposed to give the victim antivenin and not do anything else. But Jack was trained what to do if none was available, or if the venom was going to get into the blood stream.

  “Beth, I’m going to have to get some of the venom out.” Dazed eyes stared at back at him. Shit, the poison was already beginning to take effect.

  “Stick with me, sweetheart. I’m going to suck out some of the poison. This is going to hurt. I’m so sorry, baby.”

  She looked at him with those big black eyes, and nodded. “It’s okay, Jack. I trust you. I know you wouldn’t hurt me if you didn’t have to,” she whispered.

  He closed his eyes in relief, thankful they had come so far.

  He cleaned his knife as best he could then made an incision on her thigh, wincing as she shouted out in pain. She reached out and patted his arm. Amazing. She was offering him comfort.

  He had to act fast, the bite was too close to the major artery. He gave thanks to Uncle Sam for his training as he sucked out the venom. He hoped against hope he’d gotten most of it. When he heard the helicopter land Beth was unconscious—not a good sign.

  They radioed the hospital and bundled her up for the ride into San Antonio. As he looked at her ashen face, Jack realized for the first time how much of his heart Beth Hidalgo owned.

  ****

  “Can you hear me?”

  Beth tried to speak, but it was like her tongue was too big for her mouth. She was so tired. It was impossible to open her eyes. The voice faded away.

  “Can you tell me where you are?”

  Why did they keep
asking her questions? She wanted to sleep. She was tired.

  “Can you tell me your name?”

  “Elsbeth Hidalgo.” She could open her eyes for a moment, but they felt swollen as well. She remembered the snake and she shuddered. Where was Jack? She wanted Jack.

  “Can you tell me what happened?”

  “Snake.” Beth shivered.

  “That’s right. Can you tell me what day you were bitten?”

  “Tuesday.”

  “That’s right. What’s your name?”

  “Elsbeth Hidalgo. Beth. Call me Beth.”

  “Nurse, I guess we need to correct her name in the system. How are you feeling, Beth?”

  “I hurt.”

  “That’s to be expected. Despite your fiancé’s quick action, the venom made its way into the artery and spread through your body. You had a very close call. Normally, we don’t lose patients to a snake bite, especially when it’s treated so fast. Unfortunately, it spread into your bloodstream because it made it into a major artery. You’ll be feeling worse side effects than normal.”

  “Are you thirsty?” the nurse asked.

  Beth nodded her head.

  The nurse gave her some water. Beth moved her arms and legs. It hurt and it burned to move her right leg.

  “Where’s Jack?”

  “He’s been pacing the halls since yesterday,” the nurse answered. “We tried to tell him you wouldn’t be conscious until today, but he wouldn’t leave.”

  Tears welled, and Beth blinked them back.

  “Can he come in?”

  “We promised to tell him as soon as you were awake. I want to listen to your heart and make a couple more notes in the system, and then we’ll call him in.”

  “How long will I be in the hospital?”

  “We’ll see how you’re doing in forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Your fiancé assures us you will have round-the-clock care when you leave here. The severity of your symptoms call for bedrest.”

  Beth stopped herself in time from asking who her fiancé was. Obviously, Jack had claimed to be her intended. He’d explain why, and she didn’t want to undo whatever cover story he’d made up.

  The doctor placed his stethoscope on her chest. She froze. Her fiancé. The idea of it made her happy, and that was all kinds of wrong.

  “Are you all right? I need you to relax. Your heart is racing.”

  “I’m sorry. Can you get Jack?”

  “Megan, can you ask for Mr. Preston to come in?”

  “Now, do you think you can relax?” The doctor gave her an indulgent smile. Beth took a couple of deep breaths and hoped it slowed her heartbeat.

  “Better. Okay, young lady. You need to rest. We’ll keep you under observation. We’re going to continue to give you medication for the pain. You’re lucky, I’ve seen two severe cases that resulted in partial paralysis. Your young man saved you.”

  Beth tried to remember what happened, but it was a blur. Only Jack’s voice and comforting presence floated in her memories. With him there, she knew it would always be okay.

  “Ah, there he is,” the doctor said with a smile.

  Beth looked up, and the sound of the machines fell away. She was no longer aware of anybody or anything in the hospital room but Jack Preston.

  “You scared me, sweetheart.” Jack was once again giving her one of his patented warm smiles, but this time, she saw through it. He was scared. He wasn’t lying.

  “Thank you. The doctor said you saved me.” He came over and grasped her hand. But it wasn’t enough, she wished he was holding her like he had the night of the thunderstorm.

  “I should have been walking with you. I wasn’t thinking.” He turned her hand over and brought her palm to his lips, while butterflies took flight in her tummy. She looked around her room and found that they were alone. Then she took a deep breath so she could speak. “Why did you tell them you were my fiancé?” she asked in a whisper.

  “They were only going to allow family in to see you. A fiancé was considered family.” More butterflies. “They told me you were in a lot of pain. How much do you hurt, sweetheart?”

  Beth looked down at their hands. He tipped her chin so she was forced to meet his eyes.

  “Beth, tell me.” He prompted.

  “I hurt.”

  He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip.

  “I’m so sorry, I wish I could take the pain for you.” She felt tears welling again, and even though she blinked, one leaked out. He brushed it away.

  “I’m going to take better care of you when you come home.”

  “You’re only supposed to be protecting me.” She gripped his hand even harder.

  “Please admit it’s more than that. I know you’re frightened. But can you be brave enough to admit there’s something between us?”

  The world stopped. She couldn’t catch her breath. She fell into his beautiful blue eyes.

  “Beth?” He brushed his thumb against her lips, parting them. “Breathe, baby.”

  “Yes. Oh, yes, Jack. There’s something,” she sobbed. “But I’m so scared. What if I can never be what you need?”

  “You are what I need. You’re who I need. We have all the time in the world. This is just the beginning. I need to know you’ll try.” She winced as her leg began to burn and then cramp.

  “Ahhh, you’re hurting again.” Jack bent over and handed her the button so she could release more pain medicine into her I.V.

  “I’m going to kiss you now.”

  So many more butterflies or maybe hummingbirds this time. “Okay,” Beth said as she licked her lips.

  Jack groaned. Softly, he laid his lips to hers, and she gasped. Taking advantage, his tongue slid along the inside of her lower lip. Teasing and tempting a response. She needed more, and he brushed from side to side, stronger as she pushed upward. Jack cupped the back of her head and brought her closer.

  His tongue thrust gently, and she shuddered, the sensation unlike any other. More. She closed her eyes and sucked him in, savoring his taste and his masculine heat. Her breasts grew taut, her nipples beaded against his chest. Beth heard him make a sound of approval as he pulled her against him. She heard a whimper and realized it was her.

  ****

  The woman was like aged whiskey and sunflowers. She was fast becoming his everything. Jack forced himself to pull back when he heard her whimper. She was ill.

  “No.” She lifted her arms to wrap around his neck and groaned.

  “Oh, Beth, I know you’re hurting. Don’t move your arms like that.”

  “I didn’t want you to stop.” Her black eyes glowed. Her lips were swollen from their kiss. Jack had to fight down his reaction. For God’s sake, she’s in a hospital bed, Preston! It didn’t seem to matter, he was going to end up leaving the room with a hard-on.

  “We’ll talk when you come back home. In the meantime, get some rest. I bet the medicine is making you sleepy.”

  She yawned. “Jack,” her voice came out slurred. “I like how you call the ranch home. It makes it sound like it’s my home, too.”

  His gut clenched. He looked in wonder at this woman who he’d only just kissed for the first time.

  “When you’re better, Beth, we’re going to need to talk about the future.”

  “I know.” She yawned again, her eyes blinking slowly, a sure sign she was close to sleep. “It’s good I’m leaving soon. I still don’t think this can work. I’m broken, and you deserve so much better.”

  “I never want to hear you say you’re broken again.” She jerked at the heat in his voice, her eyes wide.

  “Sweetheart, I’m sorry.” He cupped her cheek. “You’ve been through a trauma, and you’re working your way through it. I think you’re one of the bravest women I’ve ever met next to my mom. I’m going to have to tell you my story one day so you know I understand where you’re coming from.”

  “But...”

  “No buts.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips until she was asleep.

&nbsp
; “Sweet dreams, my Beth.”

  ****

  Jack looked at the display on his phone. He wasn’t surprised to see it was the number Clint had provided.

  “Preston.”

  “How is she? Is she awake? Can I talk to her?” Jack had spoken to Lydia only twice before, and never heard her so frantic.

  “Lydia, she’s going to be fine. The doctors say she’s going to make a complete recovery.”

  “Thank God. Can I talk to her?”

  “I just left her. She was asleep.” There was a long pause, and he could hear her disappointment through the phone.

  “I promise the next time she wakes up the first thing I’ll have her do will be to call you, okay?”

  “Do you promise?”

  “I promise.”

  “Thank you. Thank you so much for my sister’s life.” Jack felt himself hunch over at her words.

  “You’re welcome. She’ll call you tomorrow.” He hung up the phone and looked at his parents.

  His mother used her cane to stand up, waving Richard off when he tried to help her. Jack went over to her.

  “You need to go to the hotel now.”

  “Mom, she could wake up again,” Jack protested.

  “If she does, we’ll be here. We’ve had a full night’s sleep. You haven’t.”

  “I’m staying.”

  “Son, you’re worrying your mother. At least go take a shower and a nap,” Richard suggested. Jack looked between the two of them, and nodded.

  Chapter Seven

  “Have you told her how you feel?”

  “It would scare her even more if I told her I think I’m falling in love with her. In the hospital I asked her to consider the future, and she said stupid shit about being broken.”

  His mom just left Beth’s room. They’d brought her back to the ranch two days earlier, and it was going to take a bit of time before she was done recuperating. His mom made sure she finished some of the soup Rosa made for her. Now, she was back in the great room staring at her son.

  “You know feeling unworthy is part of PTSD, right?”

  “I know. I’m not pushing too hard. At least, I don’t think I am. But, Mom, I can’t stand the fact she thinks less of herself.” He brought the ottoman over and gently lifted her legs so they rested on top of it.