Hot SEAL, Cold Water

  A SEALs in Paradise Bonus Read

  Cat Johnson

  About the Story

  When a Navy SEAL on leave clashes with a Hollywood producer with bad directions and a worse attitude, they both find something they didn’t know they were looking for.

  Copyright © 2021 Cat Johnson

  Contents

  Title Page

  About the Story

  Copyright

  1. Jacob

  2. Joanne

  3. Jacob

  4. Joanne

  5. Jacob

  6. Joanne

  Read More

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Jacob

  It’s the simple pleasures in life that make up for all the other bull shit. After thirty-six years on this earth—half of that time spent with a sniper rifle in my hand—I’d learned that, if nothing else.

  Things like a second glance from a hot woman seated across a crowded bar. Or a cold beer on a hot day. A thick, juicy, bone-in ribeye blackened on the outside and bloody on the inside. Two weeks leave with nothing to do and the solitude of an empty beach house in which to do it. And, finally, the feel of diving naked into cool, crystal clear water at sunrise.

  Currently enjoying the last two items on my pleasure-filled bucket list, I dropped my towel on the deck, climbed onto the diving board and sliced through the water.

  After crossing the length of the pool underwater, I surfaced on the other side. There, I turned and pushed off, heading across to where I’d left my towel.

  I hoisted myself out of the pool and was just thinking that maybe I’d try to find someplace later today where I could knock off a couple of more things from my list when I heard it. High heels clicking, quick and sure on the stone path that wove through the pristinely landscaped property.

  I heard her right before I saw her. And she obviously saw me as I stood there naked and dripping.

  Her brows rose and her gaze dropped down my bare body, before she yanked it up to my face and glared. “What are you doing? No one is supposed to be here.”

  She delivered the accusation with such force and confidence, I almost doubted myself.

  Interesting, since I had an explicit invitation from the owner personally and, as far as I knew, she did not. Although I shouldn’t be surprised if the old coot had a taste for women half his age. Shapely blondes with ice blue eyes colder than the water I’d plunged into to wake up.

  She kept me pinned with her glare as I bent and reached for the towel, but only to wipe my face.

  My time in the teams had taught me many things. To be cool in any situation was one of them. To rattle my opponent and knock them off-balance was another.

  As I watched her tits rise beneath her tight little top with the breath she sucked in at my action, and my continued exhibitionism, I had a few thoughts. Only one of which was mission accomplished. She looked rattled all right and I was enjoying that fact. Probably a bit too much.

  It hit me that maybe I should cover up and find out what she was doing here. My absent host, Robert, might be as old as the Hollywood hills but he’d earned his money and his reputation in the picture industry.

  The sexy as hell ice queen in front of me looked like she belonged in Hollywood. About as much as I did not.

  I took my time rubbing the towel over my hair. My overly long hair, according to my mother. But just right for a SEAL who often needed to blend in and be invisible in foreign countries.

  When one dark lock fell over my eye, I shoved it out of the way. Only then did I wrap the towel around my waist, tucking in the end to secure it—although secure wasn’t exactly a word I’d use to describe the towel as it rode low on my hips.

  She waited and watched. My mystery woman who, honestly, I wouldn’t mind getting to know a whole lot better, in spite of her pinched expression.

  I let my gaze drop down the tight little skirt that landed well above the knees of her mile-long legs. Yup. She could glare at me all she wanted. I had plenty of other pleasant things to look at.

  What had her so pissed at me again?

  Oh, yeah. My being here, which was a puzzler.

  Maybe Robert hadn’t told his paramour I’d be using the place. In which case, I’d better clear this up. And, if she were with him, I’d also better stop picturing her naked.

  Paramour? Where the fuck had that thought come from?

  I didn’t even know I knew the word but somehow I knew with certainty it was the right description for her—if she was with Robert in that way. I also knew something else with certainty. Hanging around Robert had changed me. At least my vocabulary.

  Folding my arms across my chest, I returned her stare. “I have permission to be here.”

  “I was told this property was currently vacant.” She drew in a breath and let it out in a huff. Lips pressed together she shook her head as she pulled out her cell.

  She looked about as angry with whoever hadn’t told her I’d be here as she did with me. Poor Robert was in for a reaming if it were him.

  There wasn’t much I could do about that so I lifted one shoulder. “Sorry. But I’ll be out of here in two weeks, if that helps you any.”

  If my being here was really a problem I suppose I could leave early. Drive back to Coronado and spend the remainder of my leave on base.

  Did I want to? Fuck no. Would I, for Robert? Yeah, I would.

  We’d gotten pretty damn close over the years. At least, as close as a guy like me could with a rich eighty-year-old retired Hollywood producer who split his time between his beachfront mansion in Santa Barbara and his penthouse in Vegas.

  Yup. Robert and I had about as much in common with each other as I did with this woman. But maybe opposites did attract. I sure felt the attraction. Did she?

  Hard to tell since she still looked as if my mere presence was ruining her day.

  I found the idea of a little anger-fueled sex pretty enticing. What did that say about me? Nothing I didn’t already know. That hearts and flowers and romance weren’t in the cards for me. Maybe in a few years after I retired, but not now. Although I could hope that a nice hate-fuck was in store for me in the near future.

  I watched her rapidly tapping out a message on her phone, which afforded me the opportunity to look at her unobserved. She was probably my age. Although, she could very well be ten years older than me and I’d never know. Such was the magic of modern cosmetic surgery.

  Tired of being ignored, I said, “You know, this place is big enough. We could both be here.”

  In fact, I really liked that idea.

  She raised her gaze and delivered a glance that told me what she thought about my suggestion.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re going to need every bedroom for the cast.” She shook her head and went back to her cell and I went back to being perplexed.

  The cast? What cast?

  Was the old man filming a movie here and forgot to tell me?

  I reached down for my own cell, thinking it was long past time that I called Robert and asked him what the hell was going on. Then I remembered I was in a towel and my phone was plugged in the wall outlet in the kitchen.

  Finally finished with her text, which if I had to guess was filled with all caps and exclamation points judging by her obvious agitation, she glanced up at me. “Look, Mr.—”

  I hadn’t been called mister in—ever. Master Chief, yes. Mister, no. But I didn’t correct her and simply said, “Jacob is fine.”

  “Mr. Jacob—”

  “Jacob’s my first name. I’m not formal. No mister necessary.” It seemed ridiculous to not be on a first name basis with her. She had seen me naked after all. And I’d been picturing her that way for a good five minutes now. “And you are?”

  “Joanne Rossi. New Millennia Media. Out of Burbank. We have a signed contract with the owner of this property and paid her in advance for two months exclusive use for filming starting Monday. And at no time during our negotiations were you mentioned.” She swirled her finger in my direction, encompassing me and my continued presence.

  Joanne. I rolled that name around in my mind for a moment before I focused on the rest of what she’d said and frowned.

  She’d referred to the owner of the property as she. And I knew Robert was due back here next week so why would he rent it out for two months?

  I opened my mouth to tell her that when an idea struck. “What’s the address of the property you rented?”

  She rolled her eyes at me but indulged me enough to consult her cell phone. “One-ten Beach Road.”

  My lips quirked up. “Yup. That explains it. This is one-hundred Beach Road. The house you want is next door.”

  Her eyes widened. “No. The GPS said I’d arrived. How could I have—”

  “The gates are next to each other and I did notice the bushes are blocking the number.” I shrugged.

  “I’m truly sorry for intruding.”

  “I’m not.” I grinned.

  For the first time since she’d arrived, the tough as nails façade slipped away just a bit and let the woman beneath peek through. “Oh, really?”

  “Really.” I nodded. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

  “I don’t eat breakfast.”

  That might be true but there was certainly a hunger in her gaze as it skimmed over my bare torso. “I bet you drink coffee though,” I guessed.

  “Yes. I do.”

 

“Then you can drink while you watch me eat.”

  I swear she looked tempted . . . until she shook her head. “I really can’t. I have to get to the house.”

  “The vacant house that you won’t be using until Monday? Seems like you have time for at least a cup of coffee.”

  Her lips twitched. “Tempting but I’ve got a lot to do. I wouldn’t be here this early if I didn’t.”

  It was early. Seven if I had to guess.

  I would have thought most Hollywood folks rolled in from partying the night before around sunrise. Yet she was here at the crack of dawn beginning her workday. Just one more thing that intrigued me about this woman. The woman who was about to leave, judging by the car keys in her hand.

  “Raincheck, then,” I said, ever hopeful.

  She didn’t accept my offer, but she didn’t reject it either. What she did do was say, “Thank you for clarifying the address. And again, I apologize for intruding.”

  “No problem. Intrude anytime.”

  “Enjoy your breakfast.” She sent me an indulgent smile before turning and strutting back the way she’d come.

  I shook my head at the tempting view her exit treated me to and the shame she wasn’t staying. Then it hit me. I knew where my little intruder would be and when. And I had every intention of repaying the visit.

  Chapter 2

  Joanne

  “Good. You’re here.” Maria, the show’s director, greeted me Monday morning as I rounded the pool of the beach house. The correct beach house this time.

  It was a beautiful property, perfect for our location, but this one didn’t come with a hot as hell naked man in the pool.

  “The stationary cameras are all installed, both inside the house and outside on the grounds,” Maria told me. “The cameramen are here and ready. And the cast should start arriving in the limos in a few minutes.”

  I nodded. “It sounds like you’ve got everything covered.”

  Maria smiled. “This isn’t exactly my first rodeo.”

  “Hmm. Rodeo.” That might be an idea for a show.

  Cowboys were always popular. I tipped my head to the side, making a mental note to check on the most recent ratings of any rodeo airings.

  “Uh oh.” Maria narrowed her dark eyes at me. “I really need to watch what I say to you or I’ll be tiptoeing through cow manure on the next shoot.”

  “We’ll see. We have to get through this one first.”

  “If this season is even half as exciting as last season ended up, time is going to fly,” Maria predicted.

  I let out a breath. “We can only hope.”

  An executive producer was only as good as her last season. That was the double-edge sword of having a huge hit. How to top it?

  “The first limo is pulling in.” The radio on Maria’s belt came to life with that news.

  “On my way,” she replied before she handed the second radio to me. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” I took it and turned, about to follow Maria on her path toward the driveway, when a rustling in the bushes stopped me.

  “Good morning.” The deep male voice was oddly familiar. When I turned, I saw why.

  Temporarily, my mouth fell open, but I was nothing if not quick on my feet. I recovered quickly and took in Jacob, clothed this time. “Good morning. You’re trespassing.”

  “Am I? Silly me. I was out for a run on the beach. I thought I was at the right house. I guess I misjudged. They’re so close, it’s easy to get mixed up.” His hazel eyes twinkled with mischief at the lie.

  Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but imagine running my fingers through that dark hair . . . and down his ripped abs barely visible beneath the tight, sweat dampened tank top. “I guess I can forgive you this time. Since I made a similar mistake. But you have to stay out of the shot, please.”

  “Oh, not a problem. I always try not to get shot.” He continued to amuse himself. And—dammit—me too. I couldn’t help it as my mouth quirked up in a smile I couldn’t hide at his corny joke.

  I heard the chattering girls and realized my personal and professional worlds were about to collide. “Come here,” I whispered loudly enough for him to hear.

  One dark brow lifted but he did as I’d requested and moved to stand just behind me. It was then I realized how tall he was. I was five-foot-eleven in my heels. But Jacob still dwarfed me by a few inches.

  The four females from the cast didn’t even look twice at us as they trotted toward the pool and the bar set up there, stripping as they went.

  “Um, what exactly are you filming here?” Jacob asked.

  I couldn’t blame him. It was starting to look like a porno set as clothes flew and bikinis were exposed.

  “It’s a new reality show.”

  “Ah. Interesting.”

  I glanced back and saw his expression was more amused than interested so I didn’t bother explaining the concept. Instead I shrugged. “It’s a living.”

  He nodded, before saying, “So, I’m here for that raincheck. Breakfast?” When I didn’t answer right away, he added. “Or lunch?”

  “I’m working. It’s the first day of shooting.”

  “Then dinner after you’re done for the day.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Why not?” he asked.

  My kneejerk reaction was to say no without having a reason. I hadn’t expected to have to defend my decision. Not that I couldn’t. I had plenty of reasons. He was too handsome. Too flirty.

  But even if I wanted to ignore all that, there were plenty of other excuses. My job for one. My ex for another and that was all the reason I needed.

  “Jacob, I’m flattered. But—”

  “This isn’t sounding like a yes.”

  “It’s not. But thank you.”

  “You still didn’t give me a reason why.”

  “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  One dark brow shot up again. “It’s only dinner, Joanne.”

  In the sunlight, I noticed the kaleidoscope of colors swirling in the eyes that stayed focused on mine.

  “Why are you so intent on getting me to eat with you?” I asked.

  “For one, I going to go out on a limb and guess that you’re the kind of workaholic who never stops to eat a decent meal. And I happen to believe proper nutrition is very important.” He threw that line out as smoothly as a used car salesman. Then he dropped his gaze to my lips before he brought it back up to meet mine. “And, more importantly, I can’t seem to stop thinking about you.”

  I’d been in the business long enough to spot a bull shitter, but that last thing he’d said sounded sincere. And the look in his eyes—it cut straight through me.

  I could almost taste his desire. How long had it been since I’d felt wanted by a man? Never mind one as attractive as this one.

  I’d sworn off men. Promised myself I’d never be in the position to get hurt again. But I also didn’t want to live like a nun at only forty years old.

  Three years was a long time to go without sex. Three years was also a long time to still feel the pain of that breakup, but I did. Every time I thought of it. And the only time I didn’t think about it was when I was occupied with work.

  At least my career was on track, even if my personal life was a train wreck. Maybe it was time to fix that. I sure as hell didn’t want a relationship, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have a lover. Just for a night.

  I drew in a breath and realized my heart was thundering. I was never anything but confident at work, but this man, with his pecs of steel that I’d wager matched what I’d glimpsed between his legs by the pool, had me nervous.

  I swallowed and said, “We only started rolling today . . . so I won’t be out of here until late tonight . . . but, I guess I could swing by your place.”

  His eyes brightened when he realized, in my long about way, I’d said yes to his invitation. He smiled, slow and sensuous. “I’ll leave the gate open and the door unlocked.”

  He hadn’t mentioned food, but I think we both knew I wasn’t really going there for dinner.

  “You aren’t worried about intruders?” Nerves had me making a joke.

  His grin widened. “I think I can defend myself. And besides, my last intruder didn’t work out so badly.”

 

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