Claimed by Jaymie Holland

certainly
worked. The attitudes of the Mexican police changed. She was told
that Rick’s paperwork was being processed and he would be released
shortly. Her passport was returned to her as she waited for
him.
    It seemed to take forever, but finally Rick
came into the room she was in. She practically ran to him and threw
herself into his arms. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see
anyone in my life,” she said and brushed away a tear that rolled
down her cheek.
    “Are you okay?” He gripped her by the
shoulders and studied her. “They wouldn’t tell me what they had
done with you.”
    “All they did was interrogate me.” Over
and over again. “I’m fine.”
    “It’s a damned good thing.” He kissed her
hard.
    “Thank God you’re all right.” She put her
head against his chest. “I was so worried about you.”
    “Nothing to worry about.” He kissed her
again. “Let’s go.”
    She nodded and he looped his arm around her
shoulders.
    “They said they found out that you’re an
American hero.” She looked up at him as they walked. “They released
you in a hurry after that.”
    Rick shrugged. “I guess being a SEAL carries
some weight in some places and with some governments.”
    “They said specifically ‘American hero’,” she
said.
    “Whatever it takes to get me out.” He pushed
open the door, leading them into the sunshine. “They just wanted to
get me free.”
    “Well, you’re a hero to me.” She rested her
head against his chest. “Thank you for saving me from God knows
what.”
    “I’m just grateful you’re okay, honey.” He
kissed the top of her head. “It scared the hell out of me to see
those men with you.”
    “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look as
calm as you did,” she said.
    “I never had a doubt I’d get to you before
they could hurt either of us,” he said. “But seeing you like that—I
never want to see that again.”
    She sighed. “That makes two of us.”
    When they reached the hotel, they went to the
front desk. All of their bags had been moved to a new suite after
the investigation and clean up.
    It was already evening. The ordeal had taken
the greater part of the day. After Rick unlocked the door, she
tossed her purse onto the couch.
    “I need a bath.” She was still trembling as
she turned to Rick. “A nice, long hot bath.”
    He brushed his lips over hers and it helped
to calm her. “Mind if I join you?”
    She managed a smile. “Your tub or mine?”
    With a gentle smile he said, “Which would you
prefer?”
    Without hesitating she said, “Yours is just
fine. I’m still shaking.”
    He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her
close. “I’m here, and while I’m here, I won’t let anything happen
to you. Do you understand?”
    She loved the strength of his hug and the
safe feeling it gave her. She had never met anyone like Rick.
    He kissed her then took her hand and led her
in the direction of his room. “I’m ready for that bath.”
    The rectangular jetted tub was huge and had
backrests on both side of it. She ran the water until it was almost
hot, stripped out of her clothing, and eased into the tub. She
sighed as her body sank into the warm water and closed her
eyes.
    The water sloshed and she looked up to see
that Rick had ditched his clothing, too, and was climbing into the
tub. He sat across from her and looked as pleased to be in the hot
water as she was.
    “Furry little seals love water, don’t they?”
she said with a slight smile.
    “As do big SEALs.” He gave a groan that told
her he was very happy to be in the tub with her.
    “Mind if we stay in tonight?” She played
footsies with him in the water and he grabbed one of her feet. “I
think after today I would like to just relax.”
    “Agreed.” He started rubbing her foot. “We
can order room service.”
    She sighed with pleasure as he massaged her
foot. The gentle massage helped to relax her. Between that and the
warm water, she wasn’t trembling as