SEAL of Approval by Jack Silkstone Read Free Book Online Page B

“Coffee?” She held out a mug while sipping from another.
    Mike turned and flashed a smile. “Um, what have you done to my dog?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “He’s changed completely. He’s back to normal.”
    Axe barked excitedly and walked toward the veterinarian.
    Mike followed the dog and took the coffee that Alison offered him. “OK, so aside from being in love with you, he’s back to normal.”
    She leant and tussled Axe’s ears. “It’s nice having the attention of a handsome man like you.”
    Mike smiled as he sat next to her on the stairs. “So where to from here?”
    “We’ve still got a bit of work to do. While his leg is healing well, the PTSD has a little way to go. Isn’t that right, handsome?”
    Axe was looking up at her admiringly with his long tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.
    “Hey, cut that out. You’re going to give me a complex.” Mike took a toy from his pocket, squeezed it and threw it across the lawn.
    They watched Axe limp after it.
    He took a sip of the coffee and held the mug with both hands. “Hey look, I was a bit of a jerk earlier this week. I want to apologize for that.” He turned and looked at her.
    “Don’t worry about it. I know I came across a little harsh.”
    Their gaze locked over their mugs and Mike noted how pretty her green eyes were. There was a kindness about them that he hadn’t noticed before. His gaze dropped to her supple lips and he imagined kissing them. Then his eyes flicked back to hers. Her intensity confirmed a similar thought was on her mind.
    Then, as he considered leaning across and kissing her, Axe dropped the now slobbery toy directly onto his groin. “Thanks, bud.” He laughed as he recovered the slimy ball. “As much as I hate to, I’ve got to get going.” He finished the coffee with a single gulp and climbed to his feet. “Do you want me to take him inside?”
    She shook her head, tossing her long brown hair. “No, I’ll stay out here with him for a little longer. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
    He patted the dog. “Be good, bud. I’ll see you later.” With a final nod and a smile he entered the clinic and made for the front door.
    As he reached the waiting area, he heard, “Hey, Mike.”
    “Yeah.” He turned to face Alison.
    She looked as if she wanted to ask him a question but fumbled her words. “Umm, I just wanted to know what time to expect you?”
    He smiled. “I’m hoping to finish up work early. If I can it will be around fifteen hundred.”
    “That’s three, right?”
    “Yeah, three.”
    “See you then.”
    As Mike left, Alison slapped her forehead with her palm. Feeling Axe push past her leg, she glanced down at him. “You didn’t see that, did you?”
    He sat and stared at her.
    “Oh, you did. Well that’s even more embarrassing. Come on. Let’s get you something to eat.”
     
    ***
     
    Early the next morning, Mike joined his team-mates at a training facility. Located on the outskirts of San Diego and run by civilian contractors it was a state of the art shoot-house that allowed, low risk, and highly realistic indoor training.
    He spotted TJ and the others standing behind one of the black minivans they used to transport equipment and personnel around town. The squad had almost finished gearing up for a session in the ‘house’. They wore protective chemical warfare suits and were now strapping on their combat vests. As he approached, TJ broke away from the van and headed toward him.
    Mike gave him a nod. “Hey, Chief.”
    “Morning, Mike, once you’re ready grab the clowns and I’ll see you inside.”
    “Roger.” He continued across to the van where Rick and Ernie were preparing. “Good morning.” Grinning he retrieved his gear bag from the trunk.
    Rick met his smile with a scowl. “What’s good about it? TJ’s got us running drills in gas masks and suits. Gonna be sweating our asses off for the next five hours.”
    Mike pulled his protective clothing on over his T-shirt and