SEAL Daddy Next Door Read online

  I wrap Ashlee’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in cling film and put them in her lunch box. I realize I got grape jelly on my wedding ring and rinse my hands off in the sink.

  The image of Chance’s half naked body runs back to my mind. She can’t be very old at all. She looks all but a few weeks shy of twenty. I know I’m nearly double her age, and it’s gross to think of younger women that way, but my god - I’ve never seen a girl as beautiful as Chance before.

  Just staring at those long slender legs, the curve of her hips, and her full breasts bursting behind her thin lacy bra. My cock fills my jeans just at the thought and I steady my hands on the marble counter top.

  Take a deep breath Rogan. I remind myself. She’s the niece of your oldest buddy Joe.

  I shake my head and splash my face in the kitchen sink. My cock is still bursting against the fabric of my jeans, like a solid steel rod. I know what I want and when I see it, I get it. And god damn do I want Chance badly.

  Get it together old man.

  I’ve already got a lady in my life, and I need to keep her at the forefront of my mind. My digital watch beeps, reminding me that it’s time to get moving. I grab Ashlee’s lunch, put it into her bag and wait by the bottom of the stairs. I run my house with military precision, and I know within ten seconds my girl and the love of my life will be waiting for me at the top of those stairs.

  Eight…nine…ten.

  Ashlee appears just in the nick of time, dressed in her school things and ready to go. I swear to god she’s getting taller everyday. It breaks my heart in two that Kate can’t be hear to see this.

  “Daddy!” She breaks into that big goofy smile that melts my heart and runs down the stairs and into my arms. I catch her and we hug.

  “Princess! We all ready for school?!”

  Ashlee nods, I set her down onto the ground beside me and hand her bag to her.

  “Thanks Daddy. Where’s Milo? Is he coming with us today?! Can we play in the car?!”

  “Sure! Why not?!” I smile and guide Ashlee to the front door. I open the door, unlock the car and help Ashlee into her seat. I turn to back to the house and let out a shrill whistle. A second later the sound of tiny claws scrabbling on laminate echoes through the front door, and Milo comes bursting out onto the porch with a big happy smile. He’s halfway to the car door before I stop him.

  “Ah ah. Aren’t we forgetting something?”

  The penny drops, Milo runs back to the front door and grabs the white piece of cord I fitted to the door handle. He pulls the front door shut and runs back across the lawn and onto Ashlee’s lap. Ashlee giggles as the pup licks at her face. When he’s a bit bigger I’ll make him ride in the back, but he’s small enough now that it’s not a problem. I climb into the driver side, put the car into gear and pull out of the driveway. It looks like Chance has already climbed into her rust mobile and driven away. I make a mental note to pick up some wine for my welcome party later and we hit the road.

  Ashlee and I arrive at her school exactly sixty seconds before she needs to be there. As Ashlee jumps out the car door she gives both Milo and I a kiss.

  “Goodbye Daddy! Goodbye Milo! Have a good day!”

  “You too Princess. I love you.”

  “Love you too Daddy!”

  Ashlee closes the door, leaving me alone in the car with Milo. The little tyke is standing on his back paws with his front paws against the window.

  “Hey. Watch the interior Milo. Get down.”

  He looks back at me for half a second, ignores me and turns back to watch Ashlee disappear. I put the car into gear and smirk to myself. It’s little acts of defiance like that which probably got him kicked out of pup school. He’s still a great little dog though, and I know that he means the world to Ashlee.

  “Well looks like it’s just me and you again Milo.” I pull my four by four out of the drop off zone and I’m about to turn on the road when something catches my eye. In the corner of the staff parking lot there’s a rust covered automobile that looks a lot like Chance’s car.

  Could it be my new neighbor is also working at my daughter’s elementary school? I pull onto the road and point the four by four in the direction of my office. Milo has dropped off the window now and curled up on the seat.

  “What do you say Milo? Should we run a few searches on this Chance girl? A beautiful young woman ends up as my next door neighbor and now she’s also working at my daughter’s school. If I recall correctly Ashlee did mention she was getting a new teacher this week. Do you think it’s possible…”

  I glance at Milo and I swear the puppy is giving me a disapproving look. I know he doesn’t know what’s going on, but I imagine what he’s thinking all the while. The same thing I’m thinking.

  Don’t look her up Rogan. He’d say.

  You’ll just end up doing the same thing you do with every single girl you get interested in. Run a couple of deep background checks until you find something that you don’t like. Even if she’s squeaky clean you’ll keep looking until you find a reason to deem her ‘not good enough’ for Ashlee. Or… let’s be honest: You’ll find a reason to chicken out and not pursue it at all.

  “Damn Milo! You can be pretty mean!”

  I laugh to myself while turning at an intersection. It occurs to me that I’m sat in my giant four by four talking to a puppy and berating myself. It’s probably best for my mental health and for Ashlee’s well being, that her father gets out there and starts dating again.

  I clench my hands on the wheel at the thought and look at my old wedding ring. It’s been nearly seven years since Ashlee’s mom died, and I’ve not so much as looked at another woman since. There have been plenty of women that have thrown themselves at me, and I’ve had plenty of chance. But I’ve not so much as felt a single thing for a woman until Chance turned up.

  Maybe this means I’m ready? Maybe this means I’ve found someone that’s actually worth caring about?

  I put my foot down and glance at Milo again.

  “What do you reckon boy? Am I being too hard on myself? Should I see if this Chance girl wants to go out on a date? Or am I just too old for her?”

  Milo yawns and closes his eyes, evading my question like an expert. He’s a clever dog.

  “Come on boy.” I say to myself quietly. “Let’s get to work.”

  ‘Work’ is a small and discrete office on the edge of an industrial estate about a fifteen minute drive from Ashlee’s school. When I left the SEALs, I started up a private security and protection firm with the money I’d received for my honorable discharge. I received a lot of media attention for the ‘selfless’ acts that ended up putting my military career to an end, and that attention really helped springboard my security firm into an overnight success.

  Milo and I jump out the car and head into the office. My red-haired secretary Laura is on her feet instantly the moment I walk through the door, pushing a thick wad of memos and notes into my hands.

  “Mr. Gold! Nagazawi called and they want to bring their meeting forward to ten…”

  I drift out as Laura delivers my messages for the morning. When I set up the firm, I thought it would be a way of paying the bills and keeping food on the table for Kate and our baby girl. I hadn’t anticipated even a tenth of the level of success we have today.

  I sit down at my desk and put my notes for the morning to one side. I put my feet up and turn the TV on while sipping at the coffee Laura has just placed down for me.

  “…and we have the meeting to confirm the contract for the world series later this week too, it’s all-”

  “Laura, Laura.” I interrupt her and cut my hand through the air. “Relax will you. This is the quiet season. I know what needs to be done today. Take a breather. You don’t have to be so nervous, your job here is safe.”

  The girl lets out a breath and smiles.

  “Sorry Mr. Gold, I just really appreciate you giving me this job.”

  I shrug. “I needed a secretary, and Hank said you’d be
good for the job.” I look around the small office at the two empty desks beside me. “Where is that bone headed uncle of yours anyway?”

  “Call came in late last night that Mindy Sloane landed at LAX on a private jet. Her agent called in asking for additional backup. Hank and Tony took the call.”

  “Mindy Sloane? As in the Mindy Sloane? Princess of pop?”

  “The one and only.”

  “We’ve been chasing her for months. Wonder what made her change her mind?”

  “I read something in the tabloids this morning about her having a new stalker.”

  “Fair enough, we’ll make sure she stays safe.” I lace my fingers behind my head and sit back in my chair. “What package did they go for?”

  “Deluxe Crystal.”

  I whistle through my lips. The Deluxe Crystal security package is a $10,000 an hour service. “Must be a pretty serious stalker for her to finally change her mind. Well, I’ll catch up with Hank and Tony on the phone in a bit, why don’t you take it easy for the rest of the morning? Keep your eyes on E.”

  Laura nods and heads back to the reception area, giggling as Milo runs past her and lies down next to my desk.

  My company is Black Nitro Security.

  When we set up I anticipated a few clients a year, something I’d be able to handle by myself. With the help from my national media attention, I became an overnight sensation and the official ‘Guardian to the Stars’. At first it was minor league baseball stars, Joey Amish, Kurt Colberg… now we’re looking after everyone. A-List celebrities, kings and queens of pop. We get the big contracts and we get the people that pay big.

  My little firm expanded fast and I now employ five hundred people under the Black Nitro Security name. My firm only provides the best protection. Ex SEALS, ex marines - people that lived through the worst, who know how to handle themselves in a bad situation.

  B.N.S operates on a nation wide scale, and I contract the work out to independent firms on a commission basis.

  I glance over at the framed Forbes magazine on the wall. Tony put it up as a joke. I hate attention, but he was insistent that it stays up. Normally I’d protest, but I think Tony and Hank liked being on the cover behind me. On the cover we’re all standing in suits with our arms crossed. We look tough, and we look ready to fight. Underneath it they ran this ridiculous headline:

  GUARDS TO THE STARS: How Rogan Gold turned security into an eight figure business.

  I roll my eyes and consider taking it down for the dozenth time, but I decide against it. Tony and Hank and proud of what they’ve achieved while working for me, and I’m happy to let them have it.

  The business practically runs itself now, but there are always opportunities to grow. The TV in the corner plays the E! Entertainment news all day. I hate the god damn channel, but it’s great for scoops.

  A story comes up that catches my attention and I turn up the volume. The reporter on screen is a young ken-doll looking man in his twenties. His voice reads the story while the screen shows the image of a man in cuffs.

  “…and our sources say the reported attack on movie star Brad Vine’s life was made in the early hours of the morning, the star is reportedly okay, but shaken…”

  I put the TV on mute having heard enough and buzz for Laura. A second later she’s on her feet and at my door.

  “Brad Vine isn’t one of our clients yet is he?”

  “No sir.” Laura pauses. “Not yet.”

  “Get me the number of his agent will you. I think I’ve got my first job for the day.”

  Laura nods and a second later she is gone. I turn the TV off and turn my chair. I stand and look out my window at the town of Springbok. Work keeps on turning, and as we grow bigger it’s easier and easier for us to secure clients. We’re the second biggest private security firm in the world now. My mind isn’t bothered with that though, there’s something else pulling at me and it’s been bugging me all morning.

  I can’t stop thinking about Chance.

  I sit back down at my desk and hit the speed dial for my sister, Olivia. She answers on the fourth ring.

  “Hey Rogan, what’s up.”

  “Not much sis. How’s work?”

  “Oh you know, hospitals are hospitals. Always busy. You? Taken over the world yet?”

  I laugh down the phone. “I’m getting there. Listen, I was wondering if you could do something for me.”

  “Let me guess. You want me to watch Ashlee.”

  “How did you know?”

  “That’s the only reason you ever call me unannounced Rogan. I thought you were a billionaire. Can’t you just pay someone to look after your daughter?”

  “Well I can. But she likes spending time with her aunt, and I thought you’d want to hang out with your only niece…”

  “Hey now don’t try and guilt trip me mister. I’m happy to do see my darling Ashlee, I’m just saying - would it kill you to hire a baby sitter now and then?”

  “I don’t trust strange women. You know I wouldn’t normally ask at such short notice Olivia, but somethings come up.”

  Olivia’s voice flushes with concern. “Is everything good? Did something bad happen?”

  I take a breath and muster up the half lie that I know will seal the deal. “No. Opposite actually. I think I might have a date.”

  After that Olivia folded into a babbling mess of hysteria. She agreed to take Ashlee for a few hours tonight after school, all while trying to get as much info out of me as she could. Like a true SEAL I remain tight lipped and give nothing away. After ending the call with Olivia I make another call to Ashlee’s school, Springbok Elementary.

  “Springbok Elementary reception, how may I help?”

  I recognize the woman on the phone as Susan, the head receptionist for the school. I’ve helped the school out with a lot of big donations over the years, and the staff practically treat me like I’m a second principle there now.

  “Hey Susan, it’s Rogan Gold here. I was wondering if you could help me set up a meeting.”

  “Mr. Gold! It’s a pleasure to speak with you again… what can we do?”

  I establish what I think is true, Ashlee does have a new teacher and it is Chance. I pull my strings and use my trustee status to get a favor.

  I’m setting up a private one-on-one meeting with Chance, and it’s going to be tonight.

  3

  Chance

  “And I’d like everyone to welcome our new teacher. Ms. Tanner. Everyone say hello.”

  The kids break into an adorable unified greeting. Their high pitched voices speak as if by rote. “Hello Ms. Tanner.”

  It’s my first morning here at Springbok Elementary and I made it here by the skin of my teeth.

  My car may have permanently died when I pulled up into the car park. There was a giant noise and a loud bang. I didn’t have time to stop and check, I ran into the building and Susan, the receptionist, pointed me in the direction of the school gym. Principle Ellen Voores does a school assembly every Monday morning, and I was this close to missing my first one.

  I clamber onto the stage and take a seat with the other teachers who are seated behind the Principle while she addresses the kids. She turns to introduce me just as I sit down. Some of the kids giggle. I look over their sea of faces and wave politely. The other teachers are looking at me as well.

  Great way to make a first impression Chance.

  The bell rings and the kids all stand onto their feet, before filing out of the gym one by one. The teachers around me break into a gaggle of gossip, while introducing themselves, grabbing their boxes of work, sipping at mugs of coffee.

  “Hi, I’m Lisa.” A small girl the same age as me holds out her hand and smiles. She has curly blond hair and big blue eyes.

  “Chance.” I say back while shaking her hand. “Are you the Lisa that is…”

  “Leaving? Yes. You’re my replacement. I’m going to miss it so much working here. But you know… life calls.”

  Lisa looks down to
her belly and smooths a hand over the bump there.

  “Are you coming back after?” I ask.

  Lisa pulls her lips tight. “I love this job, but I’m probably going to focus on being a mom and…” She holds up a finger and shows off a giant rock, “Being a wife!”

  “Oh, congratulations!” I do my best impression of someone who is enthusiastic. Another person to get married and make me feel like the last single girl alive.

  “Thanks!” Lisa chimes back. Her eye catches her watch and she jumps. “Crumbs, I’ve got to head to class. I think Ellen wants to show you around first. See you later?”

  “Sure. Bye!”

  One by one the teachers peel off to their respective rooms. I turn around confused about what I’m suppose to do now and see Principle Ellen walking straight at me. She stops an inch from my face and holds out a hand. I take it and brush a rogue hair out of my eyes.

  “We were starting to worry you weren’t going to turn up Ms. Tanner. Come on. Follow me.”

  The Principle shows me around the school and then takes me to my class. We stand outside the door and look in at Lisa who is currently teaching the class. “As mentioned on the phone, you’ll be working with Lisa this week while she hands the class over to you. After that it’s all you. I know you haven’t got much experience…”

  Her eyes drift off for a second as if she’s reconsidering giving me the job. “But your credentials are great. We need a bit more young blood in this school. I’m sure you’ll fit in well.”

  Ellen knocks on the door and Lisa waves her in. We enter and all the kids go quiet at the sight of their Principle.

  “Hello children. As you all know Mrs. Farmer will be leaving us at the end of this week.”

  The kids break into a collective groan. “I know, I know - but the good news is is that Ms. Tanner here will be taking over, starting from next week. This week Mrs. Farmer and Ms. Tanner will be working together, so you get two teachers. Isn’t that great?!”