Dakota’s Delight Read online

  DAKOTA’S DELIGHT

  Heroes for Hire, Book 9

  Dale Mayer

  Books in This Series:

  Levi’s Legend: Heroes for Hire, Book 1

  Stone’s Surrender: Heroes for Hire, Book 2

  Merk’s Mistake: Heroes for Hire, Book 3

  Rhodes’s Reward: Heroes for Hire, Book 4

  Flynn’s Firecracker: Heroes for Hire, Book 5

  Logan’s Light: Heroes for Hire, Book 6

  Harrison’s Heart: Heroes for Hire, Book 7

  Saul’s Sweetheart: Heroes for Hire, Book 8

  Dakota’s Delight: Heroes for Hire, Book 9

  Michael’s Mercy: Heroes for Hire, Book 10

  Jarrod’s Jewel: Heroes for Hire, Book 11

  Books in the SEALs of Honor Series:

  Mason: SEALs of Honor, Book 1

  Hawk: SEALs of Honor, Book 2

  Dane: SEALs of Honor, Book 3

  Swede: SEALs of Honor, Book 4

  Shadow: SEALs of Honor, Book 5

  Cooper: SEALs of Honor, Book 6

  Markus: SEALs of Honor, Book 7

  Evan: SEALs of Honor, Book 8

  Mason’s Wish: SEALs of Honor, Book 9

  Chase: SEALs of Honor, Book 10

  Brett: SEALs of Honor, Book 11

  Devlin: SEALs of Honor, Book 12

  Easton: SEALs of Honor, Book 13

  Ryder: SEALs of Honor, Book 14

  SEALs of Honor, Books 1–3

  SEALs of Honor, Books 4–6

  SEALs of Honor, Books 7–10

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  About the Book

  Complimentary Download

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Complimentary Download

  About the Author

  Also by Dale Mayer

  Copyright Page

  Back Cover

  Welcome to Dakota’s Delight, book 9 in Heroes for Hire, reconnecting readers with the unforgettable men from SEALs of Honor in a new series of action packed, page turning romantic suspense that fans have come to expect from USA TODAY Bestselling author Dale Mayer.

  When a young woman darts into traffic and into Dakota’s path, life takes a dark turn for both of them.

  Bailey, recovering from the loss of her husband, retreated from life. Going to work and coming home was the extent of her days and weeks. Until she walks into work early one morning, witnesses a murder and flees into traffic, nearly getting killed.

  The near death experience awakens the spark of life inside of her. So does the man in the car. A different kind of a spark.

  For her safety, Dakota persuades her to move into the compound with him and the rest of the Legendary family while they track down the killers.

  Bailey is forced to accept Dakota’s help. But can she stay safe long enough for the police to track down the killer? Or is the man who almost ran her over going to steal her heart?

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  KILL OR BE KILLED

  Part of an elite SEAL team, Mason takes on the dangerous jobs no one else wants to do – or can do. When he’s on a mission, he’s focused and dedicated. When he’s not, he plays as hard as he fights.

  Until he meets a woman he can’t have but can’t forget. Software developer, Tesla lost her brother in combat and has no intention of getting close to someone else in the military. Determined to save other US soldiers from a similar fate, she’s created a program that could save lives. But other countries know about the program, and they won’t stop until they get it – and get her.

  Time is running out … For her … For him … For them …

  DOWNLOAD a complimentary copy of MASON? Just tell me where to send it!

  Chapter 1

  Dakota Languor drove his big SUV through the intersection, his list of things to do today long. He was often the one to go into town, depending on who was available and what else was going on. He did the job cheerfully, knowing it gave him a chance to get out. He loved everybody he worked with, absolutely adored the women there, but, for him, it got to be a bit too much at times.

  He wasn’t used to living and working in the middle of a large family. And that was definitely what Legendary Security had become. He was good with that, but sometimes …

  Saul was his best friend, and now that he’d found Rebel and she lived in town, the two of them were fast becoming another case of a live-in couple. Dakota knew Saul had discussed with Rebel about moving into one of the apartments on the compound.

  Eight apartments were being rehabbed for company employees. Dakota doubted that would be enough, considering the speed with which Levi was filling up his company with some of the best damn men Dakota had ever been privileged to work with.

  Dakota sped down the highway. He might stop for lunch or coffee, but he’d knock the things off his list like a pro—fast and efficient. Most of today was picking up parts and pieces that had been ordered from various warehouses and stores. Food had to be picked up too—that was always fun as Alfred’s list would be huge. The good thing was, he had phoned in the order, and it was paid for, ready for loading by the time Dakota got there.

  Considering Levi had so many jobs on the go right now, with men coming and going on a regular basis, Dakota liked this diversion. Saul had just headed out to a job in Alaska and was always happy to go off on missions, but, at the same time, he would miss his sweetheart. To think how Saul and Rebel had worked out as a couple was amazing. Dakota was happy for his buddy. Saul hadn’t been looking for a relationship, but, when it came, he’d certainly recognized its value and gone with it.

  Dakota wasn’t sure he’d have the same foresight. He’d never been married, and his years in the navy had shown just how difficult that life was on his friends’ relationships. In Dakota’s case, having been a SEAL and going off on dangerous missions had been very hard on his former girlfriends. And he never knew when he would come back, if he would come back. He figured it was easier on everybody if he didn’t give his heart away, so there would be less hurt all around. It was not that he wanted to be single all his life, and he certainly had a less dangerous lifestyle now, but it was still the same kind of work, and he was gone on a regular basis.

  Plus he’d moved to Texas for this position. He didn’t want to do anything to mess it up. He really enjoyed the people he worked with. He’d worried that, when he left the navy, he’d feel this huge apprehension, fear of losing that sense of brotherhood. But, as he had hooked up with Levi almost immediately, Dakota had experienced a renewed sense of kinship and a sense of belonging. He loved his new life.

  The fact that almost everybody here, living on the compound as Levi’s people did, was involved in a serious relationship made being single a bit awkward. But Dakota was okay with that because it was comfortable and maybe because he was even a little envious.

  He’d watched Saul and Rebel come together, spark back and forth off each other, before settling into something that was almost like a lock and a key.

  He hadn’t really expected that to happen to Saul. They’d been best friends forever. Saul had had several serious relationships during that time. Dakota had thought some of the women were perfect f
or his buddy. But none had ever worked out. Rebel had been completely different. And yet perfect. Considering how quickly Saul had clicked with Rebel, Dakota had to wonder if he could have that something special too. Not that one could plan for that.

  Dakota’s huge fear was that the perfect woman would walk by and that he wouldn’t recognize her.

  As he came to the outskirts of the city, he checked before changing lanes and then took a right at the next intersection. The best way to get through this long list was to be efficient about which places he went to and in what order. He stopped off at the first warehouse and picked up several parcels that had come in for Levi, loaded them into the back of the SUV, pushing them to the far corner and packing them in tight. By the time he got home today this vehicle would be stuffed, so he had to pack for maximum usage of his space. Plus the perishables had to be the last ones in and the first ones out.

  At the mechanic shop, he picked up a few parts and pieces Stone and Merk had ordered for a couple of the rigs. The good thing was, everything was done on credit, and Ice paid all the bills. Dakota didn’t have to deal with the money issues. Originally, when Ice and Levi had first started the company, apparently finances had been very tight, but, now that money flowed freely and the company turned a profit, the co-owners were building up a lot of their inventory, improving on the medical clinic and rehabbing many of the apartments. Levi had inherited the huge compound from a family member, and, ever since they’d moved in, the place had been under construction.

  Of course Alfred was a godsend. He ran the house and commanded the kitchen, where he created delicious meals for the entire compound single-handedly. There had been a lot of discussion about bringing in an assistant for him. Instead everyone just pitched in and helped alongside him. Nobody let him do dishes anymore, even though he protested mightily. But there was no need for that, as about thirty people hung around or lived in the place most of the time. Not all the bedrooms were full yet. But it must be getting close.

  Once the apartments were completed, Dakota knew a lot of the couples would move into those spaces. That would change things too. He didn’t know how the meals would work at that point, but he figured it would probably be up to the individual couples. Some were so busy they’d appreciate offered food, and others may like to cook special dinners themselves. Dakota wasn’t sure how Alfred would handle life then, but, like everything else, after a few growing pains, he’d settle into a rhythm that would work for everyone.

  Dakota made two more stops, cheerfully knocking them off his list. Just as he pulled away from his fourth stop, the rain came down. Within minutes the downpour was so extreme that he could barely see through the windshield. He reached an intersection and was about to pull through as various vehicles slid out of control, hydroplaning—the flooding in the streets was bad already.

  He decided to get out of these main traffic areas. Side streets would be less dangerous. He took a right and then a left, and, as he turned right again, he peered left, then right. Both clear, he hit the gas.

  A woman darted into his path. He yanked the steering wheel sharply yet still felt the bump as he hit her.

  “Shit!”

  He pounded on the brakes; the truck slammed to a stop. He shut off the engine, opened the door and ran outside. The woman leaned against his truck, staring at him with a dazed look in her eyes.

  “Oh, my God. Are you okay?” He jogged to her, automatically assessing her condition. He found no blood, and she appeared to be standing on her own.

  She looked up at him and said, “I’m … I’m fine.”

  He shook his head. “No, you so aren’t.”

  She gave him a brief smile and said, “Yes, I am.”

  And with that she took a deep breath, almost as if she would go underwater, and she bolted. Down the street he watched her gait, seeing a limp on her left side and how she held herself with her arm wrapped around her chest. He knew that, although she wasn’t badly hurt, she was still injured. He hopped back into the truck, turned on the engine, completed the turn and went after her. She bolted up an alleyway. He followed.

  He felt terrible. He hadn’t seen her before driving into the section, didn’t know where she came from until she was in the roadway, but he wanted her checked over by a doctor. It was like she had blasted from the darkness. He came up to the alleyway but saw no sign of her. He drove around the block and came down the alleyway from the far side, hoping to catch her coming out at the other end. He proceeded slowly around the corner. No one was there. No doorway was open.

  Dakota passed by a door where a couple came out, laughing and joking at the rain, racing to get under cover at the store on the corner. Dakota pulled off to the side and parked. He opened the car door and raced to the door the couple had come out of. And stepped into the kitchen of a small restaurant.

  The chef turned and frowned at him. “Use the front door,” he barked.

  “Sorry. Did you see a young woman come through here just a few minutes ago?”

  The chef motioned to the front of the restaurant. “Yeah, she’s in there.”

  “Thanks.” He gave himself a quick shake, ridding himself of the effects of the rain.

  “Remember the front door next time.”

  “I will, thanks.”

  He made his way to the front, passing a waitress carrying a tray of empty plates. “Sorry.”

  He stopped to check out the boisterous atmosphere. He didn’t know this restaurant at all. It looked more like a small café, diner style. He walked past the tables, looking for the woman who’d run away from him.

  Up ahead, sitting at a small table for two with a glass of water in front of her, was the woman he’d hit with his vehicle. He quickly sat down in the chair across from her.

  She jerked back and stared at him in shock. And then slowly recognition kicked into her gaze, and she sank back into her chair. “I said I was fine.”

  He shook his head. “You’re limping and holding your side,” he said, leaning closer. “I can’t in good conscience let you walk away without having a doctor check you over.”

  She shook her head and bitterly said, “I can’t meet my deductible, so it wouldn’t matter if I was injured.”

  He reached across and picked up her hand, holding it gently. “I’ll take care of your bill. I just want to make sure you are fine.”

  She studied him intently. Then, as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t let herself, she snapped her lips together and pinched them closed.

  He sighed and sat back. “Are you always so stubborn?” he asked lightly.

  “No, only when men track me down and scare the devil out of me.”

  Her phrasing was interesting. The waitress walked over just then with a coffee carafe and two cups.

  As she was about to leave, Dakota said, “Would you bring us a menu too, please?”

  With a bright smile the waitress disappeared to get the menus.

  He looked over at the woman. “At least tell me your name. I’m Dakota Languor.” He reached out his hand across the table to shake hers.

  She shook his hand and said, “I’m Bailey Hoskins.”

  “I like it. It’s different.” He tossed it around in his mind and then shrugged. “I like unique.”

  “It is different,” she said gently. “That also made it difficult to grow up with. Kids had a problem with my name being different. So the kids deemed me different,” she said quietly. “It doesn’t really matter in what way.”

  “Were you bullied growing up?”

  She shrugged. “No more than anybody else I suppose, but I certainly got my fair share.” She studied his face, then dropped her gaze to his broad shoulders.

  He knew what she saw. He was the epitome of the all-American boy—muscled, tanned.

  Then she smiled. “I guess you weren’t though?”

  “Never twice by the same person.” His tone was flat. He had no patience for those who were busy mocking others. “I’ve always been a straight player. And I
don’t waste my time with those who aren’t.”

  “So why are you here wasting time with me?” she asked in a half-mocking tone.

  “Because I don’t even know what happened,” he admitted. “Not only were you running into a street without looking, but you were running away from something. I’ve seen too many cases, where a woman ran in terror, to not stop and ask if she needs help.”

  She settled back into her chair, about to protest, when the waitress returned and placed a menu in front of her, handing the second menu to Dakota. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Dakota nodded his thanks and raised the menu, but over the top he watched her slowly stirring her coffee.

  She dipped her spoon in the cup and pulled up a bit of the dark liquid, taking a sip and grimacing.

  He grinned. “Not much of a coffee drinker?”

  She shrugged. “Not a whole lot, no.”

  He nudged the sugar and cream toward her. “Maybe try it with one of these.”

  She studied them both and picked up the cream and poured in a decent amount.

  He went back to reading the menu and decided the daily special, a chef’s burger, was perfect right now. He glanced over the menu at her. “At least let me buy you lunch.”

  The offer seemed to startle her. Finally she nodded. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

  “Did your shirt or pants get damaged when you hit the vehicle?”

  She glanced down, brushing at the moisture that clung to the material. “No. I doubt it.”

  He motioned at the menu in front of her. “Pick something.”

  She put the menu up between the two of them as if a barrier would help him go away. He wouldn’t do that, but he could understand her wanting to hide behind something.

  He was patient as she studied her lunch options. If she was hoping to outwait him, she was out of luck. He wasn’t letting her from his sight until he had answers.

  Finally she put the menu off to the side. “I’ll have a green salad.”

  The waitress, as if seeing her actions, walked over to take their orders. He wasted no time in asking for two large burgers, fries, and a green salad for her. They went over the extras he wanted on the burgers, and finally the waitress collected the menus and walked away.