Don't Say Goodbye (Navy Book 2)

Chapter 4

In just under three short months she would have her Master's Degree in Psychology. Her undergraduate work was in Social Work and she had lined up a summer internship with the county. She would be working with kids in foster care, helping with their therapy sessions.

As eager as she was to begin her work she had to finish three more classes, one of which was a special topics class with Hilliard. Thankfully, his class was at the end of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays which would keep her time in his presence to a minimum. And if his class was like other special topic classes, it would be comprised of special projects that would require them to be out of classroom and in the field most of the quarter.

Hilliard hadn't posted what subject the class was to cover, but all of the graduate students were required to have it and it was only taught once a year, so this was one of the few chances to take it. She was anxious to get her education finished and move on to her career.

She had been able to take all of her classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays which left the rest of the week free for her to complete the many projects she would undoubtedly have, including her Thesis.

It turned out Blanche had every class with her and had stuck to her all day. By the time they walked into Hilliard's class she was well and truly tired of her constant chattering. When they walked into the classroom they took seats towards the middle on the end, and Charlie recognized most of the students in the class, nodding to a few who had worked with her on projects over the last two years.

The door eventually opened and Hilliard walked in wearing his usual garb, but beside him was Will who was wearing the dress white uniform of the Navy.

There was no doubt that he looked utterly gorgeous in the uniform; just like every girl's dream.

All the chattering stopped at once and there was complete silence as Will commanded everyone's attention. Eventually, as he turned his back towards them and began talking with Hilliard, the chattering started back up but at a more subdued level.

Charlie knew that they were military but not Navy. Seeing him in the uniform actually made her sick to her stomach. She had no fond memories of that uniform. In fact, she had very very bad ones that she was doing her best to ignore.

Charlie had noticed the trident on his chest which meant that he was a Navy SEAL, and if he was so was Hilliard.

Dr. Kellan Hilliard was no egotistical hippy he was an elite warrior, a Navy SEAL, who had also managed at some point to get a PHD. Everything Charlie knew about the man shifted, leaving her more aware of him than ever before.

"Who is he? He is fabulous," Blanche hissed in her ear, completely unaware of the cold sweat that Charlie had broken into or her pallor.

"That's Dr. Hilliard," she muttered, focused on her paper in front of her, pretending that she did not understand the question.

"Not Hilly, the sexy sailor?"

Charlie shook her head, the idea of calling a Navy SEAL a sailor was a bit like calling a lion a kitten.

"Good morning class." Hilliard's familiar voice filled the classroom.

"He's yummy," Blanche said as she leaned forward, not the least bit ashamed that she was openly staring. Will looked over at Blanche and winked.

"Welcome to Special Topic course 730. I am Dr. Hilliard." He turned around and reached into his satchel and pulled out a stack of papers. "I know many of you but there are a few new faces." He started up the row of seats handing out the syllabus.

Charlie was sitting on the end and when he reached her she didn't even glance up at him as she took the papers from his hand.

She just wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. This man had seen her completely naked.