“It is.” She tucked a strand of her long caramel hair behind her ear and peered Cutter’s way. “So your teammates came alone tonight. Does that mean they’re, um…single?”
“All of them, except the bosses.” He slanted her a sideways glance. “You’re not looking to get married right away, are you? There’s more to life than that.”
Sometimes his overprotective nature meant he treated her not just like the younger sister he’d never had, but a girl.
“Of course I know. But I’m almost twenty-two and I’ve been on exactly two dates in my life. I think I’m entitled to want male companionship.”
“Yeah. I just don’t know if this is the best place to look. These men are hardened warriors—special operators, spies, snipers... They have to leave unexpectedly at a moment’s notice. They’ve seen things, done things…”
“You, too. But you’re a defender. A protector. And you’re perfectly wonderful. Some woman will be lucky to have you someday.”
But it wouldn’t be her. Her connection with Cutter was—and always had been—purely platonic. Neither of them wanted their relationship any other way.
“I’m not in any hurry to get married. But, contrary to what you say, I suspect you are. So…” He sighed. “I’ll give you some background before I introduce you around. Remember, I told you that Caleb Edgington formed this team a few years back, then turned it over to his sons? Hunter, his older”—he pointed to the hard-jawed man grilling burgers—“is a former SEAL. He’s married to Kata, who’s probably in the kitchen with his brother’s wife. Logan, his younger, is also a former SEAL. He’s the guy at the cooler watching Tara, the redhead, through the window with that dirty leer.”
Brea was relieved to learn she wasn’t the only woman here. “And the others?”
“Hunter and Logan’s stepbrother, Joaquin Muñoz, is former NSA. He’s the tall one with his back to the fence in the circle of men across the yard. His wife, Bailey, is a ballerina, but she’s on tour right now. Josiah Grant, the buff guy next to him, is former CIA. The other two, Zy and Trees, are tight. They served together in some government program I’m not privy to know about.” Cutter rolled his eyes. “Trees’ real name is Forest Scott but everyone calls him Trees because—”
“He’s incredibly tall.” Brea blinked. “Wow.”
“Exactly. He’s a cyber security specialist and he’s exceptionally good at it. And his buddy Zy—”
“Looks a lot like Zac Efron. The grown-up version, not the Disney kid.”
Cutter laughed. “Which is why he’s nicknamed Zyron. His real name is Chase Garrett, but around here he doesn’t answer to that. Besides being our class clown, he’s our demolitions guy. He loves blowing stuff up.”
“That’s a little scary, but…” Brea let out a breath. She’d come here to get out of her sheltered bubble and meet people. “You should probably introduce me to everyone on your team.”
Cutter hesitated. “Yeah. I’m just going to warn you… We’re missing one, Pierce Walker. I don’t know if the bastard will show tonight. He’s a loner, and you’re not missing much. But if he turns up, avoid him, you hear me? He’s no good.”
“All right.” Cutter was a good judge of character, so she’d take his word on that.
“That’s my girl.” He smiled her way, then they stepped off the back patio together.
As they crossed the lawn, Brea clung to his hand. She’d always been shy around new people, men especially. Thankfully, every one of his teammates smiled as they approached. Josiah, whose voice told her he wasn’t from around here, seemed nice. Zyron and Trees both had Southern gentlemen’s manners, though charm rolled off Zy’s tongue while Trees seemed content to let his pal do the talking.
No denying each of them was fit, sharp, interesting, and attractive. But none sparked her interest. Honestly, that was all right. Like Cutter had said, there was more to life than getting married. Still, she couldn’t lie. She’d looked forward to being some man’s wife since she was a little girl. Her friends had all left Sunset to pursue their ambitions of becoming doctors or actresses or teachers. And that was lovely—for them. Even if it sounded old-fashioned, Brea wanted a husband, kids, home, and happiness.
That wasn’t too much to ask, right?
After some small talk, Cutter led her to Hunter and his brother, Logan, respectively. The elder brother flipped burgers with intent focus. Though he was perfectly polite, it was obvious Hunter was a doer, not a talker. Logan, on the other hand, oozed charm. He smiled, winked, and laughed, making up for all the conversation she hadn’t had with his brother. But under his façade she sensed something relentless, something dark. In fact, she felt that undercurrent in all the men here, even Cutter. They’d seen atrocities, stockpiled secrets, even committed sins in the name of national security.
Undoubtedly, she’d be better off with someone simpler. She could smile and nod the rest of the night, happy to make the acquaintance of Cutter’s co-workers, then figure out how to meet a nice accountant or a handsome professor with whom she might share her future.
She loitered for an hour with Kata and Tara in the kitchen, helping to prepare macaroni salad and bake cookies. They were lovely and witty and funny. Gritty and interesting, too. Stories of Kata’s son and Tara’s twin girls had her giggling.
Together, they brought the food outside and set everything on a big buffet table as Hunter yelled to all at the gathering, “Chow time. Come and get it!”
Before she and Cutter could grab a plate, Logan snagged his arm. “Bryant, can you give me a hand throwing more cold ones in the cooler?”
“Sure.” He turned to her. “Why don’t you get your plate? I’ll join you in a few.”
And sit with all these strangers by herself? “Actually, I need to use the ladies’ room first. Meet you at the buffet table?”
With a nod, Cutter turned to
