“No, I want to know what Rob meant,” Jack said, trying to dodge around Drew, but he continued to block him.
“You’re not a relationship guy,” Rob blurted out.
“So, most of you aren’t, and yet, look at Drew and Greg.They’re in a relationship now.You think I can’t be that?You don’t think I can be with just one woman?”
The right woman, yes, could change the most hardened of hearts.But Rob didn’t think June was that woman for Jack.
“I’m sure that’s not what Rob was meaning.Jack, let’s take a walk.”Drew didn’t give Jack a choice but gripped him by the back of the neck and dragged him into the house.
Jack looked over his shoulder and scowled at Rob.“This isn’t over.I will ask her out.Hell about your opinion.”
The guys stood around in stunned silence.No one had ever seen Jack so worked up over a woman before.Part of Rob wanted to take back his comment and let Jack ask June out, but he couldn’t muster the words.They were bad for each other, and he was sticking to his opinion.
“Let it go, man.He’s just trying to get a rise out of you,” Greg said, patting him on the shoulder.Rob knew that, but sadly, it was working.
Rob’s gaze slid to June, who was looking at them concerned as she stood next to Shay.Her eyebrows puckered as she took in the scene.Damn, this was not how he’d wanted their first meeting to go.
Rob pushed through his friends to June.“Sorry about that.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, what’s a barbeque with these guys without a little drama?”Rob tried laughing off what had just happened.
“Too much testosterone,” Shay leaned over and whispered loudly.
Their explanation didn’t seem to appease June’s worry.Her gaze drifted toward the house.“Well, I hope Jack is okay.”
For some reason, Rob didn’t like June talking about Jack like that.With such concern.Was Zoe right; was he jealous?No, he couldn’t be.He had never been jealous of anyone before.
“I’m sure he’ll be back shortly.I think Drew just wanted to talk to him.”
“I’ll be right back,” Shay commented before excusing herself and giving them a private moment to talk.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”Rob asked, filling in the silence.
Her face split into a grin, and his stomach muscles tightened.“Yeah, everyone is great.”He was almost waiting for her to sayespecially Jack, but she didn’t.
“Good, I’m sorry I had to abandon you to make your own introductions.”
“It’s fine.”She waved him off.“I get it as you’re cooking, so it’s hard to make intros.Shay and Zoe introduced me to everyone.You guys seem really close.”
“We are.We’ve known each other a few years now.”And worked together.
“It’s interesting that you all come from different branches of the military and yet, get along.I always thought there was rivalry amongst the branches.”
“There’s jokes and ribbing, but nothing serious.If we were all still on active duty, maybe, but there haven’t been any issues.”At least not when it came to that.Women, on the other hand, were starting to become an issue.This was what they got for adding women to the mix, he supposed.
“Nice.”
“Food is ready if you’re hungry, though your lasagna is already gone.”It had been the first thing to go.No one had wanted to wait to try it with the rest of the spread.
“Did you get a chance to try it?I should have made more,” June pouted and looked away in disappointment.
“I did get a little sliver right after it was set down.I knew it wouldn’t last long.”
The smile returned to her face.“Smart thinking.”
“I know what a great chef you are, so I had to be sneaky and get it before everyone else.”
