After years of working as a team, when it was time to retire, we decided to go our separate ways, each taking a job in security. But if any of us is in need, the other six will be there—no questions asked. That also applies to any teasing or pranks.
That’s why I need to contact my SEAL brothers and let them know that anything they see about me online is part of the job. Sure, all of our jobs are top secret, but there are no secrets between my SEAL brothers and me. Case and point, the fact that we are all virgins in our mid-thirties—well, some of us still are.
Rafe, Trace, and Jack have all found love and no longer fall into that category. While Jude, Hollander, Maddox, and I wait for our turn at love. Our group chat name is still the Virgin Squad—which we should probably update soon.
Me:Hey guys, I wanted to check in before I start my new assignment.
I hit send, then glance at the crowded bookstore. I don’t like waiting out here when I should be inside guarding my client. I haven’t seen her in person yet, but after seeing her picture online, she’s all I can think about—which isn’t good in my profession. There was just something about her warm, chocolate-brown hair and matching eyes that called to me. Thatand her curvy body—so many curves, a man could get lost in them.
But I’m not that man.I remind myself.
Hollander:It’s not for another horny grandmother, is it?
I can almost picture Hollander's face scrunched up in disgust when I told him about Mrs. Heatherington's proposition at Rafe and Tara’s wedding reception. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the first to proposition me, and I doubt she’ll be the last.
Me:Nope. I gave her your phone number.
Hollander:dick.
Rafe:Okay, you two, settle down. What’s the assignment, Riker?
Always the leader, Rafe gets us back on track.
Me:I’m going undercover as a cover model for a romance novel.
Maddox:Come again?
Trace:A what?
Jack:I have to tell Elsa, she loves those smut books. Are you shirtless on the cover?
Leave it to Jack to know all about romance novel covers.
Jude:Holy shit, Riker, are you naked on the cover?
I glance down at my outfit, an exact replica of the book cover, and cringe.
Me:I’m not naked. I’m wearing a black leather jacket and leather pants.
Hopefully, that answer will appease them.
Jack:But you’re shirtless, right?
Damn, Elsa and her romance books.
Me:Yes, I’m shirtless. But I wanted to let you know it’s for an assignment. I haven’t changed my career or anything.
Jude:Um, okay, because the first thing we'd think of when we saw you half-naked on the internet is, “Oh, look, there’s straightlaced, by-the-book, never-breaks-any-rules Riker working as a cover model for smut books.”
Jude is the youngest of the seven of us, only by a few months, but he definitely acts like the annoying little brother.
Me:I’m ending this conversation now.
Rafe:Wait, be careful, Riker. And if you need us, let us know.
Hollander:We’re here for you, buddy.
Trace:Call me if you need anything.
