Chapter 2
“Your hair looks so pretty down!” Sam grinned as we made ourselves comfortable in a booth at a bar down the street from the yoga studio the next evening.
I fingered my wild curls absently. “You think so?”
After class, I’d changed into a flowy cream dress with a chunky sweater and boots. Though I rarely put much thought into my look, I favored fall and winter, when I could wear sweaters and boots with the occasional scarf. I’d left my curls loose, swiped some mascara on my blue eyes, and finished the look with a dash of lip stain.
“Definitely.” Danny nodded. With her shiny black hair and blue eyes, Danny was gorgeous.
“Thanks,” I murmured, reaching for my cocktail.
“That was a great class. I’ll be sore tomorrow.” Sam grimaced, shifting in her seat.
“Good.” I grinned around the rim of my glass. “Where are your husbands tonight?” I asked curiously.
Sid, Sam’s husband, and Caden, Danny’s, were brothers.
“Sid’s on assignment.” Sam sighed. “He’ll be back in about a week.”
“Caden’s still at the shop. He has Olivia with him,” Danny replied. Caden owned one of the most successful tattoo shops in Los Angeles. He was also a wonderful father to their eighteen-month-old, Olivia.
“Hopefully Livie will end up in your class when the times comes.” Danny smiled.
It meant the world to me that they trusted me with their children.
I smiled. “I hope so, too.” I turned to Sam. “Do you need anything while Sid’s gone?” I didn’t imagine it was easy when he was away, especially with a busy three-year-old to contend with.
“I’m okay, but thanks,” she replied. “The guys and Danny help out a lot while he’s gone.”
“The guys?” I asked curiously.
“My brother, Travis, helps a lot,” she explained. “You’ve met him when he’s come to pick up Hud, haven’t you?”
Boy, had I ever.
“I think so.” I replied casually, knowing my cheeks flushed at the mere mention of her handsome brother.
“Trav’s been traveling less lately. I’ve told you he owns Talon Security, haven’t I?” she verified.
I nodded, though I still didn’t understand exactly what that meant. I knew Travis and Sid were ex-military, but that was where my understanding ended.
“Anyway, he’s been able to help out with Hud, which has been awesome since Sid still travels more than I’d like. With the Talon team, Caden, and Danny—we’re like a big family,” she explained warmly.
I didn’t ask about Hudson’s grandparents. Sam had never mentioned them, and I assumed they weren’t involved.
I was glad she had the help and support of good friends.
“That’s wonderful.” I nodded.
“How about you? How’s Ryan?” Danny asked after my younger brother. I’d mentioned to them that he was an active duty marine.
“Okay, I hope,” I replied worriedly. “He’s deployed to Kuwait. It’s his last six months. I can’t wait to have him back stateside.” I sighed.
“I’m sure.” Danny nodded with kind eyes.
Despite being prouder than hell of him, I didn’t usually talk about Ryan much. It was difficult, since I hated even thinking about him being in danger. But with Sam and Danny it had come naturally; they understood to some degree what I was going through.
Sensing it was a difficult subject for me, Sam reached over and gripped my hand. “I know something about that if you ever want to talk. Now, let’s switch to lighter subjects, shall we?”
