She stares out at the ocean. “Because I’ve found they are usually hotheaded and womanizers.” Then she turns to me. “Can you tell me I’m wrong?”
I’m insulted, but that doesn’t stop the laugh that comes out. And once it starts, I can’t stop.
Her hands go to her hips. “You think that’s funny?”
I hold up my hand as I try to compose myself. “Yeah, I do. I mean, sure, some of the guys can be like that, but to hold all military men to that stereotype is a bit much; don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t. I’ve known enough of your type.”
“Mytype?”
She turns back to me and is biting her lip. “I’m sorry if this comes across as rude. Maria has said nothing but great things about you. I’m sure you’re a wonderful big brother.”
“Hey, this isn’t about me. I don’t understand how you can rule out an entire group of men.”
“Experience.”
She walks away, leaving me confused and a little angry. I spin and watch as she goes up to the group playing volleyball. A guy nods and she joins them on the court.
Sure, there are guys like the type she mentioned. But none of my friends are like that. I head in the opposite direction and take a seat on the blanket next to my sister.
“Struck out, eh?” she says as I glance over at her. “Told you not to hit on my friends.”
“Wantme to drop you off at home?” Maria asks, breaking me from my thoughts.
“What?”
“Do you want me to drop you off at home?”
“The office. Thanks.”
Maria drops me off at the offices of Reed Hawthorne Security, where I work. I’d taken the day off, but Reed sent a text asking me to “stop by when you can.” That typically means one thing: an assignment is waiting for me.
The office is unusually quiet as I head in. No sarcastic commentary from Piper at the front desk. No Lightning running from someone after a prank gone wrong.
I knock on Reed’s door.
“Come in.”
Moose, the newest hire, is already inside. He nods at me. I nod back.
“Grab a seat,” Reed says.
I sit down.
“Sorry to call you in,” Reed says, “but something came up. You need to leave early tomorrow morning.”
I nod. Not my first rodeo.
“You’ll be working with FBI Agent Blaese. Moose has worked with him before.”
Moose leans back and crosses his arms. “Yeah. He’s tough, smart, and good in a crisis.”
“Where are we headed?” I ask. I’d sure love to get an assignment in the Caribbean like a couple of the other guys had once.
“Wyoming,” Reed says with a grin.
I frown. “What’s in Wyoming?”
