A few grunts and muttered agreements filled the air, but one on the team seemed overly excited about the possible new lead in their off-the-books investigation. Probably because they’d faced too many dead ends to open the door to real hope.
But SEALS or private sector, it didn’t matter. One way or another, no matter how long it took, the men of Eagle’s Nestwouldeventually uncover the truth.
Until then…
“Anyone down for some wings?” Lucky asked no one in particular as he stood and headed for the door. “First round’s on me.”
Not bothering to glance up from his phone, Chase nodded as he followed. “I could go for some chicken.”
The team filtered out of the room, the door beeping as the secured locks reengaged the moment it snicked shut. Walking a few steps ahead of him down the hall, Logan spoke to Lucky from over his shoulder.
“Thanks for the offer.” Their team leader sounded genuine. “But Nat and I are going car shopping.”
“Car shopping?” Lucky blinked. “You trading in the truck?”
“Hell, no.” The other man’s brow fell into a deep furrow. “Natalie wants something a little bigger than what she has now, so I promised her we’d go look on my next day off.”
“Arch?” He moved on to the next guy. “What about you?”
“Sorry, man.” Arch checked his watch. “I’m supposed to pick Cassie up in twenty.”
“More wedding stuff?” Lucky assumed.
The group walked steadily through the empty reception area and out into the floor’s main hallway. Reaching the elevator first, Archer slapped the button and shook his head.
“Nope,” the demolitions answered. “The girls were meeting to finalize all that this morning.” Affection seeped into the otherman’s dark gaze as he added, “I’m picking Cass up at the café, and then she and I are going on a date.”
“A date?” Chase frowned as the elevator dinged and its doors slid open. “Isn’t that kinda weird, seeing as how you two are…you know…already engaged?”
The team took turns stepping inside. Squeezing and shifting, their broad, muscular bodies damn near filled the enclosed space.
“That’s exactly why theyshouldcontinue to date,” Logan pointed out as the cart jostled and began its descent. “Marriages fail for lots of reasons, Boyer. One is that the couple grows apart.”
“Hayes is exactly right.” Archer nodded. “Can’t grow apart if you keep things going strong, like in the beginning. Hence my plan to take Cass to a matinee, followed by happy hour and an early dinner.”
“Followed by a late night filled with hot, steamy, wild monkey se—”
“Dude.” Archer’s scowl swung toward Lucky. “Why do you gotta ruin the moment? I was trying to teach our young friend the ropes when it comes to relationships.”
He looked at Chase. “Don’t listen to them, Boyer. You have any questions about how to treat the opposite sex, I’ve got your back.”
Logan scoffed. “Says the man who’s never been in a serious relationship in his life.”
“I havetobeen in a serious relationship,” Lucky bypassed Chase’s comment to argue Logan’s false accusation. “For your information, Sally Pachinko and I were together for over a year.”
“Fifth grade doesn’t count, jackass.” Van’s rough grumble came from behind.
Lifting his right hand, Lucky flashed his surly teammate the finger at the same time the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.
“Shit.” Arch’s face fell into a frown as he glanced down at his phone. “I need to get a move-on. Cass just texted and said Ellie had to cut out of the girls’ brunch early, and she and Nat are ready to go.”
Lucky tilted his head as the group of five marched across smooth tile toward the building’s main entrance. “Ellie?”
“She was Cassie’s lawyer when she was framed for murder,” Archer reminded him with a prodding stare. “You know…Ellie.”
Lucky didn’t need the reminder. He knew exactly who his friend was referring to.
Eloise Fisher. Early thirties. Brunette. Eyes he’d tried like hell to forget.