“I still can’t believe Archer Nash is actually getting married.”
Both Ellie and Cassie turned to the third member of their luncheon party. Petite, brunette, and sweet as pie, Natalie Hayes was new to Ellie’s world. But after the woman’s husband’s private security team recently saved Cassie’s life from a murdering maniac, the likeable CPA had instantly became a friend of Ellie’s, too.
“You don’t have to soundthatsurprised, Nat.” Cassie shot their mutual friend a playful smirk. “I mean, I know things between me and Arch happened super-fast, but—”
“Oh, you know I didn’t mean it like that.” Natalie interrupted with a chuckle. “Archer is one of the sweetest men I’ve ever known. Plus, the guy isclearlyhead over heels for you.”
“Then why the shock?” Ellie had to ask.
The woman’s pretty brown eyes met hers once more. “It’s more joy than shock, really. I don’t know how to explain it. I’ve known Arch and those guys for so long…I keep thinking this must be what it feels like to watch a big brother finally get their very own happily ever after. If that makes any sort of sense.”
She nodded with a grin. “That makes perfect sense.”
It really does.
“Of course, it makes sense, Nat,” Cassie agreed. “After years of being on the same SEAL team, those guysareessentially brothers. But you know that better than me.”
Ellie couldn’t help but agree. Having been Cassie’s lawyer during her murder trial scandal, she too had witnessed the close bond between the men of Eagle’s Nest Securities.
Five badass operatives who now used their skills and training to protect the citizens of Seattle. Five tall, sexy, lethal men who risked themselves on the daily to keep others safe.
A set of blue, smoldering eyes filled her subconscious vision. Eyes she’d immediately noticed the first night Cassie had introduced Ellie to Archer and the team. Only the eyes didn’t belong to Archer.
They belonged to him.
Lucky.
Given the ridiculous nickname by his brothers in arms, Jason “Lucky” Lucas was the team’s technical analyst. He was also quickly becoming the bane of her existence.
And the star of your dreams.
Ellie reached for her glass and drew in a generous sip of her mimosa. The hope being that the tingly liquid would disrupt enough of her senses, she’d be able to a sort of reset on her current train of thought.
Because she didn’t want to think of Lucky. Not now. Not ever.
So what if the former SEAL was the most attractive man she’d ever met? There were plenty of single, single men to choose from in the city.
Granted, none she’d ever met came anywhere close to Lucky’s level of attractiveness. They also weren’t as tall, dark, or even remotely sexy as he was.
And sure, those other guys probably wouldn’t have those same incredible, blue, inviting eyes as his, either. Eyes so blue, so entrancing, Ellie had to physically refrain from becoming lost in them whenever he was around.
Not that it mattered.
Lucky was a “ladies’ man” with a silver tongue and a devilish smile, and she wasn’t looking to settle down anytime soon, anyway. Natalie and her husband, Logan, and now Cassie and Archer…those guys had the settling down part covered plenty.
Ellie thought about the happily engaged couple and grinned.
She couldn’t help but feel somewhat responsible for Cassie and Archer getting together. Not that the romantic set-up had been intentional. But shewasthe one who’d recommended Cassie go to Eagle’s Nest Securities back when she’d been in danger, so…yeah. She should at least getsomeof the credit, right?
Back when Cassie found herself not only being set up for the murder of her estranged husband but also the target of an unknown killer, Ellie had recommended her friend go to Eagle’s Nest for help.
As Cassie’s lawyer, she’d recognized the trouble her friend had been in when she’d found herself framed for a murder she hadn’t committed. Not only that, but Cassie had also clearly been the killer’s intended target.
Ellie had done everything she could on her end, of course. She’d gone nights without sleep, working tirelessly to checkevery single legal angle of the case she could. But knowing the cops believed they’d already caught their man, so-to-speak, she’d quickly recognized they needed more help than she alone could give.
Enter the men of Eagle’s Nest.
Fast-forward to today and it was easy to see how Cassie had grown so fond of the group of former SEALs. Those guys were the quintessential true American heroes, having spent years laying their lives on the line for their country.