Connor laughed, dropping the cookies on a food table before looping his arm around my shoulder. “Best friend. It’s a word Ashton made up.”
“Who’s Ashton?” I asked, struggling to keep up. Between the real names, call signs, and made-up language, it was like a secret club.
“She’s probably around here somewhere. She’s Catherine’s best friend.”
“And Catherine is married to Liam?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Catherine is married to Jackson. Liam is married to Lee,” he added, perhaps sensing my confusion.
“Lee?” I frowned. “I think I’m going to need a chart.”
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re too cute.”
We floated from one conversation to another before finally heading out to the backyard. Everyone I’d met so far was incredibly welcoming, not to mention, gorgeous. It was as if you had to be beautiful to be a member of their social circle. Even so, I saw myself easily fitting into the group. Which was strange because apart from Alyssa, I didn’t have many friends. I didn’t let many people in, and I often preferred the company of my books or Luna to others.
“Connor, good to see you,” Jackson said, clapping a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside. Catch up.”
“Nope.” Catherine grabbed his arm, her long brown hair swaying from the movement. “No work tonight. You promised!”
“It’s not work.” He grinned, though I didn’t need SEAL training to know it was a lie. Still, I worried it had something to do with Connor’s last mission or the lawsuit. “Besides, I want to check on Kennedy.”
Catherine’s expression softened, and she smiled when he whispered something in her ear. They were so in love, it was almost painful to watch. And I had to look away.
“Boys,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Thanks for letting me crash the party,” I said once we were alone.
“Absolutely.” She led me over to a table where drinks were being served. “It’s nice to have so many of Jackson’s friends here. Most of them live in Virginia, and I’m glad they could make it. And I’m thrilled that Connor brought you.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to put faces to the names.”
She was such a gracious host, and—at least from the outside—she appeared to have the perfect life. A devoted husband who doted on her and their two beautiful children. And both she and Jackson had their own businesses and loved their careers. Was it really possible to have it all? Because Catherine and Jackson made it seem effortless. And I hadn’t realized how much I wanted those things until that moment.
“You seem familiar,” she said, her eyes searching my face for clues. “Have we met before?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?” She tapped a finger to her lips. “I swear I know you from somewhere. Do you take yoga at the Lotus Studio?”
I shook my head, figuring I already knew the answer. I might as well end her frustration. “My dad is Harrison Hayes. He played for the Hollywood Heatwaves.”
“Ah.” She tilted her head back, the pieces sliding into place. “That makes sense. I’ve done some work for Reggie Harrington.”
“Yes.” I laughed. “Reg is the best.” He was my father’s best friend and my honorary uncle.
“Your mom is an actress, right?” she asked.
I nodded. Despite the fact that my mom had always been more into stage productions, Catherine knew her stuff. My parents were celebrities, but they weren’t popular enough that the paparazzi followed them around.
“So…I know what your parents do,” she said. “What about you, Olivia?”
“I work in marketing for Igloo Books—a publishing company.”
“Oh yes.” She placed her hand on my forearm with a genuine smile. “We have been thrilled with the Spines for Soldiers program. When I heard about it, I knew we just had to get some of our guys enrolled. Please give my gratitude to whoever came up with that idea,” she gushed.
I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Thank you.” And while ordinarily I would’ve stopped there, I said, “It was actually my idea. So, I’m thrilled that you think it’s of benefit.”
“That’s wonderful! And absolutely.” She smiled. “These men—” She sounded exasperated, but all the while she was smiling. “They act so tough, but they aren’t invincible. Despite what they want us to believe.”
