Two guys, also with dark hair and close-cut beards, nodded their affirmatives. The closest one of the pair she recognized as Nolan Orr, the team leader and once a Secret Service agent. She’d met him when her father had gone to the local sheriff with a lead related to the murder of Lost Lake’s mayor.
“None for me.” A petite woman with short brunette hair shook her head. “No way I can eat like the rest of these guys and not gain weight.”
“Be right back.” Reece pushed through the swinging doors.
“Come on, let’s go meet the others.” Hayden took off across the room. “Everyone, this is Cady Vaughn. She’s Percy’s daughter.” He clapped a hand on the shoulder of the guy who’d requested a sandwich. “This would be Jude French. He’s our resident joker and a former FBI agent.”
“Perfect timing on the sandwich. My stomach thanks you.” He grinned, his smile playfully devious.
It did nothing to help Cady relax, and she released her nerves by unzipping her lightweight jacket. “I didn’t mean to cause anyone extra work.”
Hayden lifted his hands in an easy-going gesture. “Don’t worry about it. Reece is the team mom, and she loves spoiling us all.”
“But I’m not part of the team,” she said, even though she had to admit they were welcoming—and no one made her feel like an outsider.
“I mean, if you want to feel special you can, but seriously, Reece will mother anyone who allows it.” Jude laughed.
The other guy she hadn’t met stared at his teammate. “Doesn’t mean we should take advantage of her. Unless of course she’s grilling burgers. Then we must always, always agree to them.” He chuckled, his deep amusement rumbling through the room.
Hayden shot the guy a sideways look dripping with sarcasm. “This is Gabe Irving. He served as an Oregon State Trooper and can rate every burger joint in the entire state.”
“Hey, don’t limit me to Oregon.” Gabe gave a sly smile. “I can rate a ton of them in Washington too.”
Hayden looked away as if biting back a comment and shrugged out of his jacket. “You remember Nolan, right?”
“I do.” Cady smiled at the team founder. “Glad to see you again.”
Nolan nodded. “Sounds like we might be working together.”
Oh, how she prayed his statement was true. “I would very much appreciate your help if it’s possible.”
His unyielding attention remained locked on her as if assessing her. “As soon as Reece comes back, we’ll sit down and iron it all out.”
Hayden had called Nolan from Kai’s place, and Nolan made it clear that she’d have to sign a nondisclosure agreement with LLL before they’d even consider working with her.
The other woman stuck out her hand. “I’m Abby Day. A sheriff, once upon a time in a land far, far away. I hope we can help you.” She ended with a very pleasant smile Cady wouldn’t necessarily associate with a tough sheriff.
But Cady liked her humor and smiled as she shook hands. “Nice to meet you.”
Holding a large tray laden with thick sandwiches and a big bowl of fresh fruit, Reece pushed back through the swinging doors, which flapped closed behind her. “Back off, all of you, and let Cady have first choice.”
“That’s not necessary.” Cady’s embarrassment surged as Reece fussed over her, especially since she’d already interrupted their evening.
“I assure you it’s very necessary.” Reece set the tray on one of the long tables pushed against the wall and stood in front of it. “You’ve never seen these guys when food is put in front of them.”
“She’s not wrong.” Gabe grinned. “Reece has schooled us on proper manners more times than I can count, but we don’t always follow them.”
“Try seldom follow them.” Abby reached into a cabinet and withdrew plates to set next to the sandwiches, then she glanced at Cady. “Quick. We can only hold them off for so long.” She laughed and stepped out of the way.
“The sandwiches are turkey with sharp cheddar cheese,” Reece said. “Sandwiches on the right half of the tray are loaded with jalapeños, the left half have sweet pickles.”
“Which are you?” Hayden looked at her, flirtatious humor lighting his eyes. “Spicy or sweet?”
She caught his gaze and held it, though getting lost in their mutual attraction was the last thing she should be doing in front of this team. But that pull—that instant connection with him—was too hard to resist, and she let his playful mood override her common sense.
Someone coughed, and she broke free, but she couldn’t let the moment end. She offered a Cheshire cat grin and took half of each kind of sandwich before dishing up a generous portion of mixed fruit.
“Yes,” she said in answer to his spicy or sweet question.
