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Ash stepped away from Georgia and passed Hunter a beer. “What’s really on your mind?”

“The mission didn’t go to plan yesterday,” Hunter said. “I’m frustrated, that’s all.”

“That’s not what’s got you frustrated,” Striker said. “Is Cleo still keeping the door shut tight so you can’t get into her bed?”

Wren elbowed him in the ribs. “That’s none of our business.”

“It is. One of our teammates is unhappy, and that needs to change. Cleo would change that for Hunter,” Striker said.

“Maybe Cleo’s not interested,” Georgia said. She arched an eyebrow. “Some guys just can’t take the hint. We don’t all melt at the sight of a hot Apexian.”

“We can take hints, but we only take the right hints. And if I’d paid attention to the trash you talked about not wanting me, I’d probably be married to a stunning Carolane and we’d have a dozen babies flying around,” Ash said.

Georgia pulled him in for a kiss. “Go near a Carolane, and I’ll rip off her wings.”

“You show you love me in the sweetest of ways.” Ash scooped Georgia into his arms and lifted her off her feet.

“Cleo is interested in me,” Hunter said.

“You’re sure of yourself.” Georgia turned away from Ash. “How do you know you’re not just being a sex pest?”

Hunter repressed a growl and downed some of his beer.

“Don’t be mean,” Daisy said. “You two are great together. But you have to remember, Cleo loves her work. She doesn’t want anything getting in the way of that.”

“Even a smoking hot Apexian with abs to die for,” Wren said.

“Hey! No leering at my buddy’s abs,” Striker said.

She grinned up at him. “You’re the hottest, baby.”

“Damn straight I am.”

Ash glanced at Hunter. “It seems like your bachelor days are done if you’re gunning for Cleo.”

Hunter nodded slowly. He always said he never wanted to commit and liked the simple life. Relationships made things complicated, but he wanted complicated, and he wanted it with Cleo.

“You’re so into her, it’s almost painful to watch every time she rejects you,” Striker said.

“You’re telling me,” Hunter grumbled. “But she doesn’t always reject me.”

Ash gave him a friendly punch on the arm. “Is there something you need to tell us? Have you two made progress?”

“Nope.”

“Got to second base?” Striker said.

“Watch it.”

Striker laughed. “I definitely know you haven’t made it with Cleo. The day you do, you won’t be able to stop smiling.”

Rexx growled. “Quit bugging Hunter.”

“I think it’s adorable,” Daisy said. “Hunter’s found his one true love, and he doesn’t see any other women. I’ve seen the offers you get when we stop at way-stations. You’re a popular guy, but you turn them all down. And all because of Cleo.”

Hunter shrugged. He noticed other women, but wasn’t interested in anyone else. He never thought he’d find a woman who’d have him so laser focused on only her. But now he’d found Cleo, he couldn’t imagine life without her.

Striker slapped him on the shoulder. “Maybe it’s time you widened the search for a mate who’s actually into you. You’ve been hanging out with Cleo ever since we started this assignment, and she’s always stood firm. She isn’t going to change her mind.”