Page 38

"I guess," she said. Having a drink in her hand might at least make her feel more a part of things.

When they reached the margarita maker, a blonde woman with the biggest bust and most perfect teeth she'd ever seen filled two glasses for them. As she did so, she couldn't stop smiling at Tyler, giving him flirtatious looks while she asked him how strong he liked his drink. Even though she was standing right next to him, the woman had barely glanced at her. It was like she was invisible.

She frowned at that thought, wondering why she cared. It wasn't as if she and Tyler were together. He could flirt with whoever he wanted. And she didn't really need to talk to this woman. The only person she cared about speaking to was Evan.

But as their conversation continued, she felt hot and out of sorts, and when Tyler finally handed her the slushy margarita, she poured half of it down her throat in one long swallow.

Thankfully, another man came over, pushing past them to get a drink from the sexy blonde.

She shook her head as she stepped back, and Tyler gave her a quizzical look as his attention came back to her.

"What was that look for?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"It didn't look like nothing."

"This is good," she said, ignoring his comment as she took another sip. "How's yours?"

"It's fine. I'm more of a beer drinker."

"Then why did we get margaritas? Did your choice have something to do with the hot blonde?"

He gave her a thoughtful smile. "You sound jealous."

"Not in the slightest. Although she was practically all over you. Isn't this a family barbecue?"

He laughed. "Yeah, you're not jealous at all."

"I'm just hot and a little frustrated we have to wait to talk to Evan. I feel awkward; I don't know anyone here."

"You're the one who wanted to come."

"I'm aware of that. You seem very comfortable, but you don't know many people here either, do you?"

"No. There was a time I would have known everyone, but Evan has moved on to a new—" He stopped abruptly. "No way."

"What?" she asked, following his gaze to the man on the back deck, who was leaning heavily on a cane. "Who is that?"

"That's TJ."

"TJ?" she echoed. "The one who got hurt on your last mission?"

"Yeah. I can't believe he's here. Come on." He strode forward across the lawn, jogging up the steps to the deck.

"TJ."

"Tyler," TJ echoed as the two men faced each other with varying degrees of shock. And then they shook hands, unspoken words flowing between them with a warmth that reflected their shared life experience.

She moved slowly up the stairs, not wanting to interrupt. She'd never met TJ before. He hadn't been at the bar the night she'd met Tyler. Nor had he approached her at any other time when she was treating Evan. But she felt odd standing on her own, so she made her way to Tyler's side. TJ gave her a quick look.

"Hello," he said.

"This is Rachel Thorne," Tyler said, introducing her. "TJ Kirk."

"It's nice to meet you."

"You, too." TJ extended his hand to hers.