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“You know her?”
Murphy turned toward Big Jay Sandstone, a buddy of his from the service who now served in SWAT. His two brothers, Duke and Sandman, were looking at some artwork with their woman, Grace. They were pushing a stroller with Emma, their firstborn baby girl, and another baby was on the way. Murphy was envious.
“Yeah, she’s Regan’s friend from college. She’s from New York.”
Big Jay placed his hand on Murphy’s shoulder.
“You look like you’re going to start tossing those guys.”
Murphy crossed his arms in front of his chest. He was about the same size as Big Jay, and standing together, he knew they totally looked intimidating.
“Why would I do that?”
Big Jay chuckled as he slapped him on the back then proceeded toward the table where Amelia was.
He followed behind and had to hide a chuckle when the cowboys spotted Big Jay then quickly departed.
“Hey, beautiful, what are you selling raffles for?” Big Jay asked. Amelia stared up at Big Jay, eyes wide like saucers. She turned toward Murphy, did a double take, then smoothe
d out her dress.
“Raising money for the veterans and a family barbeque that’s coming up. Would you like to buy some? They’re six for five dollars or twelve chances for ten dollars.”
“Hmm, I think I’ll take ten, honey. Those cowboys weren’t bothering you were they?” Big Jay asked.
“No, sir, they were just being friendly.”
“You don’t have to ‘sir’ him, doll. This is a friend of mine, Big Jay Sandstone,” Murphy stated. As she handed over his tickets and took the ten dollars, Big Jay took her hand and brought it up to his lips. He kissed the top of it as he held her gaze and really pissed Murphy off.
“Cut it out. You’re taken,” Murphy stated.
“He sure is. What are you two trying to do, scare this poor young woman?”
Murphy turned to see Grace, Duke, and Sandman.
Murphy made the introductions and Amelia stepped around toward the front of the table to see the baby.
“Oh goodness, she is beautiful. How old is she?” Amelia asked.
“Six months and thank you.”
Amelia smiled then looked up toward the three big men.
“So, you’re Regan’s friend from college?” Grace asked after Murphy told the men who she was and how he knew Amelia.
“Yes. I just moved here from New York two weeks ago. I’m working at the veteran’s hospital as a program coordinator. They were short staffed today and I volunteered to help out. We’re trying to raise money for a family barbeque for the soldiers and their families that are part of the programs we offer.”
“That is awesome,” Grace said.
“I’ll buy some,” Sandman stated then passed over a twenty.
“Me, too,” Duke said and Murphy laughed.
A few minutes later they were saying good-bye.
“Hey, you should bring Amelia by Casper’s sometime. They’re having outdoor barbeque parties every Saturday this summer. Tell Regan, too,” Big Jay said before he shook Murphy’s hand good-bye.
Murphy smiled. His buddies assumed that he was interested in Amelia and that they were already involved. Didn’t they know him by now? Murphy didn’t date and he didn’t trust women. He was such a hard-ass all the time, and most women were turned off.
