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“As much as I want to mock your golf analogy, I can’t.”
He lifted her hand, pressing it against his chest. “For all we know, our previous romantic missteps were simply training exercises. My first HAHO jump was as close to a disaster as anyone could get, but by the time I hit double digits, they were damn near perfect.”
“So, you’re saying a commitment to the task and not natural talent is the key to success?”
“Yes.” Having no need to ignore his desire, he slowly pulled her close and went for the gold. His lips didn’t brush hers. They devoured them.
Claiming her mouth with no regard for their surroundings, he found himself lost in the pure joy of kissing his best friend.
“Guess I don’t need to ask how you’re doing?” a deep voice called out.
Tearing his mouth away, he glared at the intruder. “I’m not above doing you harm, cousin.”
Birch laughed deeply. “You’ll have to stand in line ‘cause there are a bunch of people in front of you.”
Tancy stepped away from Teague. “Have we made a spectacle of ourselves?”
“No,” Birch glanced over his shoulder. “Most everyone made a mad dash for the hors d’oeuvres.” He tilted his head. “Are you Nathan’s sister?”
“Yes!” Tancy stepped forward. “Are you the infamous Birch Hawker?”
“Guilty.”
Teague watched Tancy grab Birch’s hand. “Only believe half the tales you’ve heard.”
“My brother respects you a great deal.”
“That’s good to hear since we snatched him out of the hands of some nasty Russians and spent a lot of quality time getting to know one another.”
“Speaking of Russians,” Tancy looked around, “do you have any reason to believe there might be some strays still interested?”
“Haven’t heard any chatter to suggest it’s a possibility,” Birch replied.
“Tancy saw someone in town last week that fits the part,” Tague added as he rested his hand on her waist.
“I’ll check with my sources again and let you know.”
“Thank you.” Tancy leaned in. “Do you happen to know where my brother had gotten off to? He’s been avoiding me, which usually means he’s involved in something he doesn’t want me to know about.”
“The last I heard, he was in Virginia. I hooked him up with my colleagues, and I believe he’s exploring some options.”
“So the black ops thing is a real possibility?”
Teague tightened his hold. “There is nothing to worry about yet. He’s likely executing some mock assignments, so they can evaluate his aptitude.”
“Yeah,” Birch said with a smile. “That’s what’s happening.”
Tancy shook her head. “I don’t believe either of you, but also know that straight answers will be in short supply.” She looked between the two. “Should I assume I’m in a wait-and-see situation?”
“Yes.” Teague and Birch said simultaneously.
“Alright.” She smiled faintly and stepped away. “I’ll leave you two to catch up and find Hayle and the women from book club.”
“Nice meeting you, Tancy,” Birch said with a wide smile.
“I’ll come to find you in a little while,” Teague said before kissing her cheek. After she strode away, he turned and saw his cousin’s smirk. “It’s good to see you in one piece.” He raked his hand over his jaw. “The last time I saw your ugly mug was in Sri Lanka.”
“So, we’re gonna skip over the whole kissing a woman in front of half the family thing?”
