Catch (Coronado Series Book 4) Read online

  “I have to tell you that I’m happy to be smooching that man.”

  “I can tell,” Cary responded.

  Travis came up to his wife and handed her their daughter. “Baby, I have to run out to the truck. I have something to show the guys. She drank all of her bottle, and she’s probably going to want to eat in a bit.”

  Cary kissed Sofia’s cheek and smiled into her daughter’s eyes. “Did you charm all those men out there?”

  Travis answered for her. “She’s going to an all-girls Catholic school. I’m not budging on that.”

  Patting her husband’s arm, she said, “I understand, honey.” She watched him give her a definitive nod and stomp away.

  “Is that his final answer?” Rachel asked.

  “It seems to be. We have a lot of years before that happens, and I’m hoping when we have more kids, he’ll calm down. If not, then she’s going.”

  “I went to an all-girls high school, and I loved it. It was the right place for me. It’s not true for all girls, but it was for my sister and me.”

  “I’m more worried about her sleeping through the night and potty training. One milestone at a time,” Cary replied.

  Rory and Max walked in with the twins, and the noise level went up by fifty percent.

  Birdie looked out over the group and told everyone to head outside to the buffet that she had set up. “I have a blanket for the kids to sit on and a playpen for the smaller ones.”

  The group slowly made their way outside. People were getting drinks and filling their plates, and Birdie made sure that everyone had what they needed.

  Birdie saw Mark come across the yard and smiled as he stood next to her. “Do you want me to do anything, baby?” he asked.

  “No, I’m waiting for my guest of honor to arrive. I’m so excited for her big reveal,” Birdie said.

  “Honey, she doesn’t like a lot of attention. Are you sure she’s ready for this?”

  “It’s just the ladies who are going to be excited. The men are not even going to notice. The clothes we had made for her are for work, and the rest is just casual stuff. The difference is that they actually fit her. I’ve been wanting to do this for ages, and I’m glad she finally agreed.”

  “It was generous of you to fund all of this.”

  “I was happy to do it. I would’ve done it before, but she always refused.”

  They were interrupted when they heard the gate bell go off. “I better go see who that is.” Mark walked away in the direction of the side gate. He’d put so many layers of security around the house that even Birdie wasn’t aware of them all.

  Birdie turned back to the buffet tables and checked to make sure that they had plenty of everything. Finally deciding that it was her turn, she made a plate and went and found an empty spot.

  ***

  Ana and Ronnie strolled down the street toward Birdie’s house. “I’ve never been to this part of San Diego. I love the island,” Ronnie said.

  “It’s going to be hard to leave. But the fellowship is an opportunity that I can’t pass up.”

  Ronnie smiled over at her best friend. “The only way to shake up your life is to go big. You are definitely going big. The opportunity at the University is huge, and it’s going to be a turning point in your career.”

  They were about to step through the gate when Ronnie spotted Jack coming down the street. She shook her head for a moment and thought she was losing her marbles. “Is that you, Jack Ellis?”

  “It’s me, Ronnie DuMond. You seemed shocked to see me strolling down this quiet street on Coronado Island on a Wednesday evening.”

  “I am. What brings you here?”

  “My brother, Chris. He used to be in a platoon with Mark, and he works at SAI with Max. His girlfriend, Rachel, is part of book club. This is his first invite for poker night. Since I’m in town, they let me tag along.”

  Ronnie stepped up and gave him a hug. “I never saw the connection. I want you to meet my best friend and college roommate, Ana James. She’s Birdie’s cousin, and she’s moving to Miami next week.”

  Jack stared at Ana and grinned foolishly. He was incapable of speech. She was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. Her chestnut-brown hair moved as she glanced up at him and smiled. He finally realized that he hadn’t responded and both women were staring at him, waiting for him to speak. “Hi, Ana. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jack.” She turned and stepped through the gate toward the house. She was about to walk in when she realized that Jack and Ronnie were standing on the sidewalk, deep in conversation. “I’ll see you guys inside.” Waving, she moved inside.

  “She doesn’t like football players. Just leave her alone. She’s not going to be interested,” Ronnie hissed.

  “She hasn’t said two words to me. She might like me,” Jack replied.

  Ronnie crossed her arms over her chest and gave him the same look she gave all of her clients when they were trying to talk her into something. “Not going to happen.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “I’m as sure as sugar. I want her to like Miami and stay. She’s never going to be interested in your lifestyle.”

  “I don’t have a lifestyle.”

  “Yes, you do. You are one of the highest paid defensive ends in the league. You have more endorsements than I can count. You have women throwing themselves at you at every turn. Ana is one of the smartest people I know. She had a bad run of things here, and I want her to believe that love is possible. You are not a candidate for my plan for her.”

  “It’s not up to you, Ronnie. You may manage my money, but you don’t manage my life.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  “Yes, we will.” They stared at each other for a couple more moments and then decided to leave it for now. “I guess this wouldn’t be the best time to tell you that I got an offer to model underwear.”

  “Yeah, I’m thinking you’re right. Ana would never date a man who had a billboard plastered across Union Square with his junk hanging out.”

  “That’s rude, Ronnie. My junk will be all tucked in. They said it would be tasteful.”

  “Whose taste are we depending on?”

  “Fair point.”

  “I don’t make any other kind,” Ronnie responded.

  They walked into the house and moved toward the backyard. “I like the way she smells.”

  “I know, Jack. But you can’t break my best friend’s heart. If you do, then I will be forced to break you, and that would be bad for my business.”

  They were soon engulfed by everyone, and the conversation ended. Jack wasn’t going to give up, and was going to come up with a plan. Ana was surrounded by a group of women, and she was laughing. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d met a woman who smelled like soap. It seemed that he was constantly surrounded by women who wanted something from him. They smelled like perfume and desperation. Ana looked like the prettiest girl in high school. Not the most popular girl, but the one that not everyone noticed at first. She wore a simple dress and flats, and he’d never seen someone so sexy. She’s moving to my town, so that means I have a chance.

  Mark and Blake sat together at a table and toasted one another. “Welcome home, man. I heard this last rotation was a little rough.”

  Blake stared out over the backyard at the pool and took a couple of minutes to respond. “I almost lost two guys. Shane and Chase both sustained serious injuries. I hate when that shit happens.”

  “I understand. I’ve been in your shoes. I know that you did everything you could, and so do your men. You brought everyone home, and that is all that matters.”

  Blake studied his friend and nodded. “Amen. We all came home. It’s a good day.” He clinked his bottle against Mark’s and gave him a small smile. “So Ana is leaving.”

  “Yes, she is. She received a prestigious fellowship at the University of Miami. It’s not something that she could turn down, and there’s nothing here to keep her.”

/>   “I screwed up, didn’t I?”

  “You sure did. You hesitated, and when you do that, it’s all over.”

  “It’s the same in combat as it is in love. Go hard or go home.” Blake responded.

  “I think if you were truly interested, you wouldn’t have let anything stop you.”

  “I never gave myself the chance to find out. We had one amazing date, and then I went wheels-up and didn’t come home for six months.”

  “You never contacted her, so I think that was message enough for her. You have to stand down now and let her go. Don’t mess with her head and lead her to believe that something with you is possible. She deserves more.”

  “What the fuck, Mark? I’m one of your best friends. Why would you say that?”

  “I’m saying that because when you meet the one, nothing on earth would stop you from making it happen. She deserves someone who feels that way about her.”

  “Message received. Is it me or does she look amazing tonight?”

  “She looks terrific, but then again, she always has. Let her find a man who thinks that all the time and lets her know.”

  “I don’t like it, but I understand. I’ll wish her luck and leave it at that,” Blake responded.

  Mark clapped him on the back. “Good idea.”

  Birdie walked toward her husband with a full plate. “Babe, you have to eat.” She put the plate in front of him and handed him his cutlery.

  “Thanks, baby.” She kissed him lightly and greeted Blake. Mark noticed that it wasn’t with her usual warmth. It was going to take a little time for her to forgive Blake. She didn’t like when anyone messed with her family.

  They waited as she moved away. “She’s still pissed, isn’t she?”

  “Probably. She’ll get over it, but it might take a while.”

  “I’m going to go get some food so I have the energy to whip your ass in poker.”

  “It’s a good dream, man.” He laughed as his friend moved toward the food.

  Jack looked out over the tables and searched for Ana. She was sitting with a group at the other end of the yard. He hoped there was enough room for him to squeeze in next to her. There were times when being six-four and two hundred sixty pounds didn’t work in your favor. He was a giant next to her. He sometimes forgot how big he was because he was constantly surrounded by men his size and larger. He moved toward the table and hoped he wouldn’t embarrass himself.

  Travis greeted Jack as he came up. “Hey, Jack. Come have a seat.”

  Ana glanced over her shoulder, gave him a faint smile, and turned back to her conversation with Cary. Jack leaned over and asked her if he could sit next to her. She scooted over a little and made room. “Sure. I think you’ll fit.”

  “Thanks, Ana.” He set his plate down, slowly lowered himself on the bench, and noticed that there wasn’t a breath of space between them. Perfect. “I guess it’s a good thing that I took a shower after I made it through my brother’s workout.”

  “I appreciate it. I think it’s a good sign when a man shows up to dinner clean.” She leaned over and sniffed. “You used soap and everything. Impressive.”

  He winked at her. “Thanks for noticing. Ronnie told me that you’re moving to Miami next week.”

  “I am, and I’m excited. I have a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to living in Florida.”

  “Let me have your number, and I’ll take you out for dinner after you get settled. I can show you some of the fun things to do in town.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to her.

  She studied him for a moment before she entered her information. “Here you go.”

  Jack glanced at his phone and smiled. “Okay. Let’s take a picture so I can see your pretty face when you call me.” He leaned over, put his arm around her, and held up his phone. He took a couple of pictures and then chose one to match with her contact info. “Perfect.”

  She laughed. “Do you do that so you can remember which girl you’re calling?”

  “I’ve never done that before. I just thought it would be fun to have a picture together.”

  “You are a client of Ronnie’s, which means that you play some kind of professional sport. It also means that you make a fairly substantial income. Which means that you have a lot of lady friends. I think I was right about the picture.”

  “I’m being completely honest with you.” He stared down into her navy-blue eyes and willed her to see the man beneath the uniform. If he was going to have a chance with her, then he was going to have to convince her that he wasn’t a typical player.

  Shrugging, she stood up and smiled down at him. “Nice to meet you, Jack. Take care.”

  He frowned as she walked away. He heard Travis laughing and turned back to stare at him. “It isn’t funny, man.”

  “Oh, yes, it is. She couldn’t be less interested in you. Ana is one of the nicest and smartest women I know. If you go after her, you’d better mean it. Because if Birdie gets wind of it and she doesn’t approve, your ass is grass.”

  “How do you know so much about her?”

  “I lived here for a month after I was injured. Birdie made me stay until she was satisfied that I could take care of myself. She seems like a sweet, charming woman. But that’s just a cover for a woman with a steel spine. Ana was over here a lot, and we became good friends. I hope you know what you’re up against.”

  “I don’t care. I like her, and I want to get to know her.”

  “Good luck.”

  Jack smiled at Travis and nodded. He didn’t need luck. He had determination. You didn’t become one of the most successful defensive ends without having a little backbone of your own. He understood hard work, and he embraced it.

  Birdie stood at the top of the steps and waited for her husband to whistle. Once he did, everyone quieted down.

  “Hope everyone had enough to eat. There is plenty more, so don’t be shy. I’m taking the ladies in so we can have our meeting. We’ll see you boys back out here in two hours for dessert. Please don’t take all of my husband’s money in poker, because he’s the one paying for the party.”

  The crowd clapped and started to disperse. Mark took the opportunity to lay a kiss on his wife. They hadn’t told anybody their good news yet, because Birdie wanted to wait until the twelve-week mark. He felt like eight weeks was a good sign and their baby had settled in. It was up to her, though, and he would wait if he had to. “Have fun, honey. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. You can’t ask me that all the time. People will become suspicious.”

  “Can’t we make our announcement tonight?”

  “I think we should wait. It’s Ana’s night, and we need to make sure that the baby is all settled in.”

  “She’s settled. She likes us, and she’s ready for us to be her parents.”

  “Why do you think it’s a girl?”

  “Because I want to have a mini you.”

  “You were already going to get lucky tonight. You don’t have to say that.”

  “I get lucky most nights. I’m saying it because it’s true.”

  “What if I want a mini you?”

  “Then we just keep on making them until we have enough.”

  Rory moved past them and leaned over and spoke quietly. “Quit smooching. You already knocked her up.”

  They both turned and stared. “I promise that I didn’t say a thing,” Birdie said.

  “I can tell. I’ve known you since we were nine. Very little gets past me,” Rory responded.

  They both watched her move into the house and laughed. The cat was out of the bag.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  November

  Rachel stood in the entryway and looked out the window. “Is it too cold to walk to lunch?”

  “Honey, it’s sixty degrees outside. Take a jacket, and you should be fine. Plus, you have me. I’m your personal heater.”

  “I find that handy, because I’m always cold in the winter. I have a feeling that it’s n
o longer going to be a problem.”

  He took her hand as they stepped out the front door. “You got that right. I will always heat you up.”

  Laughing, she followed him down the steps. “I like the technique that you used this morning. It was very effective.”

  “I don’t want you to get bored, so I thought I would try something new. I think it worked out.”

  “Yes, it definitely worked out.” They strolled arm in arm down the street, and she enjoyed the brisk air. It was finally starting to feel like fall in November. Southern California suffered from a lack of seasons, so any change in the weather was usually welcome this time of year. “I think Gracie’s sister is moving in next week. Derick said something about it the other day at the office.”

  “Yeah, he gave me a heads-up. I’m helping move in furniture with a couple of the other guys. I guess the trial she’s been on isn’t going well. The organized crime family is pulling out all of the stops. Apparently, she’s had some threats, and they are not even halfway through the discovery phase.”

  “Who is Derick going to assign to her security detail?”

  “Tom from the LA office assigned someone because it’s happening up there in superior court.”

  They turned the corner, and they could see the golf course and Naval Medical Center that bordered Balboa Park. “Do you want to go to Balboa Park after lunch and look at one of the museums?” Chris asked.

  “That’s a great idea. Amelia said something about a new exhibit at the photography museum. She said that she and Ed went last weekend, and they really enjoyed it.”

  “That’s another move that I’m supposed to help with. He’s moving in with Amelia at the end of the month. The weekend right after Thanksgiving.”

  “Has he put a ring on it yet, or is he just going to live in sin?”

  “Oh, he’s planning on sinning as much as he can get away with. But to answer your question, he’s asking her to marry him this weekend. He took her up to Santa Barbara, and hopefully, she said yes.” Rachel laughed and twirled around.

  “I’m so happy for them. I think they make a great couple. I hope the world is ready for Birdie telling everyone that she told them so.”