Page 49 of SEAL's Resolve

“I love it.” Looking at the house and grounds gave her ideas for ways to improve the curb appeal of her own business and home.

“You wouldn’t believe the shape the house was in when Darcy bought it. Ask her. It’s quite a story.” As they neared the porch, the front door opened.

Eli loped ahead of them and swept the woman standing in the doorway into a hug. “Good to see you again, Darcy. You look beautiful, sugar.”

“You’re a sweet talker, Eli. Good thing I’m madly in love with my husband, or you might tempt me.” She stepped away from Eli and into Jon’s embrace. “Welcome back, Jon.”

“Rio is treating you right?”

She smiled. “What if I said no?”

“He’d disappear without a trace. After that, I’d go after your brother for letting Rio mistreat you.”

That brought a laugh and a pat on Jon’s arm. “Rio treats me like a princess.”

Jackson, then Cal kissed Darcy on the cheek in greeting.

Rafe escorted Kristi up the stairs. “Hello, beautiful.”

“Rafe!” Darcy hugged him. “I’ve missed you. Who’s your friend?”

“Kristi Stewart. Kristi, this is Darcy Kincaid, Rio’s better half.”

“Welcome, Kristi,” Darcy said. “Come inside while Wolf Pack brings in your bags.”

Her cheeks burned, feeling more frumpy and wrinkled by the minute. “I don’t have anything with me.”

“I should have realized. Kidnappers are so inconsiderate, aren’t they?” Darcy smiled as she motioned for Kristi to follow her inside the house.

The first thing she noticed was the large black piano in the living room. “The piano’s gorgeous. Do you play?”

“I do. Come into the kitchen while Wolf Pack grabs their gear. Would you like something to drink?”

“Water is fine.”

“Rio should be home soon. He stopped by the diner to pick up dinner. He didn’t want me to cook after being on my feet at the deli today.”

Kristi sat at the table. “You work at a deli?”

“I own the deli. If you visit That’s A Wrap, I’ll show you around.”

“I’d like that. Cute name. What do you serve?”

“Breakfast and lunch wraps. We leave the dinner crowd to Delaney’s Diner.” Darcy set a glass of water in front of Kristi. “Rio installed a reverse osmosis system under the kitchen sink.” She nudged the glass closer. “See what you think.”

Kristi sampled the water, surprised at the fresh taste. “I can’t taste chemicals in the water. What’s so special about the reverse osmosis system?”

“Eleven stages of filtration make it easy for your body to absorb and use the water.”

“I need a reverse osmosis system for my own home. This is great.” The system would be well worth the cost because of the amount of water she drank daily.

“Ask Rio about it when he arrives. He can tell you what kind we use.” Darcy drained her own glass of water and set it to the side. “We look like we’re about the same size. I’ll lay two changes of clothes on the bed in your room. Would you like a t-shirt to sleep in?”

Rafe walked into the kitchen as Darcy finished her question. “I’ll give her one of mine.”

Speculation lit the other woman’s eyes as she studied Rafe’s face, then Kristi’s flaming one. “Are female hearts breaking all over town, Rafe?”

“I don’t know about that, but I’m off the market.”

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