Page 32 of Protecting Andie

Rider was really happy for the first time that he could remember. Sure, becoming a SEAL had been amazing, and he was satisfied with his life, but pure happiness he felt at having Andie in his life was amazing. They fit together so seamlessly. It was like they were really meant to be together.

On Friday, they had dinner with Kevlar and Remi. The other couples were busy, but they still wanted to get together and get to know each other. Besides, most of them would be at the park tomorrow, and Andie would have the chance to meet them then.

He was thankful Remi was so nice. She didn’t act like Andie wasn’t important to him. He guessed it made sense. He’d never brought a woman around his buddies. Heck, some people he dated didn’t even know he was in the Navy.

With Andie, he was all in. No question, he’d already fallen in love with her. He may not be ready to say it yet, but he felt it.

“Rider, what do you want us to bring to the picnic tomorrow?” Remi asked.

“Don’t go out of your way. All the necessities are taken care of. Pick up a package of cookies or chips.”

Remi rubbed her stomach. “I’ll get both. I love cookies and chips.”

“So do I,” Andie said.

He put his arm over her shoulder. “I can’t wait for everyone to meet you.”

Andie’s lips pressed together. “I hope they like me.”

“They will,” Rider said.

“You only say that because you don’t see my faults.”

Rider let go a bark of laughter. “Babe, we all have faults. You’re an amazing woman who is beautiful and kind. They will love you.”

Remi nodded. “They will.”

“Are you saying that because you’re nice and you don’t want to upset me?”

Kevlar threw back his head, laughter spilling out. “She wouldn’t be nice just to be nice. If either of us thought you were out to take advantage of Rider, we would say something. You don’t seem like the type to be in this to screw over Rider.”

“Oh, I’m not. I’ve been screwed over too many times to do that to anyone else.”

Kevlar sat forward. “I’m sorry that happened to you. It sucks when people try to mess you over.”

Remi put her hand on Kevlar’s shoulder and squeezed. “Having good friends, people who won’t work to destroy you is important.”

Rider wasn’t going to say anything about what had happened to Kevlar and Remi. It was their story to tell. Rider had handled the situation well. If he’d been stabbed in the back like Kevlar had been, he would probably have been much more of a jerk to everyone. He was glad Rider still was open enough to have friends.

He checked his watch, seeing it was getting late. They were meeting for a run before the picnic, so he needed to get to bed. They said goodnight and headed across the street. Andie’s hand in his was sweet, and it turned him on. His heart was so fullof love he couldn’t contain it. They were meant to be together. Now, he just had to convince her to stay.

20

Meeting for a picnic was a great idea but worry still plagued her. She woke early and didn’t stop obsessing all morning. The drive to the park felt tense. After cutting the engine, Rider turned to her and took her hand. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“I’m still going to worry. They may not like me.”

“Trust me, they will. I’ve spent the week talking about you. They know I think you’re special.” Harsh laughter escaped her lips, and Rider frowned. “Don’t put yourself down. You’re an amazing woman. I’m lucky to have you.”

She shook her head, wondering if he’d hit his head. She said nothing. He would argue with her about this if she said anything more, and she didn’t want to start off arguing in front of his friends.

A guy ran up to the car, and just before he pulled open her door, Rider told her it was Bud, one of the guys on his team. She turned and blinked up at him, thinking he reminded her of a puppy dog.

“You’re Andie, I’m Bud.” He held out his hand, helping her out of the car.

“Hi, Bud. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Oh, it’s nicer to meet you. I wanted to know who finally tamed Rider. I didn’t think he would ever settle down. Let me see your outfit.”

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