Page 3 of Deadly Rescue
“Absolutely,” Celina quickly interjected, vigilant as Nelson helped Sophie into a chair before retaking his seat. “You can sit poolside all day tomorrow while we do the training session, then we can hang out tomorrow night.”
“We should go to the spa and get our nails done,” Polly added, which Celina found really sweet considering she knew how much Polly hated doing anything that qualified as too girlie.
Sophie smiled demurely, patting Nelson on the cheek. “See, my love? All taken care of.”
Nelson didn’t look convinced, but he forced a smile for her benefit, brushing a kiss on Sophie’s temple.
“Have you guys decided on names, yet?” Celina asked as Nelson fussed over Sophie.
“We’ve tossed around a few ideas, but haven’t settled on anything yet,” Sophie smiled. “Since we don’t know the sex of the babies, the possibilities are endless.”
Nelson scowled. “You didn’t want to find out.”
Celina exchanged a look with Cooper, noting the smile curving his mouth. They were thinking the same thing: for a man used to being in control of every situation, not being allowed to know the sex of the babies must have been hard for Nelson to swallow.
“And I appreciate your support with that decision.” Sophie’s droll tone said she knew what a stretch it had been for him to abide by her wishes.
Nelson’s scowl faded and he leaned down to brush her mouth with his. “Hey, I’m a supportive guy. Whatever you need, you get. End of story.”
“I’m going to hold you to that, Agent Cruz.” Sophie smirked, her gaze finding Celina’s. “So, spa time after the training tomorrow?”
“Does anyone else feel their balls shrinking with all this girl talk?” Roman commented, taking a pull from his beer.
“Why don’t you boys move to the end of the table so us girls can talk.” Polly shooed him, already standing to switch seats.
“You don’t have to tell me twice. I could use some manly conversation.” Nelson pressed a smacking kiss to Sophie’s cheek then moved down a couple chairs too, still keeping a watchful eye on his wife.
“You good?” Cooper glanced at her, and Celina smiled at his thoughtfulness. One word from her and he would gladly blow off the guys to stay by her side, but she didn’t want that. Not tonight. Tonight was about reconnecting with friends and forging a new chapter in their lives—even if he didn’t know it yet.
“Go play,” she laughed, returning his kiss when he brushed his mouth over hers before untucking herself from beneath his arm.
“You and I will play more later,” he promised and the desire in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine. She had big plans for him when they got back to the room.
There was a wistfulness in Polly’s gaze when Celina turned back to the girls, and it made her frown. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, everything’s fine.” Polly bit her lower lip, fiddling with the straw in her glass. “I’ve just been thinking about things lately.”
“Such as?” Sophie leaned back in her chair, a hand resting on her belly.
“That I’m not getting any younger and maybe it’s time I start a family.”
Celina reeled back, pleasantly stunned by the news. “Are you dating someone we don’t know about?”
Polly laughed, shaking her head. “No, nothing like that. I want a guy with brainsandbrawn, a tall order, it seems. Someone who challenges my mind while making me drool. Unfortunately, unlike you girls, I can’t seem to find the right mix of nerd and caveman that makes my head spin. Does that make sense?”
Cooper’s burst of laughter drew her gaze and Celina smiled. She knew exactly what Polly was talking about, and she thanked her lucky stars every day she had landed the Beast for her own.
“I totally get that, but I hope that doesn’t mean you’re going to settle for anything less than what you deserve,” Sophie pointed out.
“Oh hell no.” Polly shook her frizzy head. “This girl doesn’t settle for anything. I’m talking about skipping the husband part and just going straight to the kids. There are ways to do that, you know.”
Boisterous laughter erupted from across the room, and the three women turned to see a man dancing around, his fist in the air like he was Rocky Balboa and had just won the main boxing match. The drunken group with him cheered him on.
“Idiots,” Polly murmured, though her eyes were glued to the guy and his dancing moves.
Not bad looking, Celina surmised, taking in the closely shaved head, tawny colored skin and bright Hawaiian shirt. He was tall—she would guess him to be close to Nelson’s height—with a muscled stature that said he wasn’t afraid to work-out on a daily basis.
Polly didn’t take her eyes off the guy, not even when he glanced in their direction. His eyes zeroed in on her, and several seconds ticked by before a full grin curved his generous mouth. He lifted a hand in a wave.
