Page 21 of Embedded
“He’s asleep, poor kid. He’ll probably be out of it for the next few days. He is one sick little boy. Once the medication kicks in, we’ll get a better idea. He’s so lucky you got to him when you guys did, or I’m not sure what state he’d be in.” I felt my chest tighten at the thought.
“The whole thing is terrible. I hate that he had to go through any of it.” I cleared my throat of emotion and looked around the kitchen, as I needed to change the subject. I admired the stunning kitchen. It had everything you could imagine to cook and bake. The huge stoves and ovens, the walk-in pantry, the massive island to prep food, and a sparkling stainless commercial fridge that would make any chef giddy over such luxury. “This place is something else.”
“Sure is.” Mia beamed, and I was thankful she let the topic of Chase go. “When you get the chance, you can fill your boots. If you like to be in the kitchen.”
“I very much do. I’m a bit rusty, but I could get lost in here.” I grinned as I admired the red KitchenAid on the counter.
She laughed. “Don’t tell Savi that. She’ll have you in an apron so quick.”
“I would be fine with that.”
“Then I’ll pass along the idea.” I heard her tap her finger on the countertop. “Look, there’s a lot of people to meet, but something tells me you’re pretty good in a crowd.”
“I’ve had a little experience.” I smiled when I heard laughter from the next room. “However, Mark did send me a digital flipbook from his phone, so I have some idea of who is who.”
She laughed and grabbed two huge bowls filled with corn and bean salad. “That’s my husband. He’s always looking out for people. In that walk-in pantry right there,” she used the bowl to point, “are some extra napkins. Could you bring those for me?”
“Of course.” I watched her disappear into the dining room as I made my way across the kitchen to the frosted door. It felt strange to dig around someone’s kitchen, but I figured that was what this place was here for. “If I were napkins, where would I be?” Then I spotted a stack of napkins with bears printed on them in a cute basket. “There you are.” I took a bunch, and as I stepped out of the little room, I ran straight into someone’s big chest. “Oh!” A set of broad hands clamped down on my arms to steady me. My eyes followed them up to a handsome face. Paul.
His eyes raked down my front as he held me. I could feel the heat from where his gaze left a scorched path. The memory of his lips on mine while my legs were wrapped around his lean waist in the water back in Mexico surged through me, and my heart went wild in my chest.
The sound of footsteps had Paul drop his hands away, then he took a step back.
A sweet voice came from behind him. “You must be Nicole. I’m Abigail.” A warm smile instantly smoothed out the lines on her chin. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You too.” I forced a grin, but it was tricky, as Paul’s intense eyes pierced me from where he stood. “You have a sister named June, right?”
“I do.” She seemed pleased I knew that. “She’s in the other room. Why don’t you come and join us?”
“I’d love to. Thank you.” I held up the napkins. “Mia asked me to bring these.” I glanced at Paul but had no clue what his thoughts might be. He stayed quiet.
Abigail was just as lovely as everyone told me she was. She wore beige slacks and a yellow cardigan. A set of pearls dusted her collarbone with matching pearl studs. Her snow-white hair curled softly around her face. I loved how put-together she was, and something told me it was effortless for her. I followed her into the dining room, where a massive wooden table stood. It was surrounded by many different faces, and I swallowed hard as my brain tried to recall the pictures from Mark’s flipbook. Just breathe. Three cast-iron chandeliers cast a warm glow throughout the room. I half expected to see the children, but as none were present, I wondered if they had eaten somewhere else.
“Well, shit, you’re alive.” Ben stood up and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I was thrilled to see a familiar face as I hugged him back. I stepped away and looked him over. “I’m okay,” he assured me. “Just got a little banged up, but this place,” he waved an arm around, “well, let’s just say it would heal most anything.”
“I’m glad.” I gave him a pat and a warm smile. Ben was my oldest friend in the industry, and I was beyond happy that he was all right.
“Come on, sit down. The food here is unreal.” He grinned as he pulled out a chair for me next to Mike, who smiled as I sat down. Ben took his seat again across the table from me. It was obvious that he was very comfortable there. I glanced around at everyone as I settled in. All the guys wore black t-shirts and camo pants, but the women wore a variety of styles and colors. I silently thanked Savannah again for the outfit I wore.
I mentally flipped through Mark’s photos in my head then looked over at the man who sat next to Ben.
“I’m Nicole. You’re West, right?”
“I am.” He smiled and shot a quick look at Paul in the kitchen. I followed his glance and saw Paul nod slightly. What’s that about?
“Which team are you with?”
“Stonewall.” He sipped his water. I tried to remember if that was the other team Savannah had mentioned.
“Hey, Nicole,” Mark waved a fork with a potato speared on the end of it, “I’m going to put you on the spot here.”
“Of course you are.” I chuckled with the rest of the table.
“Let’s see how great your memory is. Start with Ben and give everyone’s names.”
“Mark,” Mia shook her head at him, “give a girl a break.” But I didn’t mind.
“I got this.” I sat straighter as everyone looked at me. I cleared my head and mentally pictured the flipbook. I looked at Ben, then started, “Keith, John, Sloane,” I gave a wave, “nice to meet you.” She waved back. “Mia and Mark. Savannah, Cole, Abigail, and her sister June.” Again, I gave a wave. I waited for a beat, then went on. “Ivy and Ty,” I nodded at them, “Moore, Lee, and Perez.” My body threatened to break out in a cold sweat with the mention of Perez, but I had to remember it was as common as Smith in America. Then I looked around as I realized something. “Isn’t Gear missing?”
