Page 15 of Lost (Powertools: The Shields 2)

Sola and Ruby edged closer. Sola lowered her voice and asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah, I guess. Got a few orgasms out of the deal—what’s to complain about?” Kennedy tried to shrug it off.

“Uh oh.” Ruby winced, then tossed her flaming red hair over her shoulder. “You’re a terrible liar. Good thing you stick to medic duties most of the time.”

“I have chocolate and a whole playlist of kickboxing videos queued up if you want to vent or let off some steam upstairs,” Sola suggested, flinging a glance at Aarav.

Kennedy wondered what he’d done or if existing and tempting Sola without acting on whatever latent desire pulsed between them was enough to have her beating the shit out of her punching bag every evening. Aarav glanced in their direction as if he could sense Sola’s stare. Rather than engage in their discussion, he ducked out of the room.

“Thanks, but nah. I just need some time to decompress and forget that ever happened.” Kennedy’s fist clenched even as she said it.

Sola’s eyes narrowed. “Hold on. Are you sure you’re not pissed because you thought he was into you and then you found out he’d already made you?”

Kennedy pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to keep her eyes from tearing up. “Is it that obvious? I thought he fucking wanted me.”

“Girl, I saw the size of that boner while I was manning the video feeds. He definitely did.” Ruby snorted. “Hell, I saved some still shots and clips for evidence and would be happy to email them to you if you want to verify for yourself.”

“Don’t get your ass fired.” Sola laughed. “I like having you around, balancing out all this testosterone.”

“Knox probably got off on outsmarting me.” Kennedy tried not to pout. “He had no trouble leaving me behind before. I don’t mean anything to him. Never did.”

“He obviously means a lot to you.” Sola grimaced. “That would piss me off too. Don’t let it get you down. If he’s a manipulative asshole, he doesn’t deserve you. And if he didn’t see that any man would be lucky to have you—especially him—and let you go, then he’s an idiot. Either way, you don’t need trash like that in your life.”

“Thanks.” Kennedy couldn’t help but smile a bit at the fierce protectiveness of her friends. Maybe they didn’t think as badly of her as she did of herself at that moment.

James slipped into their circle. “Not that I was eavesdropping—okay, I totally was—but yes to everything Sola said. Especially when you have a damn good Door Number Two standing right over there.”

Their operations manager, who was a reformed construction worker with a superhero’s sidekick complex, jerked his chin very blatantly in Marcus’s direction. As much as Kennedy wanted to be annoyed with him and his matchmaker ways, it would be impossible to be irritated with James. She could understand why his husband and their wife were obsessed with their adorkable lover.

“I’ve done enough of opening things up today.” Kennedy groaned. “In fact, as soon as I finish Knox’s blood work, I think I’ll hit the hot tub.”

“Sore, huh?” James winked. “Gotta love that.”

He would know since he enjoyed the attention of not only his two spouses but the rest of their polyamorous friends on the Powertools crew. From what she’d heard, sometimes all in one evening too. She had no idea how he managed that when one man for a few minutes had made her see stars.

“I’m not an expert like you,” she teased, glad things weren’t as awkward as she’d expected.

He preened. “Speaking of that, I have to get home. The Powertools are waiting for me to celebrate Dave’s birthday. Nolan, you ready?”

The other guy flashed a wide grin as he slung an arm around James’s shoulders. “Yeah. But you don’t need me to give you a ride anymore.”

“Of course I do. Since you backed over my baby…” James froze. “Wait! Is my car fixed?” His micro hybrid sedan had taken a few beatings lately, most recently when Nolan had smooshed it at the opening of the headquarters. Good thing they had a hell of a lot of mechanic friends.

“Waiting outside for you. I even had Sally put on some extra protectant over her paint job to keep it looking spiffy for you.” Nolan twitched his shoulder toward the door. “Let’s go check it out.”

“I’m going to go do that. You’re going to stay far, far away from him.” James wagged a finger at Nolan as they headed for the parking lot. But before he left the room he jogged back and hugged Kennedy, whispering in her ear, “You’ll figure this out. Just remember we love you and no one thinks less of you for doing your job today, even if your feelings got tangled up in that mess.”

She sighed. “Thanks.”

And then he was gone, busting Nolan’s balls the whole way out of hearing.

Ransom and Levi headed out to get ready for their drop off, and Aarav approached to ask Sola if she wanted to order with him from the Thai restaurant they both loved despite the consequences the twelve-chilis-out-of-ten spice level must wreak on their intestines.

Ruby shot her a look every woman knew. One that asked if she was okay being left alone with Marcus…and Knox. God help her.

Kennedy waved and Ruby nodded. “Text me if you change your mind and want some company later.”

“Will do. Thanks.” Kennedy genuinely appreciated the offer and how easy they were making this on her. She should have given the Shields more credit. They weren’t judgmental assholes, and they accepted her, flaws and all.

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