Page 86 of Undeniable

“I think I’m going to need a chart.”

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re too cute.”

We floated from one conversation to another before finally heading out to the backyard. Everyone I’d met so far was incredibly welcoming—not to mention, gorgeous. It was as if you had to be beautiful to be a member of their social circle. Even so, I saw myself easily fitting into the group. Which was strange because apart from Alyssa, I didn’t have many friends. I didn’t let many people in, and I often preferred the company of my books or Luna to others.

“Connor, good to see you,” Maverick said, clapping a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside. Catch up.”

“Nope.” Maverick’s wife, Violet grabbed his arm, her long brown hair swaying from the movement. “No work tonight. You promised!”

“It’s not work.” He grinned, though I didn’t need SEAL training to know it was a lie. Still, I worried it had something to do with Connor’s job. He was always vague when he talked about it, cryptic even. And while I understood that it was confidential, it felt as if he was keeping things from me.

Maverick leaned over to whisper something in Violet’s ear, and her expression softened. They were so in love, it was almost painful to watch. I forced myself to look away.

“Boys,” she said, rolling her eyes as they headed across the lawn.

“Thanks for letting me crash the party,” I said once we were alone.

“We’re happy you joined us.” She led me over to a table where drinks were being served. “It’s nice to have so many of Maverick’s friends here. Most of them live in New York, and I’m glad they could make it. And I’m thrilled Connor brought you.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to put faces to the names.”

She was such a gracious host, and—at least from the outside—she appeared to have the perfect life. A husband who doted on her and their two beautiful children. And both she and Maverick had their own businesses and loved their careers. Was it really possible to have it all? Because Violet and Maverick made it seem effortless. And I hadn’t realized how much I wanted those things until that moment.

“You seem familiar,” she said, her eyes searching my face for clues. “Have we met before?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“Are you sure?” She tapped a finger to her lips. “I swear I know you from somewhere. Do you take yoga at the Lotus Studio?”

I shook my head, figuring I already knew the answer. I might as well end her frustration. “My dad is Harrison Hayes. He played for the Hollywood Heatwaves.”

“Ah.” She tilted her head back, the pieces sliding into place. “That makes sense. I’ve done some work for Reggie Harrington.”

“Yes.” I laughed. “Reg is the best.” He was my dad’s best friend and my honorary uncle.

“Your mom is an actress, right?” she asked.

I nodded. Despite the fact that my mom had always been more into stage productions, Violet knew her stuff. My parents were celebrities, but they weren’t popular enough that the paparazzi followed them around these days.

“So…I know what your parents do,” she said. “What about you, Olivia?”

“I work in marketing for Igloo Books—a publishing company.”

“Oh yes.” She placed her hand on my forearm with a genuine smile. “We have been thrilled with the Spines for Soldiers program. When I heard about it, I just knew we had to get some of our guys enrolled. Please give my gratitude to whoever came up with that idea,” she gushed.

I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Thank you.” And while ordinarily I would’ve stopped there, I found myself saying, “It was actually my idea. So, I’m delighted you think it’s a benefit.”

“That’s wonderful! And absolutely.” She smiled. “These men…” She sounded exasperated, but all the while she was smiling. “They act so tough, but they aren’t invincible. Despite what they want us to believe.”

I nodded, knowing how true that was. I’d seen it with my grandfather, and I’d seen it with Connor.

“If you’re ever in the market for a new job, I have a friend who works at a boutique publishing house. She’s always looking for forward-thinkers like you.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She took a sip of her drink, then asked, “So how long have you and Connor been together?”

“Oh, we’re not…” I glanced over to where Connor was standing with Maverick and some of the other guys by the pool, suddenly feeling warm. “Together. Not like that.”

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