Page 52 of Vodka and Violets (The Hamiltons)

Tori nodded slowly; her mom had a point. “And you don’t mind that your daughters have gone for the rougher, tougher guys?” she asked with a smile.

Her mom waggled her eyebrows. “There was a time when part of me wouldn’t have been thrilled about it, but now I understand – I more than understand, I truly hope that you and your sister will find the kind of happiness that I have with Russ.”

Chapter Fourteen

The moment Xander stepped inside the gym, he felt at home. He’d already taken a liking to Russ on the short drive over from the house. Seeing the gym – Russ’s gym, his place of business – only confirmed Xander’s impression of the guy. The place was well-equipped, clean, bright, and had a good feel to it.

Russ grasped his shoulder as he followed him inside. “Shit, I forgot that the guys are all coming in today. Are you okay to meet a whole bunch of people?”

Xander grinned. “Sounds good to me. If you haven’t noticed already, Tori and I are more a case of opposites attract than peas in a pod.”

Russ laughed. “Yeah, I already figured that out. It’s just that these guys can be kind of loud and in your face. I didn’t know if you’d be up for that or if you’d prefer a quiet chat.”

“I’m good with it. It’ll be good to get to know people. Although, if you want to have the chat – question my intentions and all that…?”

Russ shook his head. “I don’t think I need to, do I? From what I understand, the two of you have known each other all your lives. It’s not as though you’re just some Joe off the street who’s making a move on her.” He looked more serious as he added, “I will tell you, though, that I do feel protective toward her. So…”

Xander met his gaze. “I hear you. You’ve got no worries. In case you haven’t noticed, I feel the same way myself. As far as I’m concerned, the more people she has looking out for her, the better.”

“Agreed.” Russ glanced out through the window. “Shit! How do you feel about dogs?”

“Love them, why?”

“Because you’re about to meet a couple of them. Wait, you were a SEAL, right?”

“I was.”

“Then maybe I’ll just stand back and let you guys get on with it.”

Xander didn’t have time to ask what he meant before the front door opened and two older guys came in, accompanied by two Belgian Malinois. As soon as he saw the dogs, he understood.

“Hey, Dalton, Lucky,” Russ called. “Do you guys have a minute?”

Even without the dogs, Xander would have had these two pegged as fellow team guys just from the look of them.

“Dalton, Lucky, this is Xander. He’s with Ria’s daughter, Tori; they’re here visiting.”

Dalton, who was slightly taller with mostly gray hair, stepped forward with his hand extended. “Nice to meet you.”

“Thanks. You too.”

Lucky nodded and also shook hands.

Xander looked down when a heavy weight leaned against his leg. He grinned at a pair of big, brown eyes looking up at him.

“I’m guessing that you were a team guy, too?” he asked the dog.

“She was,” said Lucky. “Her name’s Echo.”

“Forgive me, ma’am. Is it okay if I pet her?”

“Looks to me like she’s waiting for it,” said Lucky.

Xander looked back down at the dog, who seemed to be smiling at him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Echo.” She pressed her nose into his hand, and he patted her head. He loved dogs. He’d always been a little envious of the guys who got to be handlers.

“You were a team guy yourself?” Dalton asked.

“I was until late last year.” He laughed as the smaller dog came to sit beside Echo, watching eagerly as if it was waiting to be petted, too.

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