Page 67 of Building Courage

It had been a long time since she’d been to a bar. In fact, she couldn’t remember going to one in the last three years. The pub had the Irish feel it promised from the hype. It was packed.

“I ate too much,” Ava complained, pushing her plate aside.

“I did, too. Now, I need a nap to sleep it off,” Brynn said.

Ava laughed, her pale blue eyes alight with humor.

The two of them watched as the guys went to the bar for an after-dinner beer.

Tucker was built more like a long-distance runner and swimmer—his shoulders wide, his limbs long and muscular, and his body flexible.

Denotti was more like a boxer. His chest and shoulders were heavily muscled, and his thighs were thick. Brynn was surprised to find Denotti’s eyes were hazel and looked brown sometimes and green at others. His dark hair curled around his ears and across his forehead.

Both men were impressively masculine and carried themselves with a confident, measured swagger that would mark them as military even though both had non-regulation hair and scruff.

The phrase brothers-in-arms took on a whole new meaning for her as she studied the dynamic between the two men. They were teammates, but they were also friends with a deep respect for one another.

“They’re something, aren’t they?” Ava said. “I was a little wary of going out with Frank at first—him being a SEAL… I was afraid that I’d fall for the SEAL hype instead of the man. But he’s more Romeo than mafioso.”

Brynn laughed. “I think maybe family plays a big part in both of their lives. Tucker’s really close to his father and grandmother. I think Denotti is probably close to his family, too.”

With a name like Ava, Brynn had pictured her as sleek and tall with dark hair and eyes. However, she was a little more complicated than that. She appeared fragile beside Denotti’s large bulk, but there was nothing at all weak about her personality. She was witty and had a quick smile. Her rich, light chestnut hair highlighted her flawless skin. Her pale blue eyes darted around the room and moved back to her. They seemed not to miss anything going on at their table or in the restaurant.

“His mom’s blond and blue-eyed and talks with a Bronx accent like she just got off a plane from New York.”

Brynn smiled. “So, he’s already taken you home to meet his mother?”

“God, no. I went by his apartment to meet him after work. She came by while he was getting dressed to go out. She was dropping off some cannoli or something she’d made for him.”

“Lucky guy. I love cannoli.”

“I think she was giving me the evil eye just for sitting on his couch.”

Brynn laughed. “I think I know a spell or something to deflect that. I’m from New York, too.”

“Not New York, New York.”

“No. Saranac.”

“I’ve been there. We went kayaking, and I was terrible at it.”

Brynn grinned again. “It takes a little practice.”

“I’m not sure practice would improve my skills. My balance while on the water seems permanently off.”

Brynn laughed. “You aren’t from San Diego, are you?”

“No. Wisconsin.”

“Wow. You’re almost as far away from home as I am.”

“I thought I could use a break from cheese and beer,” Ava said.

Tucker and Denotti chose that moment to return to the table with their beers. Ava grinned, and Brynn had to laugh.

“Now, ladies, how about dessert?” Denotti asked.

Tucker leaned in toward her. “They have brownies, Brynn. Pecans, ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. We can split it.”

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