Page 40 of Under Pressure

A huge smile crossed Knox’s face, and for maybe the first time, Sean wanted to punch it off. “Hey there pretty lady, can we help you?”

Blue dragged her gaze off Sean to Knox and smiled. Not the smile she used to give Sean right before he kissed her. Which was good news for Knox.

“Bluebell?” Grace side-stepped Ryker and went straight for Blue, her arms out for a hug.

Blue’s face lit up. “Grace, what are you doing here?”

The women embraced.

“Visiting our friends,” Grace said, signaling around to the guys. “How about you?”

She pointed to Sean. “Looking for Sean. I ran into him yesterday, and wanted to catch up.”

The guys all shot glances in Sean’s direction. Logically, Sean knew if Blue was here it was because she was looking for him, but he honestly couldn’t fathom why she’d want to after her reaction to seeing him yesterday. At the questioning looks from the guys, he made a I-have-no-idea-what’s-going-on face and shrugged as the women continued talking.

“Now we know why he’s been cranky,” Gray mumbled.

Crap.

“I love your boots,” Grace pointed to Blue’s footwear. “You sell those at Leather and Lace?”

“I got them online actually,” Blue said. “I can send you the info if you’d like?”

“Yes, please!” Grace scrubbed her hands together excitedly. “I see you decided to put your braids back in after all?” Grace lifted the end of one of Blue’s braids.

Blue shrugged a dainty shoulder. “Easier to deal with for now.”

“Your name’s Bluebell?” Knox asked, and everyone whipped their gazes in his direction. A stupid smile was spreading overhis face again. If he said one more word, Sean was going to pummel him.

“Like Sean’samata barca?” Ryker tossed in, signaling to the boat.

Grace tipped her head back and laughed. “Beloved boat is right!” She cupped her hand as if whispering a secret though she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, “I caught him whispering sweet nothings to her a month ago.”

The guys snickered.

Blue looked where Knox pointed, her indigo eyes widening as she stared at her name across the side of the craft.

Double crap!

Ryker came up behind Grace, resting one hand on her hip as he extended his free hand to Blue. “I am Ryker Rockefeller. Nice to meet you.”

Blue blinked. “Ryker?” She glanced at Grace, then back to Ryker again. “Grace andRykerRockefeller?”

“That’s us.” Grace grinned, but Blue seemed stunned.

Stunned enough that it pulled Sean right out of his murderous thoughts about how he’d make Ryker pay. And Knox. And whoever else wanted to make this situation even more awkward. Heck, he was ready to take on the world if it’d ease this tension building.

Ryker glanced pointedly at Sean. “So, this is your woman? She’s very beautiful. You are a lucky man, si?”

“Way to go Sean.” Grace winked.

Sean’s whole body heated, though he wasn’t sure if it was from thinking of Blue as his or because he couldn’t stand by and let the misunderstanding continue. “She’s not my woman—”

“That’s not what your boat says.” Gray gave an uncharacteristic grin, and Knox held his fist out for a bump.

“You’re all dead to me,” Sean glared.

“I’m not,” Blue said, calling attention her way. She wandered into the building a little farther, glancing around. “At least not anymore.”

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