and like Faith said, I’d say she needs the help and friendship. I gathered from Micah’s conversation that he pretty much walked out and never looked back. That had to be hard for her.”
A calculating light glinted in Julie’s eyes. “Then maybe we should drop in and see if there’s anything we can do.”
CHAPTER 13
“Okay, sweetie, all done for now.”
Angelina stared in disbelief at the now furnished apartment. She couldn’t even begin to comprehend that it was hers. She had a bed, furniture, dishes even.
Tears gathered in her eyes, and she hastily blinked them away. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she said huskily.
Connor smiled. “You’ll thank me by not crying.”
“It’s generally known men are worthless human beings around female tears,” Gray said from across the room.
Angelina laughed. An ache bloomed in her chest until it threatened to crush her. Was it any wonder Micah hadn’t come back to Miami? He had a life here. Wonderful friends.
“Hey, why the sad look all of a sudden?” Connor asked.
She glanced up and grimaced. “Just thinking.”
“About?”
“That I could understand why Micah never went back to Miami,” she said softly. “He has a good life here. Wonderful friends.”
“You have us now too,” Connor said.
She looked at him in disbelief. “Just like that?”
Gray moved closer and threw one arm over her shoulders. “Not so long ago, I was the outsider here. This is a great group of people. I wouldn’t trade them for anything even when they’re royal pains in my ass, and believe me, they are.”
Connor flipped Gray off. “The only reason I tolerate you is because you took a bullet for my sister.”
Angelina’s eyes widened, and Gray just shook his head.
“So you like it?” Connor asked.
“Like it? I love it! It’s more than I dared hope for. I was just wanting something that was mine. It didn’t have to be big or gorgeous.”
“Well, it’s yours for as long as you want it,” Connor said with an easy grin. “I should warn you now that Pop will probably happen by. I’ve told him all about you of course, but he’s like a mother hen with his chicks. He’ll want to come by and cluck over you.”
“Just don’t mind his bluster,” Gray warned. “He’s all gravelly and full of shit, but underneath he’s a complete and utter pussycat.”
“He sounds wonderful,” Angelina said with a sigh. “You’re lucky to have such a great dad,” she told Connor.
“Your dad not alive?” Connor asked.
“No. He died when I was young. David always took care of me.”
Connor exchanged quick glances with Gray, and she hastened to change the subject.
“Hey, you guys should probably get on out of here. Your wives will be wondering where you are.”
Connor scowled. “I’m not married.”
“No, but I am, and she’s right. Faith will be wondering where I am,” Gray said.
“Thank you again so much,” Angelina said feelingly. Impulsively she reached out and hugged Gray. “Micah is lucky to have all of you.”
Gray squeezed back and ruffled her hair affectionately as he pulled away. “As Connor keeps trying to tell you, you have us now too, like it or not. Just let me know if there’s something you need, okay?”
She smiled and nodded.
“Someone want to tell me what the fuck is going on?”
Everyone turned to see Micah glowering in the door, his gaze fixed on Angelina.
“Hey, man, chill,” Gray said in an easy tone as he started toward the door. “We’re just helping Angelina get moved in.”
“I see.” His gaze never left Angelina, and she felt her skin peel back under the force of his scrutiny. “And when were you going to tell me you were moving?”
She sighed. “I need to go over to your place to get my bag if that’s okay. We can talk on the way.”
“You want me to stick around?” Connor asked with a cautious glance in Micah’s direction.
Startled, she shook her head. Whatever Micah’s dark mood, he certainly wouldn’t hurt her. Maybe peel an inch or two of her skin off, but that would be it.
“Beat it,” Micah growled in Connor’s direction.
Connor stiffened and walked casually over to where Micah stood. “You know I’ve about had all I can take of your surly-ass attitude,” he said softly. “Whatever your problem is, don’t take it out on us and sure as hell don’t take it out on Angelina.”
Micah closed his eyes for a moment then looked back at Connor. “I’ll talk to you later, okay, man? Just ... just let me speak to Angelina.”