Deadly Reunion (Hardy Brothers Security Book 20) Read Online Free

snickered, enjoying Finn’s easygoing nature. “That sounds about right,” he said. “I remember being annoyed whenever anyone would come sniffing around Emma. I knew what they were thinking because I thought the same things when I was a teenager – just not about my sister, of course. I didn’t trust anyone.”
    “It’s difficult for James because Ally did most of her woman growing stuff while he was in the military, so he missed it,” Finn supplied.
    Emma wrinkled her nose. “Her woman growing stuff?”
    “You know what I mean.”
    “Men,” Emma muttered, shaking her head. “Ally is a ball of energy. You’ll like her … after you get used to her. She can be a little overwhelming at first. She doesn’t mean anything by it. She just likes being the center of attention.”
    “I’m surprised your brother lets his employee date his sister,” Jeff said. “I would think that would be a big no-no in a security setting … where people have guns and stuff.”
    “James was not happy when it first happened,” Finn explained. “In fact he kind of walked in during the first time it happened … and that made matters worse.”
    “Oh, I can see that,” Jeff said, smiling despite himself.
    “James couldn’t put up much of a fight since Jake is the same age he is and my brother is married to Ally’s best friend,” Finn said. “He and Mandy weren’t married at the time, mind you, but they were living together.”
    “And Mandy and Ally were best friends in high school, right?” Jeff asked. “I think that’s what Emma told me.”
    “They were incredibly tight,” Finn answered. “They got into a ton of trouble together. Mandy had a huge crush on James when she was in middle school and he was about to graduate but she was obviously too young. They met up again as adults, though, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.”
    “Love at first sight?”
    “Kind of,” Finn said, smiling at the memory. “It was more like lust at first sight. They couldn’t stay away from each other. The love didn’t take long to follow, though.”
    “And they’ll all be at this barbecue?” Jeff asked, the first sign of nervousness showing. “Are you sure they’re okay with me being there?”
    “They’re all excited to meet you,” Finn said. “Trust me. You won’t feel out of place. Everyone will be very welcoming.”
    “And you’ll get to meet Avery,” Emma said, smiling at the mention of her son. “He’s dying to meet his other uncle.”
    “I can’t believe I’m an uncle,” Jeff said, rubbing his chin. “I think a barbecue is a great idea. I’m looking forward to meeting your family.”
    The smile Finn graced Jeff with was gentle and earnest. “They’re your family now,” he said. “Once you meet them it will become apparent pretty quickly that we’re a tribe. You’re one of us now, so you might as well get used to it.”
    Emma giggled as Jeff grinned.
    “I’m so happy,” Emma said, sighing as she reached forward and gripped her brother’s hand. “I finally got everything I ever wanted.”
    Finn’s heart warmed at the simple endearment. She was unbelievably cute, and he was determined to make sure she stayed that way.

3
    Three
    “ W hat are you cooking ?”
    Ally appeared in Mandy and James’ kitchen shortly before Finn and Emma were due to return with Jeff, causing Mandy to jolt as she shoved metal skewers in steak and chicken chunks.
    “What the … ?”
    “Do you knock?” James asked, irritated as he playfully pinched Ally’s arm and earned a murderous look for his effort. “This is my house. You don’t live here. You’re supposed to knock.”
    “This is my best friend’s house and she said I don’t have to knock,” Ally huffed.
    James glanced at Mandy. “Is that true?”
    “I can’t hear you through all of the drool,” Mandy replied, returning to her skewers and causing James to make a disgusted sound in the back of his throat.
    James shifted his gaze to Jake, who