Stephen was still five yards away when a large man caught up to her. That was bad enough, but when the guy wrapped his hand around her upper arm, he had an instant hell no response. A wave of possessiveness slid down his spine. An emotion that had no place in him, was unwelcome, and surprising, but he sure as hell didn’t want anyone else’s hands on her.
Hannah faced down the stranger and the two of them began a heated discussion. Lucky for him, the guy dropped his hand just as the three of them converged at the end of the sidewalk leading to Matt’s front door. Stephen took in the other man, not quite as tall as he was, but he had bulk that showed through his olive-green army T-shirt.
Stephen reached them and conversation stopped. “Hannah.”
“Hi.” She sent him a somewhat reluctant smile. “This is my brother. Luke.”
Brother. That cooled him a bit.
Hannah introduced him and Stephen took Luke’s hand in a hard grip as each man sized up the other.
They dropped hands and Luke gave his sister a searing glance. “Thanks for the invite, but she’s not staying.”
Stephen didn’t like the tone or the glare.
“He’s right,” Hannah said. “This isn’t a good idea.”
Stephen didn’t take his eyes from hers. “I think it’s a very good idea.”
Hannah held up a shiny pink bag with overflowing ribbon. “I’m sorry. I can’t stay. This is for your niece.”
Stephen didn’t take the gift.
“Hannah.”
That one word from her brother seemed to convey an entire conversation between them, which pissed him off almost as much as Luke wrapping his fingers around her upper arm. Stephen shifted, aiming to put himself between her and Luke. “Brother or not, you need to take your hand off her arm.”
Luke angled his head and shot Stephen an icy look. “This is a family discussion.”
“Really?” Not backing down, he fired his own right back. “I think she’s old enough to make her own decisions.”
Hannah’s eyes moved between the two of them, obviously uncomfortable.
Luke turned his body to hers. “Hannah. Don’t be an idiot.”
A flash of hurt crossed her face and that bothered Stephen more than anything, but her chin lifted a bit and she straightened.
His brother chose that moment to join their party.
“Matt McKinney.” Matt offered his hand to Luke. “I’m Stephen’s brother. Father of the birthday girl,” he added. “Glad you could come.”
“Luke Walker.” He took Matt’s hand.
“Senior chief, navy,” Matt said, eyeing the visible tattoo on Luke’s upper arm.
“Delta Force.”
Well, wasn’t this special. He eyed Hannah while Matt and Luke exchanged a few get-to-know-yous, where were you stationed, and joint exercises. Then, just when Luke looked like he was gearing up to whisk his sister away, Abby joined them.
“This is my wife, Abby.” Matt slipped his arm around her waist. “Abby, this is Hannah, Stephen’s…friend. And her brother Luke.”
“Hi.” Abby went straight to Hannah. “I’m so glad you could come. You’ll both stay,” she said, gracing Luke with a smile no man could resist. “You and Matt can exchange war stories while the rest of us talk like civilized people.” She gave Matt a wink as she laid a hand on Hannah’s arm. “Let’s go inside, sweetie. I could use some help.”
Luke started to say something to Abby, caught Matt’s eye, and thought better of it.
“Oh, Stephen, could you get something down for me? I can’t reach the platters above the stove.”
Stephen paused, looked to Matt for help. He still had some words for the brother.
Matt only shrugged. “You heard the woman, she needs a platter.”
—
Hannah followed Abby into an enormous kitchen and paused at a large island. Topped with black-and gold-flecked granite and lined with six bar stools, it dominated the room. Kind of like Stephen.
He easily reached the platter above the refrigerator and set it on the island next to a deep sink. She’d been shocked at how badly she’d wanted to see him again. It’d been difficult to think of much else.
“Thank you,” Abby said. Striking and graceful, with dark hair pulled back in a casual ponytail and brilliant green eyes, the petite woman moved around the kitchen, doing a million things at once. She sure didn’t look like she needed her help.
Another woman popped into the kitchen dressed casually in a knee-length skirt and sandals. “Lizzy, this is Hannah. She came with Stephen. Hannah, Lizzy.”
A lightning-quick look flashed between Lizzy and Stephen, then it was gone. “Hi. I’m Stephen’s one and only sister.”
“Nice to meet you.” Hannah shook her hand, remembering Stephen’s stories of torment. She had the same soft brown eyes as her brothers and at first glance she didn’t look big enough to torment anyone. Though there was a sparkle of devilish fun when she smiled.
Abby pushed a tray filled with hamburger patties at Stephen. “Could you take these out to Matt? I’m sure he could use you at the grill and I could use Hannah’s help in here.”
“She means get out,” Lizzy added. “Matt might read your mind but you have to be more blunt with the rest of them.”