Now or Never

her mother’s Birkenstocks. The three of them followed Ethan across the plush beige carpet of the living room, and into a large open kitchen full of stainless steel appliances and pristine marble counters, then finally out the back door.
    The backyard was like a mini-paradise. The cobblestone patio was surrounded by large, leafy ferns, and a gurgling pond was surrounded by pale solar lights that were just beginning to come on in the evening light. A large table sat under an umbrella covered in cartoon palm trees. A group of men gathered just beyond the edge of the patio, sipping cans of beer in shorts and T-shirts.
    Grayson nearly tripped when she made eye contact with a very familiar man.
    Holy shit , she thought unable to move her body, the guy from Starbucks. Derrick . What the hell was he doing here?
    She glanced away and hoped she didn’t look as shocked as she felt. She hated that he could get her pulse racing by his presence alone. This cannot be happening.
    “Hey guys, these ladies here are my mom, and my twin sisters.” Ethan tilted his head towards them.
    “Damn, Ethan. You’ve been holding out on us.” A huge guy with mocha skin stood in front of the smoking grill with a grin.
    “Marcus, don’t get any bright ideas. My sisters are off-limits to you bozos.”
    Luna put her hand on her hip and smiled. “I think we’re old enough to make our own choices. I, for one, happen to love bozos.”
    Marcus laughed. “I like it. She’s got spunk.”
    Ethan went around the group of six guys and introduced them all, but Grayson was so shocked at seeing Derrick that she barely mumbled in reply. Luna, on the other hand, was already in her element, flirting with everyone.
    Grayson was happy to stand in the background and let her sister shine with all the attention, as usual. It definitely made her life easier, having an outgoing sister.
    She stole another glance at Derrick. What were the chances? One in a million? And why the hell was her stomach down to her toes like some silly high school kid? She wanted to bolt, but she had no logical reason to leave.
    Instead, she willed herself to not look in his direction, but it was useless. She was disturbingly aware of his presence. For the next forty minutes, every time she looked up, he caught her eye. He kept his face smooth and impassive, which was annoying. He could have shown some hint of recognition.
    In a lull in the conversation, Luna glanced at Grayson, one shapely eyebrow arching. She waved at the group. “We’ll be right back. Marcus, make sure my steak is well done.” Luna took Grayson by the arm and dragged her into the kitchen.
    The moment the door shut behind them, she shook her head. “No.”
    “No what?” Grayson said innocently, though she knew what her sister meant. It was like Luna could read her mind, which was annoying.
    “Don’t even think of it,” Luna said firmly. “Those guys are really off limits.”
    Grayson frowned. “What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything. You’re the one out there flirting, not me.”
    “You can’t keep your eyes off old rusty out there. What’s his name?”
    “Derrick,” Grayson answered, a little too quickly.
    A glint of recognition showed up in her twin’s blue eyes. “Derrick. As in coffee shop Derrick?”
    “Yep. The same one.” Grayson leaned away, glancing out the window. Derrick was laughing; his head tossed back and the last vestiges of sunlight glinting off his hair. God, he was sexy.
    “Interesting.” Luna tapped her manicured finger to her lip. “But, off limits. You do not want to get involved with a guy from around here. And you definitely don’t want to get involved with a guy from Ethan’s team. Special Forces guys are total dogs.”
    “What was that?” Heather walked through the door with bags in her arms. She was a lovely woman with a round, pretty face capped by curly brown hair. “Did I just hear you put down your brother and my wonderful husband?”
    “Of course not.” Luna straightened. “I was just telling Grayson she didn’t need to get involved with anyone on Ethan’s team.”
    “Which one?” Heather giggled, sliding her grocery bags on the counter. “I know all their dirty little secrets.”
    “Derrick.” Luna said with disdain. “I mean I’ll admit it he does have that sexy redhead thing going for him, but still. Grayson is newly single.”
    “I hate to say it,” Heather said wryly, “but I agree with Luna on this one.”
    Grayson crossed