"What do you mean you're bringing a friend?"

I was standing in the middle of the frozen food section of the grocery store when I got the call from Nate.

"He's a good friend of mine, L. We both got on leave at the same time and I offered him a place to stay."

I put my hand to my temple in frustration. The house that I currently lived in originally belonged to mine and Nate's parents. When they passed away, they willed it to both of us. Since Nate was in the Army, he was always overseas.

We've been talking pretty regularly over the past few weeks, and not once has he mentioned that he wanted to bring a friend home with him. "Nate, I don't know your friend. That seems a little awkward. Can't he stay at a hotel?"

That would make things a lot easier on me. Especially because, knowing my big brother, he was going to be chasing after one of his ex-girlfriend's as soon as his flight landed. I definitely didn't want to be stuck in my home alone with a stranger.

"L, I've known this guy for two years. He's saved my ass more times than I can count. He doesn't have any family or friends in the states. Please do this for me," Nate begged.

My eyes slid closed and I let out a long breath. Nate and I knew what it was like to not have a family. After our parents died, it was just the two of us. No extended family in our lives or anything. Even though I was a little uncomfortable with this, I didn't want to disappoint him. Besides, this seemed to mean a lot to him and I didn't want to spend his leave arguing about it. It's been almost two years since I got to see him last, and I wanted to enjoy this time with him.

"Okay, Nate. When does your flight get in?"

"Our flight gets in around four this afternoon," Nate explained. "Can we meet for some drinks and dinner? Do you know a good place?"

I glanced to Harper, who was standing next to me. I've known Harper since we were kids and we both taught at the same elementary school. She tagged along with me today to get some groceries and was currently staring at me with wide eyes.

"Yes," I said to Nate. "I'll meet you at Down the Rabbit Hole."

"See you later, baby sis. Hey...thank you. This means a lot to me," Nate said softly before hanging up.

I slid my phone in my purse as Harper asked, "What the hell was that?"

I waved my hand in the air. "You know how I told you that Nate was coming back today right?" She nodded and I continued, "Well, he's apparently bringing a friend along with him. To stay in our house."

Harper frowned. "A friend? What friend? And please tell me it's not a girl."

I scoffed at what she said. "I think I would rather it be a girl. But, no. It's one of his Army buddies. Apparently they're really close."

One thing that surprised me was the fact that he never mentioned this friend before. Out of all the times Nate and I have emailed, written letters, or talked on the phone, not once has he mentioned him. Then again, he rarely talked about anything or anyone regarding the Army. When he first enlisted, I got upset and felt like he was keeping things from me. But my parents explained the types of things he sees over there and how hard they try to bury those memories. After that, I stopped asking.

"Well, maybe it won't be so bad. I mean, Nate is a pretty good judge of character," Harper stated as we continued walking down the aisle.

"Yeah, he better be. Especially if he's staying in my house." As we walked a little further, I stopped to grab some frozen yogurt from the shelf. "Do you have plans tonight?"

Harper shook her head absently as she read the label on some ice cream. "No, Jackson is hanging with Ryan tonight."

Harper and Jackson have been together for almost six months now. It was a funny story since she was originally in an arranged marriage with Ryan...and he and Jackson were brothers. Everything seemed to work out for the best though. Harper and Jackson were happy, and Ryan ended up marrying my other best friend, Danielle.

I looked back over to her. "Good. You're coming with us tonight to Down the Rabbit Hole."

"Vodka-soda for my friend, and I'll take a Rum and Coke," I said to the bartender before turning towards Harper.

"Try to relax," Harper said as she smoothed the front of her dress. "Aren't you happy your brother's back in town?"

"Of course I am," I answered honestly. I was actually ecstatic to see him. I always worried about him when he was over there. The one thing I didn't enjoy when he came back to visit, was the next time he left. I never knew if it would be the last time I got to see him, hug him, or tell him I love him.

"Im just frustrated," I mumbled under my breath.

"Yeah, okay," Harper said with a laugh. "Maybe sexually frustrated."

We arrived at Down the Rabbit Hole ten minutes ago. Nate sent me a text explaining that he was going to be late. Nothing new there. He told me that he and his friend were going to go and shower before meeting us here. I kept reminding myself that Nate was a good judge of character and wouldn't invite someone crazy into our home, but I was still skeptical.

After all, I didn't know this man. Our home is private and personal. Since we had a three-bedroom home, he didn't have to sleep on the couch.

With Nate away a lot overseas, the house pretty much belonged to me. I always kept his room the same while he was gone. Whenever he would come home for the holidays or leave, he would stay there with me. Which is one more reason why I couldn't say no to his request to bring a friend over. It was his home too.

I shot her a peeved look. "Okay, maybe it's been a few months-"

"A year," Harper corrected me.

"Fine," I snapped, hating how she knew everything about me. Okay, I didn't actually hate it. I just hated it when she was right. "Maybe I am. It doesn't help to have some stranger living in my house for two weeks."

The bartender handed us our drinks and Harper took a sip before she said, "It will if he's hot."

"Meaning?"

She laughed at my question. "Lanie, every time your brother comes here on leave, he always disappears to go chasing after one of his ex-girlfriends. This time, there's going to be some sexy Army soldier in your house. I'm just saying, take advantage. Of the situation, not the guy."

"Very funny. Even if he is good looking, I wouldn't be able to do anything with him anyway."

Harper sucked her teeth. "Ah, yes. That little rule you and your brother have about dating each other's friends." She turned to me. "I think Jackson and I are living proof that some rules are meant to be broken."

"Not this one," I shot back. "Nate and I only have each other-"

"Excuse me?"

"You know what I mean. He's my brother and I don't-- no, I can't drive a wedge between us over a fling with one of his friends just because I'm horny." I was quiet for a moment before I added, "Besides, we don't even know if he's attractive."

"Well, we're about to find out," she quipped and gestured toward the entrance of the bar. "There's Nate."

My head snapped in that direction and all my previous concerns disappeared when I saw Nate. I ran to him instantly and threw my arms around his neck as he embraced me. I was so relieved that he was here, safe and sound.

I felt my emotions get the best of me and I knew there were tears running down my face. But I didn't care. My brother was here.

He set me back on my feet and gave me a side smile before wiping at my tears with his thumbs. "Ah, L. You know I hate it when you cry."

I laughed. "These are happy tears. I missed you."

His eyes met mine and I could tell he was feeling just as overwhelmed as I was. He was just better at hiding his emotions than me. He cleared his throat before he looked in Harpers direction.

"Harper, it's good to see you again. I hope my little sister here has been staying out of trouble."

I rolled my eyes as Harper laughed and answered, "Lanie is always in trouble."

Nate and I spoke at the same time.

"Am not!"
"Of course she is."

I shoved him playfully on the shoulder before I looked around him towards the entrance. "Where's your friend?" I was silently hoping that his friend decided not to come. Was that bad of me? Probably. I just rather spend this time with Nate then some random guy.

"He's paying the cab. He should be in here in a few minutes." Nate narrowed his eyes at me before he continued, "Be nice to him, L."

"Please. I'm always nice."

Harper mockingly laughed at my statement and I ignored her as Nate glanced to the bar and said, "I'm going to get some drinks and order some food. Do you guys need anything?"

I shook my head. "No, we're good for right now. Thanks."

When Nate headed to the bar, Harper let out a low whistle of appreciation. "I'm sorry, Laine. But your brother is looking fine."

"Harper!"

She shrugged her shoulder shamelessly. "Well, he is; and I'm not breaking any of your rules. I'm just ogling. Besides, I have Jackson."

Right, Jackson Reese. "How is my favorite Greek God?

Her face instantly brightened and she smiled. Those two were so in love it was almost nauseating. But I was happy for them. Harper has been through a lot in her life, so has Jackson. They both deserved to find happiness.

"He's good. I was so worried about him pulling away from me after we officially got together, you know? But it's actually been the opposite. He's been talking a lot lately. About how he feels, and about us."

"Wow, that's great." What she said surprised me. When I first met Jackson, he was a closed book. He was very similar to Nate, actually. Neither of them liked the concept of relationships, or tying themselves to one person. And neither of them chose to believe in love. Maybe if Jackson could change, Nate could change to. I wanted to see him happy.

"Lanie..."

I frowned when she didn't continue. "What?"

"Um...remember how you said you wanted a Greek God of your own?"

"Yes." Where was she going with this?

"I think he's here."

I turned around to look at the entrance and see who Harper was gawking at. That's when I saw a very tall and muscular man come in the door. My mouth parted slightly as my eyes roamed over his body. He had blond hair that was cut short, but that wasn't what held me transfixed. He wore a black t-shirt that was just tight enough for me to make out what could only be a delicious six pack of abs. He was wearing a pair of dark denim jeans that looked...fucking good.

If the dog tags around his neck didn't clue me in to his identity, then the way he approached me with a charming smile did. He held his hand out to me when he introduced himself. "You must be Lanie. I'm Ayden."

Even though I was still caught under his spell, I placed my hand in his. "Yes...you are," I basically moaned.

When Harper choked on her drink and Ayden chuckled darkly, it hit me.

"I totally I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"I'm totally posting this," Harper said mid-laugh. "#NoFilter."

Oops.