“That’s great,” Huxley says. “What organizations were you working with? We just started a non-profit under Cane Enterprises that JP oversees. We work with affordable housing in expensive cities. Starting in San Francisco, but we plan on expanding.”

“Yeah, I think Ryot mentioned something about that. That’s pretty great. I know the housing market has been insane lately with corporations coming in and taking over, so for you not to capitalize on it, but rather help others, you’re changing lives.”

“That’s the plan,” JP says while wiping his mouth. “So who did you work with?”

Ryot’s thumb glides over my skin, momentarily distracting me as the soft touch shoots a rocket of lust straight up my leg. What’s he doing? It’s not like the guys can see under the table.

Clearing my throat, I attempt to focus on my answer, not on the way Ryot’s touch is heating my body. “An organization in Chicago that helped families in desperate need of home makeovers for various reasons like needing wheelchair access, a deep cleaning, or just a fresh start. Renovate Chicago is the organization. It was so rewarding, and I loved it. But when we came out here, I had to pivot, so I’m still trying to figure out my next venture.” I feel Ryot’s eyes on mine as I answer. I can feel the questions forming on the tip of his tongue.

Having to leave Renovate Chicago is one of the primary causes of my bitterness, and why I’m so angry about moving to California. Because we weren’t supposed to leave Chicago. We were supposed to stay there after Ryot retired. We were supposed to settle down and think about buying a lake house where we could relax. Even consider starting a family. I loved our house, our neighborhood, my work with Renovate Chicago, and the reasoning behind what I was doing. I was close to Nichole who—fuck—might be sick again. Everything was in Chicago. And after having to move from place to place to place with my Air Force parents, all I wanted to do was settle. I wanted a place I could call home.

That was the plan.

Until Ryot stole that by retiring earlier than he wanted.

“You should really have her meet up with Kelsey,” Huxley says. “I bet they’d get along. Ryot was telling us it’s been hard adjusting to California. Finding your tribe, so to speak.”

My cheeks flush as I glance toward him. For someone I feel so ignored by, it’s unexpected to see how much he’s talked about me. “Yeah, you know how it is. Making friends with adults is hard.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” JP says as he takes a large bite of his pizza.

“It’s hard not to fall in love with Myla, though,” Ryot says as his hand slides up higher on my thigh, kissing the opening of my robe. His fingers curl inwardly, and I catch myself gasping quietly from the feel of his strong hand. “Once she gets comfortable in her surroundings, there’s no doubt she’ll make friends. It’s something she’s so good at since she grew up in a military household.”