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you think about the drawings? Those are for a new advertising campaign I’m involved in at work. If the customer likes it, then I may be headed to Dallas for three days this upcoming week.”
    His eyes widened as he glanced back at the picture. “Well then, I suggest you pack your bags now, Cuz. These are phenomenal. You’re really talented.”
    She smiled and her cheeks reddened a little.
    “I appreciate that. Especially coming from you, the non-artsy type, as you explained months ago.”
    He chuckled.
    “I like the freestyle stuff you do. Like that amazing mural you did in Julia’s nursery. You could start your own business doing that kind of thing.”
    She moved closer to the counter and took the picture he had in his hand.
    “This is good for now. I need to keep busy and out there in the business world. I think if I worked in an art studio, here in the apartment alone, my mind would wonder on the past.”
    She placed the paper down and began to walk toward the door when Teddy gently took her hand into his own.
    He brushed his fingers along her cheek as he stared down into her eyes. His cousin was such an amazing and beautiful woman. That asshole back in New York had fucked up her head big-time. He knew she was scared, and now, something else was bothering her.
    “Hey, you’re really talented and you should be doing what makes you happy. Are you sure that everything is okay? You’ve seemed kind of different the last week or so.”
    “I don’t know. I think I’m still trying to get used to living in Texas,” she said then pulled away from him.
    “Are you ready to go?”
    “If you are. I’m excited for Dale. He’s been under a lot of pressure with football and schoolwork. He’s having some trouble with his writing class.”
    “Well tell him to call me. I can even come over tomorrow after the dojo.”
    She locked the door as they headed toward the elevator.
    “Lee is open tomorrow?”
    “Sure. He’s running that fundraiser for the family of that officer injured in the line of duty last month. Gerry White. I’m running the kids’ karate training class. He already has thirty-two kids signed up.”
    “Holy crap. How the hell are you supposed to help thirty-two kids by yourself?”
    The elevator door opened and they headed out to Teddy’s truck.
    “I’m not, silly. Lee, Shane, Pierce, and Duke are helping.”
    “Duke? Shit, he’ll scare the crap out of those kids.”
    She chuckled.
    “Sometimes you need some heavy backup, Teddy,” she teased and he laughed.
    “We’ll stop by then. I have to see this.”
     
    * * * *
     
    It was a hell of a game. A real nail-biter not only because the Bulls were behind one touchdown, but also because Gunner and Garrett both couldn’t seem to keep their focus on it as much as on Gia.
    Gunner felt that same tightness in his chest. Of course, being involved in law enforcement and the military, not much got by him. He noticed on the way into the stadium that Gia remained close to Teddy, especially when someone tried to make conversation with her. That was another unnerving thing to watch, other guys flirt with her or just checking her out. He even got annoyed when a group of guys from Teddy and Jim’s department followed her and Teddy to the stands. Those fuckers were going to try and sit next to her in the damn crowded stadium seats. Not if he and Garrett had anything to say about it. He and his brother maneuvered their way between the other men, using their six-feet-plus intimidation resources, and snagged the two seats on either side of her. Teddy got stuck in front of her with his buddies. That hadn’t stopped the assholes from flirting, but he did notice as the game started, she relaxed more and now was even talking to him and Garrett.
    “You really like football, Gia, or just high school football?” Garrett asked her as he turned toward her.
    When she turned to look at Garrett, her long brown hair brushed his skin and their shoulders pressed against one