Page 114 of Top Shelf

“Settle down, golden retriever. Pretty sure she meant actual dogs, not humans who act like them,” Keller gripes.

I frown. He seems more down than usual tonight, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because he’s the only one not with someone. Could Keller…actually have a heart under all the grumpiness?

Nah. Not a chance.

“You guys are amazing,” my girl says, her voice getting thick with emotion. “Truly. Thank you.”

“Of course. We take care of our own.” Auden bumps her shoulder against Nessa’s.

She buries her face into my side, and I know it’s because she’s trying to keep from crying. I squeeze her tight, kissing the top of her head. We all fall into easy conversation, waiting for the countdown to midnight, which is just five minutes away.

“Guys, I have an announcement,” Lawson says, and we all turn to look at him. “I love you all.”

We groan in unison.

“Knock it off, Lawsy,” Hutch grumbles.

“What he said.” Hayes points at the captain.

“Yep,” I say.

“Aww, I love you too, buddy.” Fox grins, patting the forward on the back.

“Finally!” Lawson throws his hands in the air. “Someone cares about me! What? No comment, Keller?”

But when we all turn to him, ready for whatever smartass thing he’s going to say next, he’s not looking at us. He’s staring across the room, his knuckles white as he grips the glass in his hand.

“Keller. You okay, man?”

“Fine,” he bites out, though it’s clear he’s anything but.

Something is up, and based on where he’s looking and how he can’t take his eyes off her, it has everything to do with the redhead who just walked into the bar. She’s arm in arm with some guy, and she throws her head back with a laugh. Keller gnashes his teeth, and I can’t tell if he’s two seconds away from marching over there or two away from walking out altogether.

“Do you know her or something?” Lawson asks.

“You could say that,” Keller says, not shifting his gaze in the slightest. “She’s my wife.”

**