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was a big former jock who looked like he'd played football at some point during his younger days. He had that air about him. Friendly. With a deep voice that was an older, more gravelly version of Justin's. At least Jus had inherited that much.
    Kirk greeted me with a crushing hug. Gave his immediate blessing to our union. And told me to call him whatever I wanted. "Kirk. Dad. Hey you. Doesn't matter to me. Don't want you to feel awkward when you're trying to get my attention. Getting used to calling your in-laws by some name, any name, takes time. When Diana and I first got married, I spent a good three months avoiding using any name at all for her dad. Damn inconvenient."
    I smiled, liking him on sight. He was big, but sweet like Jus in the way he was trying to put me at ease.
    Paolo scurried out of the kitchen and greeted us each, including me, in the Italian fashion, with an air kiss on each cheek. He smiled at me, used so many Italian hand gestures he may as well have been speaking sign language, and rattled off a string of rapid-fire Italian I had no hope of understanding.
    Jus seemed to follow it. Soon the two of them were involved in an animated discussion. Jus was even using his hands to talk, too. Which was so sexy it was crazy. All the Greens were soon in on it, laughing and interjecting. Gesturing. Finally, Paolo slapped Jus on the back and we took our seats at a prime table.
    I was seated next to Jus, with Kirk on the other side of me. Diana and the others across from me. The wine immediately began to flow.
    Jeremy quickly noticed I wasn't keeping up with the others and drinking my share. "You have a non-drinker on your hands, Justin."
    I shook my head. "Hardly. I was in the hardest-partying sorority at my school. But too much wine makes me sleepy. My jet lag doesn't need any help, thank you very much. Besides, I'm half your size." I winked at him like I admired his big manliness.
    Jerod laughed and refilled my glass. "I'll buy you some NoDoz."
    I liked his brothers and the boisterous atmosphere of his family. Jeremy and Jerod were exactly the kind of guys I enjoyed hanging with. I could flip them as much crap as I wanted and they deflected and flipped it back.
    "Do you play rugby?" Jerod asked as we devoured a plate of antipasti.
    I shook my head. "I knew a few girls in college who were on our college team. That's the extent of my knowledge of the game. Women's rugby is gaining in popularity in the States. Maybe it will eventually replace soccer as the club sport of choice."
    "You've never played?" Jeremy looked astounded, almost as if I'd committed some kind of heresy.
    "No." My stomach started to feel funny. And the smells that had been delicious a few minutes ago took on a sour edge.
    "Not even once?" Kirk passed me a loaf of bread.
    I gratefully took it and tore off a chunk. The Italians put the bread in the middle of the table. You grabbed or tore off what you wanted. They didn't stand on ceremony. Like slicing bread.
    "Not even once." The bread went down well.
    Jerod poured himself another glass of wine. "We'll have to get you out on the field. You can't be a Green without playing rugby."
    "What do you mean? Justin can." Jeremy laughed.
    "He's a special snowflake." Jerod nudged Jus beneath the table while Jus glared. "Delicate constitution, right, Jus? Poor baby bro. Might get hurt."
    Jus glared at him.
    "Lighten up on the baby, Jer. He keeps a mean score sheet." Jerod laughed.
    "Boys." Kirk used the dad voice. "Your brother isn't brawny, but he's got game smarts. He can out-coach either of you." He winked at his youngest son. "By the way, I need you to fill in for me and take my team tomorrow afternoon. I have a business meeting with the university I can't get out of."
    "Sure, Dad." Jus didn't look thrilled at the idea.
    "Do you like sports, Kayla?" Jerod leaned across the table, penetrating in the way he waited for my answer. Looking roguishly hot.
    "I'm into men who play them." The flirt came out