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was his every fantasy come to life.  Like he’d really fuck a woman he cared about, felt protective toward, in the middle of her kitchen after not seeing her in years.
    Like his best friend wouldn’t bust his ass for even thinking about it.
    Shit.
    He gulped down air as the guilt threatened to overtake him.  It wasn’t his fault Beckett was injured.  Not really.  Even if he hadn’t convinced him to enlist a lifetime ago, Beckett probably damn would’ve done so anyway.  Just to keep up with Matthew.  Just because he was that damn stubborn.
    They were childhood friends, yes, but now brothers in arms.
    He needed to man the hell up and be there for his buddy.  His brother.  To face their families as they dealt with the new reality and stay the hell away from his sister.
    Finally, he pushed open the front door, shaking his head at the fact that it was unlocked.  His parents didn’t have a worry in the world, but he’d have to talk to them about at least locking up the house.  He certainly wasn’t around to protect them if necessary, and hell.  You never knew who could walk right in here.  He’d even made sure Brianna’s door was secured before he pulled it shut behind him when he left.  Regretfully.  Because wouldn’t he love to go back over there and see what it was simmering between them.  Hell, they’d only been in each other’s presence for ten minutes.  And for him to be this riled up over that ?  A night with her in his arms would be fucking spectacular.
    But that was the crux of it, wasn’t it?  Because one night with her would never be enough.  And she deserved far better than a one-night-stand with her older brother’s best friend.
    “Matthew, is that you?” his mom called from the kitchen.
    He muttered a curse under his breath.  If she left the damn door unlocked, it could be just about anyone, now couldn’t it?
    “Yeah, it’s me.”
    She came rushing into the room, embracing him in a hug.  “Thank goodness you made it home safely! Beckett’s parents have been so upset since his accident.  I’m always so worried about you doing your SEAL stuff.  But I know they’ll be so happy to see you—Beckett, too.”
    “I’m fine, Mom.”
    “Your job is just so dangerous…,” she trailed off, fretting.
    “We’re well trained.  And although accidents can happen, that’s the risk you take when you join the military.  Beckett knew it, and so did I.”  His voice sounded harsher than he’d intended, but hell.  The guilt was practically eating him alive.
    “Have you seen his parents?  Oh, what am I saying, you just got home.  Of course you haven’t seen anyone yet.”
    Matthew resisted the urge to smile.  His mother always fawned over him when he happened to get leave to make it home.  That was the crux of being an only child.  Some things never changed.
    She pulled back, appraising him with green eyes so similar to his.  “Did you eat yet?  I could fix you something.”
    “I grabbed lunch earlier before my flight.  Think I’ll go for a run after I get settled in.”
    “Did you friend come down?  Evan, was it?”
    “Yeah, but he’s staying at a hotel.  He knows Beckett and has some other friends in town he wanted to catch up with.  You’ll meet him on Sunday at the homecoming ceremony.  Some of my other buddies may come in then as well.”
    “He’s welcome to stay here, you know.”
    “I’m sure he’s cool with the hotel.  Did you need help with anything before I go for a run?”
    “No, no.  Everything’s fine.  Just be sure to wash up in time for dinner.  Your father will be home around six.  He’s out running some errands now.”
    “Roger that, ma’am.”
    His mom playfully swatted his arm and disappeared back into the kitchen.  Briefly, images of Brianna moving around her kitchen flashed through his mind.  Hell, carrying in groceries for her earlier and watching her put things away felt like the most natural thing in the world.  What