Most of her colleagues were squinting in the sun and looking uncomfortable. “I can only imagine.”

She walked over to the oldest woman in the group-a slightly overweight, stylishly dressed blonde-linked arms with her and led her forward.

“Jack, this is my friend Betina. Technically she’s a liaison-she stands between the team and the real world, taking care of all the details the scientifically gifted seem to be so bad with. In reality, she’s my best friend and the reason I’m just so darned normal.”

He eyed the other woman and wondered how many of Meri’s secrets she knew.

“Nice to meet you,” he said as he shook hands with Betina.

Betina smiled. “I’m enjoying meeting you, as well,” she said. “Finally.”

Finally?

Meri grinned. “Did I tell you or what?”

Tell her what? But before Jack could ask, the group went into the house. He was left standing on the porch, wondering when the hell his life had gotten so out of his control.

Meri sat cross-legged in the center of the bed while her friend unpacked. “He’s gorgeous. Admit it-you saw it.”

Betina smiled. “Jack is very nice-looking, if you enjoy the tall, dark and powerful type. He wasn’t happy about us arriving.”

“I know. I didn’t tell him you were coming. It was fabulous. I wish you’d seen the look on his face when I explained why you were here. Of course, it was right after I told him I might marry Andrew, so there it was a double-thrill moment for me.”

Betina unpacked her cosmetics and carried them into the attached bathroom. “You know you’re not marrying Andrew. You’re baiting Jack.”

“It’s fun and I need a hobby.” Meri flopped back on the bed. “Why shouldn’t I bait him? He deserves it. He was mean to me.”

“He was in college. At that age, men are not known for their emotional sensitivity. Actually, they’re not known for it at any age. But the point is, you bared your heart and soul and he reacted badly. I agree some punishment is in order, but you’re taking it all too far. This is a mistake, Meri.”