My dad’s mouth twitched into a smile. “Question remains.”
“I’m working it out,” Ryatt said.
My dad’s gaze shifted between the three of us. “I don’t think I want to know anything else.”
Mom returned with the cut and handed it to Cruz. “It’s the best I could do.”
“Thanks.” He inspected the patch, then twisted to drape the vest on the back of his chair.
My dad stared at me for a moment. I pleaded with my eyes for him to ease the thickening tension in the room.
“Next track day is two weeks from Saturday,” he said, but the statement was directed toward Cruz.
Cruz leaned back in his chair. “Are you still looking for volunteers?”
“I’m always looking. If you tell me you’ll be there, I need you to show up.”
“I can’t commit until I check in with my boss. I have a new job working private security.”
I snapped my gaze at Cruz. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me?”
He arched a brow. True. How could he when we haven’t really been talking?
“Right now, I’m in the probationary period so my schedule fluctuates. But the money is good.”
My dad sipped his coffee. “Are you working events, or is it more like a night guard for businesses?”
“Personal security for a wealthy, private family.” Cruz’s knee bounced under the table. I rested my hand on his thigh. With a steady exhale, he visibly relaxed his shoulders. “I’m working with a lot of ex-military.”
“Is it dangerous?” my mom asked.
My dad chuckled. “Linda, the kid rides with Hellers.”
“I know, but I’ll still worry.” She smiled at Cruz.
Ryatt glanced at the clock above the kitchen sink. He wiped his mouth on a napkin. “Mrs. Dixon, it was delicious. I hate to eat and run, but I have an NA meeting this morning.”
“I should head out, too.” Cruz stood and shrugged on his vest. “Thank you for breakfast.”
I scooted my chair back. “Mom, I’ll take care of the dishes.”
“Thank you. I need to check on Dollop. She’s putting weight on that leg again.”
“I’m going to run up to my room and grab that phone,” I said to Ryatt.
“We’ll meet you outside,” Ryatt said, and he and Cruz walked out the door together.
“We’re going to need to have a conversation,” my dad said before going to the coffeepot to refill his mug.
“I know.” But not yet because I wasn’t sure what to say to him. None of my feelings for Cruz had changed, but I’d definitely fallen for Ryatt.
Chapter Eight
Cruz
In the history of morning afters, this one I’d remember. Not only had Ryatt fucked my girl last night, but then he’d run interference with her old man. I’d counted on him walking once he figured out McKelle wasn’t going to kick me out of her life or out of her bed.
Instead, I found myself liking him. How could I expect to hate him, and her to resist him when I felt the appeal all the way into my balls?
