“Jamie’s going with me,” Cam said, gaze aimed out the passenger window.
That rankled, even though it rationally shouldn’t. Jamie was Cam’s best friend, he’d spent summers during college with Cam’s family, and it was another month before his basketball coaching duties kicked into high gear. And he had ready access to the aforementioned jet.
Still, Nic wanted to be the one who was there for Cam. “I can?—”
“No, Dominic.” It was his pulling-rank voice. The one he trotted out whenever he sidelined Nic on an op for his protection. But that didn’t make sense, nor did Cam’s added, “I can’t do that to them right now.”
“Do what?” Expose them to Nic and the danger around him? Cam was the one who wanted to run toward that fire, which hadn’t followed Nic to San Diego. It seemed contained to the Bay Area where Curtis could witness the destruction firsthand. Leverage worked better that way. Nic had no reason to think the danger would follow them to Boston.
Nic didn’t have a chance to follow up, the roar of an engine and the peel of tires cutting through the heavy silence. Aidan’s gleaming black Aston Martin tore into the parking lot faster than strictly necessary.
“They’re here,” Cam said, using the distraction to get the jump on Nic, finally thwarting his delay tactics and climbing out of the truck.
Nic banged the heel of his hand against the steering wheel, cursing himself for wasting the last few minutes arguing instead of kissing. Hustling out, he called after Cam, who, bag slung over his shoulder, was halfway to Jamie already. They met at the side of Aidan’s car, Cam dropping his bag and Jamie yanking him into a crushing hug.
“It’s gonna be okay,” Jamie said, and Nic cursed himself again for not offering the same reassurances. He hadn’t wanted to lie to Cam—he didn’t with his witnesses either—but while that had served him well in the courtroom, he didn’t like it one bit when it created more distance between him and Cam.
The slam of the trunk lid snapped Nic out of his thoughts and a rumpled Aidan appeared at his side, guiding Jamie’s rolling suitcase. His husband was walking ahead with Cam, their arms slung over each other’s shoulders. “Thanks for giving Cam a lift here,” Aidan said.
“Thanks for giving him a lift there.”
They passed through the terminal doors, and Aidan ran a hand through his disheveled auburn hair. “Jamie said you were there when Cam got the call.”
“Apartment above mine flooded. Was crashing at Cam’s.”
A partial lie, and judging by Aidan’s narrowed eyes, he wasn’t buying it. Before he got the chance to investigate further, Jeremy met them inside the terminal. If Nic didn’t know better, he wouldn’t have guessed the impeccably put-together steward had come off the same flight as him a mere seven hours ago.
“Gentlemen,” he greeted them. “I’d be happy to take your bags.” Cam handed off his, and Aidan rolled over Jamie’s.
“We’ll be ready when you are,” Jeremy said, efficient and polite, and correctly gauging the subdued mood. This was not an impromptu guys’ weekend away.
“We’re square on cases?” Cam said to Aidan.
“We had our status meeting yesterday. We’re square. Go to your family.”
“Thank you,” Cam said, then exited out to the tarmac, seemingly in a fog.
As the newlyweds exchanged their almost-indecent goodbyes, Nic slid past them, following Cam outside. He spotted the Talley jet on the tarmac, Jeremy waiting by the steps. “Mr. Price, good to see you again.”
“Likewise, Jeremy.” He gestured up the stairs at the open cabin door. “I think I might have left something on the plane last night.”
Jeremy held out his hand. “Go right ahead, sir.”
He took the steps two at a time but ground to a halt inside the door. Across the cabin, Cam stood by the mini-bar, arms braced on the polished wood, torso heaving with deep, labored breaths. Nic glanced over his shoulder; Aidan and Jamie hadn’t emerged from the terminal. Stealing a moment while he still had a chance, he crossed the cabin and wrapped his arms around Cam from behind.
Cam stiffened at first, but after another hitched breath, he relaxed into the hold, and Nic hugged him tighter, same as he’d done earlier. He nuzzled the nape of his neck, inhaling deep. “I wish you’d let me go with you,” he whispered.
So I can make sure you come back.
Cam’s “I do, too” was so quiet Nic barely heard it. But it landed like a kick to his chest.
“Then why?—”
Cam rotated in his arms, silencing him with a quick, hard kiss. “Please wait until I get back to move on Vaughn.”
Maybe he was worried about the mess Nic’s family was in somehow reaching his in Boston. “Is that?—”
“Your turn to be quiet and careful. I can’t be there dealing with my family and worrying about you back here. Just wait to make any moves, please.”
