“Good idea,” I replied, already pulling out my phone. “I want him to move in with me, but I don’t think he’s ready for that.” I unlocked my phone and opened the messaging app.
How do you feel about spending the weekend at my place?
There was a long pause during which the little text bubbles bounced and stopped several times. Finally, his answer appeared.
I’m guessing you’d feel better having me at your place.
While that’s true, it’s still your choice. I’m not going to force you to do something you don’t want to do.
I know that. You’ve always been respectful of my boundaries. Given the events of last night, I’m inclined to take you up on your offer.
A wave of relief swept over me. I glanced over at Marco. “He said yes.”
That’s great. I’m making dinner. I thought we’d have a nice, quiet evening at home.
That sounds wonderful. I’ll see you at six.
Liam looked at my phone. “You two are so stinking cute.”
Marco snickered, and I scoffed. “I’m almost forty. I am not cute.”
Michael came up on my other side. “Face it, bro. You’re adorable.”
I rolled my eyes. “Shut up.”
Lunch was raucous and fun. Fortunately, the place we chose didn’t seem to mind a bunch of rowdy former military members. Marco, as always, made sure nothing got too out of hand.
As we were wrapping up and waiting for the check, Hunter came over to my end of the table. “Hey, boss, you got a minute?”
“Sure.” I glanced at Marco, who’d been sitting next to me. I handed him the company credit card so he could take care of the check when it came. He got up and moved a few seats down. “Have a seat,” I said to Hunter.
“So,” he began, “I was talking to Andrea, and she said she has a friend who might be interested in the sniper position on my team. She separated from the Army about a year ago and hasn’t really found a job that fits her.”
I smiled. “If Andrea’s recommending her, she must be good. Have her send you her résumé. We’ll go from there.”
He grinned. “Thanks, boss.” He pursed his lips. “Just one other thing. If you need my help with this stalker situation, let me know. We were lucky to get rid of Charlie’s stalker so easily. I know it’s not always like that.”
Hunter’s boyfriend, Charlie, had an ex-boyfriend who stalked him and followed him to New York from Chicago. As usual, Michael’s superior computer skills got us the information we needed to make the guy run away with his tail between his legs.
I knew Hunter had a protective streak a mile wide. But then again, didn’t we all? “Thanks. I appreciate it. I’ll definitely let you know if I need your help.”
Once the check was paid, I headed back to my apartment, stopping by the local market to get the ingredients for alfredo sauce. Some other day, I’d have time to make the bolognese. I cleaned my apartment and was getting the sauce started when the intercom buzzed. I hurried to answer it. “Mr. D’Angelo, Greg Hayden is here to see you.”
I hit the button to reply. “Send him up.”
I waited at the door for Greg, more eager to see him than anyone else I’d ever dated. My heart did a happy dance when I opened the door and saw him carrying an overnight bag and his laptop case. I kissed him deeply and drew him into my apartment. “You can put your bags in my room. I’m just getting dinner started.”
“Okay,” he replied. “I’ll put these away and come help.”
I was surprised at how well we worked together in the kitchen. But then again, Greg had been taking care of himself for a long time. He looked at the ingredients I had out and said, “I’ve never made alfredo sauce. Will you show me how? Then I can make it for you someday.”
I smiled and kissed his cheek, turning away so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes. How silly was it that something that simple could make a man my age cry?
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I replied hoarsely, turning back to face him. “It’s just that no one’s ever wanted to take care of me. They always expected me to take care of them.”
Greg put his arms around me and kissed me. “We take care of each other, okay?”
