“Dude was a nightmare.”
“I gathered from your updates.”
“Ramos saw shadows everywhere. The worst part? He wasn’t really worried about his wife and kid; all his fear was for himself.”
“That sucks.”
Jay and I were protectors. Not because we served in the military or because we were special forces. That wasn’t what made a protector.
We volunteered to put ourselves in danger so others could sleep at night knowing they were safe. Guys like us didn’t think twice about protecting the innocent and would never put our safety above that of someone we loved.
Ramos’s actions didn’t sit well with either of us.
“I can’t imagine not putting Cate’s safety first,” he said, proving my point. “I wouldn’t hesitate to take a bullet for her.”
“I thought we agreed not to take bullets for each other,” Cate said as she walked to her desk.
That statement spoke volumes. Cate was a badass and wouldn’t hesitate to take a bullet for Jay. Their love was pure, passionate, and a little psychotic.
Seeing them together almost made me want my own Cate. A woman to warm my bed; someone I could share my life with.
Nope. Relationships weren’t my thing.Everyone leaves. Best to keep it casual, like it was with Red.
She’d wanted a good time. So had I. It was perfect. So what if I’d let her stay the night and ordered her breakfast?
In the Navy, it was easy to find a willing, temporary partner. Bars near the base were filled with women wanting to hook up with a sailor. Some wanted a husband. Some just wanted to fuck a SEAL. We called them SEAL bunnies, and they could be a lot of fun.
And dangerous. I was extra careful so I wouldn’t find myself on the wrong end of a paternity suit. No glove, no love. And I always provided my own. I wouldn’t fall victim to a punctured glove, like a friend had, and end up with an unplanned family.
“And I thought you’d know I was lying.” He winked at her.
“So was I,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and challenging him.
Yeah, they’re fucking perfect for each other.
“If we’re done, I’ll go.” I didn’t want to watch the sparks fly between them.
“We’re done. File your report and turn in your expenses by the end of the day Monday.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good night, Matt.”
“Good night, Cate.”
Jay and I didn’t bother with pleasantries.
After a quick shower in my sparsely furnished one bedroom apartment, I headed to Colt’s. I’d been a few times and liked the food and atmosphere. But I’d never taken anyone home with me.
Not wanting to risk my reputation, I usually conducted my hookups far from Weatherford and paid for a hotel room.
But not tonight.
I walked into Colt’s and sucked in the new bar smell. Greasy food, hops, and a mix of strong perfumes filled the air.Perfect.
Out of habit, I scanned the room, noting the exits and the crowd’s energy.
As my eyes scanned the bar, my pulse picked up.
