“Stop right there,” Esther snapped, interrupting him. “You’re not going anywherenearthat meeting. And neither am I.”
He settled, jaw tight, gaze locked on the floor.
She watched him think it through, then saw him give a slow nod and collect himself. “I understand.”
“Good. When Norm’s back, the three of us will go over Elias’s proposal together.”
He nodded again. “What about the FBI?”
“I told them. They’re watching. Not stepping in—yet.”
“How secret is this? Can I tell Josh?”
“Of course. But I’d wait until we know more. I don’t want him getting his hopes up just to have them crushed. Tomorrow, we’ll know. You can tell him then.”
Colin nodded, jaw still set. “It’ll kill me to sit on it, but you’re right.”
Esther softened, just a flicker. “Go home. Have dinner and watch TV with your husband. Enjoy the peace. Tomorrow, the door opens—and we don’t know what’s behind it.”
She waved him out. “It might be a while before you get another quiet night.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE GATHERING STORM
When Colin entered their suite at the Omni, he was nearly knocked off his feet by a tangy-sweet scent that left his mouth watering. “Holy crap!” he breathed, following the aroma toward the tiny kitchenette, where the sound of the microwave hummed in his ears, and something sizzled on the hot plate. “Josh?”
“In here, babe!” Joshua called.
Colin peered into the small kitchenette, tugging off his tie, then leaned against the doorframe, inhaling deeply. “My god, it smells like heaven in here.”
Joshua stood at the hot plate, spooning a honey-colored glaze over golden-brown chicken breasts. A steaming bowl of mashed potatoes sat nearby. He glanced over his shoulder, flashing a grin. “It should! I’ve been working with a glorified dorm setup, but I think I nailed it.” He gestured to the microwave. “Spinach is steaming. Once it’s done, we can eat.”
Colin wrapped an arm around Joshua’s waist, pressing a tender kiss to his lips before inhaling the air again. “What isthat?”
“Balsamic honey glaze,” Joshua said, drizzling the last of it over the chicken. “Saw it in a recipe video, but I made it better.”He nudged the plate next to the potatoes and shot Colin a knowing glance. “You hungry?”
Colin let out a rough chuckle. “Starving. And exhausted.”
Joshua’s expression softened, but instead of replying, he grabbed a spoon, gave the potatoes a final stir, and nodded toward the small table, already set for two. “Then sit. As soon as the microwave dings, I’ll bring your plate.”
Colin didn’t argue. The case, the meeting, Moreno’s still-unknown terms—none of it mattered right now. What mattered wasthis: Joshua, the smell of home in a place that wasn’t, and the glorious meal awaiting him.
As he stripped off his suit jacket and sank into a chair, the microwave beeped, and moments later, Joshua placed an overflowing plate in front of him.
Colin took Joshua’s hand and brushed his lips over the knuckles. “Thank you,” he managed, barely above a whisper.
Joshua settled beside him, their knees touching beneath the table. “Looks like you’ve had a rough day. But maybe for now… forget all that and eat?”
Colin nodded, drawing Joshua in for another kiss. “I love you so much.”
“And I love you.” Joshua smiled. “Now eat, my darling boy. You need it. And afterward…” He smirked, eyes dancing. “There’s something special waiting for you.”
Colin arched a brow. “Now I’mreallyexcited. Care to elaborate?”
“Eat your dinner,” Joshua ordered, laughing.
The conversation stayed light—future plans, memories of better days—until Colin swiped up the last remnants of the glaze with his biscuit and let out a satisfied sigh. “My god, Josh, that was amazing.”
