“Thank you.”
“Keep me updated.”
“You know I will.” I hung up and turned to Tucker, who had the courtesy to stand and face my wrath. Only…there was no wrath.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “But Vance belongs here. Especially now. And we need him.”
“Yes, we do.” I engulfed him in as tight a hug as I could manage, my cheek flat against his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“You’re not mad?” he said as his arms wrapped around my back.
“Of course, I’m mad. But I’m your boss, not your Alpha. I should have asked for your advice before firing him in the first place, because that affects your job and your safety too. Don’t get me wrong. He’s not getting off without consequences. But I’m glad he’s on the way.”
“I’m going back to stake out Cam’s place,” Bishop said as I stepped out of Tucker’s embrace.
“No.” I still didn’t trust his rage impulse. Especially considering how badlyIwanted to kill Cam Senet at the moment.
“I’ll go with him.” Austin stood and grabbed the jacket he’d draped over the back of his stool. “And while I’m at it, I’ll show him how a stakeout works.”
“Does that mean snacks?” Bishop asked. “I think we should maintain our energy level.”
“Sure. Take whatever you want from the kitchen. But nothing from the bar.” I felt like that should have been obvious, but…
“I gotta run to the bathroom, then I’m good to go,” Bishop said as he disappeared around the corner, opposite the kitchen.
Austin’s gaze captured mine. “Can we talk for a second?”
I exhaled deeply. Then I nodded and led him into the kitchen.
“Listen, Bishop told me—” I began, but he cut me off with a shake of his head.
“That’s your business. Nothing to do with me.”
“Really?” I frowned up at him. “Nothingto do with you?”
“I mean, he’s notmytype, so I can’t say I understand the appeal, physically, but you’re the second very good woman who’s found something worthy in Bishop, so…” Austin shrugged.
“That’s not exactly what’s happening here.”
He grinned. “I know that too. And I hope you get what you need out of it. But if you decide you want something else…”
“Something other than sex?” Was that what he was offering me?
His brows rose. “Something more thanjustsex.”
“Ah.” I sighed, arms crossed over my chest as I leaned against the stainless steel counter. “This is so fucking awkward.”
“Doesn’t have to be. Bishop’s rough around the edges, and god knows he’s got issues. But he’s not a bad guy, and I hate to see him hurting like he is. If you two are good for each other in that sense, who am I to get in the way?”
I could only stare at him. “You two are quite a pair.”
He laughed. “I’m not sure what that means.”
“It means I’m pretty sure you care about each other far more than either of you cares about me. And that’s not a criticism.”
“He’s my best friend. We’rejustfriends, but yes, I love him. And I want to see him happy. Andhealthy. And…un-incarcerated.”
I was starting to think I didn’t deserve either of them. Especially considering that I’dfiredmy own best friend.
