“Whoever it is knows what we know. Probably more. That’s why they’re comin’ after Cantrell.”
“Wrong.” Grant’s chest tightened as he thought of the her being in danger. “They’re coming after Brynnon.”
A shadow fell over Derek’s eyes, the situation most likely reminding him of when his fiancée was in danger. Thankfully, Charlie and Derek no longer had to worry about her sick-as-fuck ex.
With a slight hush to his southern voice, Derek asked, “Do you want to keep this information a secret for now?”
A big part of Grant wanted to do just that. The emotional side that had only just begun to come alive again wanted to shelter Brynnon from anything that could cause her pain. Physical or otherwise. But he knew she’d be pissed as hell if they kept something like this from her.
“No.” He shook his head. “She deserves to know the truth.”
Derek nodded in agreement before saying, “Speakin’ of the gorgeous redhead. Did my eyes deceive me, or were you actuallylaughin’when I pulled up?”
Grant stepped past him heading for the cabin. “Don’t start.”
“Oh, come on, man. You had to know I was gonna to ask. Tell me...is it just sex or did the great Grant Hill finally thaw out enough to actually start to care about a woman?”
Turning back around to face him, Grant shook his head. “What’s going on with Brynnon and me is none of your goddamn business.”
“Whoa.” Derek put his hands palms-up. “You don’t have to get so defensive.”
“I’m not getting defensive,” Grant lied.
“The fuck you aren’t. Jesus, you sound like you’re...” Derek’s blue eyes grew wide. “Holy shit. Are you in love with her?”
“Thanks for the file, dickhead.” Grant started to turn, but the other man grabbed the sleeve of his coat.
“You didn’t say no. Interesting.”
“There’s nothing interesting about it. I’m guarding her. Period.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t fall in love in the process. Trust me.”
Grant worked to control his growing frustration. “I’m not having this conversation.”
“Oh, my god.” Derek covered his mouth in shock. “Youdolove her!”
Grant swung his gaze to the closed door and back. “Keep your voice down, for fuck’s sake.”
Not bothering to heed his warning, Derek started to laugh. “This is...I don’t even...this ishuge.”
“No. It’s not.”
Glancing down toward Grant’s crotch, the smart-ass winced. “It’s not? Damn. Sorry about your bad luck.”
“Jesus Christ, can you be serious for one goddamn minute?” Fed up with the man’s juvenile behavior, Grant got into Derek’s face. Forgetting to keep his own voice down he blurted out, “Yes, we slept together. Was it against protocol? Definitely. Was it a mistake? Probably. Does having sex with Brynnon a few times mean I love her? Hell, no.”
Before Derek could respond, both men heard the soft sound of someone clearing their throat from behind him. Grant closed his eyes, his hands fisting at his sides.
Shit. Fuck. Shit.
Though he had zero desire to do so, he turned to face her. She was standing at the top of the porch steps with her arms crossed protectively around her midsection. The devastation staring back at him was clear.
She’d heard every fucking word he’d said.
“I just came out to tell you the coffee’s ready.” Without waiting, she turned her back on him and walked away.
“Damn, man. I’m sorry. I didn’t see her come out or I’d have stopped you.”
