"You didn't have to sit outside my door all night," Cody said.
Reid's jaw tightened. "Yes, I did."
Cody frowned. "Is that protocol?"
Reid stilled. "Something like that."
Cody opened his mouth to question him, but Reid began serving breakfast, plating it all on the table in front of him and when Cody’s stomach growled, he forgot about what he’d beenabout to ask. Cody gestured to the seat across from him, but Reid shook his head. "I should check the perimeter sensors."
"Reid. Sit, and eat. Please. The sensors will be fine for ten minutes."
He paused again, longer this time. Then, like he was fighting an inner battle with himself, Reid finally sat. They ate in silence for a few minutes. It should have been awkward, but somehow it wasn't. It was just… quiet. Comfortable, even.
"This is good," Cody said, gesturing to the food. "You cook a lot?"
"It’s just field skills. You learn to make decent food out of anything when you're deployed."
"You were in the military?"
"Army. Eight years."
"What made you leave?"
Reid's expression shuttered. "Wanted something different."
A deflection. Cody recognized those—he used them constantly in interviews.“Why did you come out publicly?”
“Because I wanted to live honestly.”
“Are you dating anyone?”
“I’m focused on my music.”
They were polite non-answers that protected something vital beneath.
"Well, I'm glad you did," Cody said. "Leave the Army, I mean. Otherwise you wouldn't be here. And I feel safer with you than I've felt in months, so… thank you."
Reid’s gaze snapped to him. The intensity burning in his eyes made Cody’s pulse race.
"You're welcome," Reid said roughly.
The silence stretched out between them. Reid looked like he wanted to say something, then thought better of it. He stood abruptly. "I need to make some calls and check the sensors. Stay inside. Don't answer the door. If you need anything—"
"Don’t worry about me,” Cody said. "I’ll be fine."
Reid nodded. “Before I forget. My brother wants to start monitoring your online accounts, email address, social media, that sort of thing. Can you make me a list of everything you use?”
Cody’s eyes widened. “You don’t think he can find me through any of my accounts, do you?”
Reid shook his head. “Garrett just likes to make sure all bases are covered. Nothing to worry about.”
“Okay, Cody said, I’ll get it to you later.”
“Thanks. Feel free to explore the house,” he said. “I want you to feel at home here.”
Before Cody could reply, Reid rushed out the door like his tail end was on fire, or like he was escaping. Cody sat at the table, cradling his coffee, and wondered what the hell was happening. Because something was. He wasn't imagining the way Reid looked at him—like Cody was something precious and dangerous at the same time. He wasn't imagining the tension that crackled between them.
And hedefinitelywasn't imagining the way his own body responded to Reid's proximity—the heat, and the strange sense of rightness when Reid was nearby.
