“Yes, ma’am.”
She looked at Reese. “And you’ll have your usual?”
Brantley noticed the surprise on Reese’s face. He’d been gone for so long, he probably thought everyone in town had forgotten him. What he didn’t realize was that these people cared about him. Every time Brantley had ventured into town, someone always asked about Reese. It was one of the reasons he’d become reclusive for a while. He’d had a hard enough time not thinking about Reese on his own. Didn’t need the help of nosy neighbors.
Reese’s shoulders relaxed. “I’ll have what he’s having.”
Rachel beamed a grin as though that was the greatest request she’d ever received.
She glanced between us. “And two sweet teas?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Brantley answered.
When she strolled off, Brantley glanced at Reese. “Changin’ up the diet, huh?”
“I still eat salads,” he said with a smirk. “But it’s good to change it up from time to time.”
Brantley wondered what else had changed for Reese in the past six months. “I heard you were workin’ out of the Sniper 1 Security office when you were in Dallas. Any assignments?”
Reese fiddled with the paper napkin, his gaze on the table. “Mostly busy work. Z wouldn’t let me outta his sight.”
Yeah, Brantley had heard that, too. “I take it you’re up to speed on the cases we worked?”
“I paid attention, sure.” Reese looked up. “Look, Brantley—”
“No,” Brantley said firmly. “Not right now. I’m not lookin’ for more apologies, Reese. You said your piece. Let’s move forward.”
Granted, Brantley wasn’t sure what forward looked like for the two of them yet, but he wanted to take this opportunity to see where things might go.
“At least let me tell you what happened that night,” Reese insisted.
Brantley leaned back, regarded him coolly. “I already know.”
“Then listen to my side of it, please.”
“I said I already know, Reese. JJ hacked into the restaurant’s camera feed. I saw exactly what happened.”
He’d witnessed Reese and Madison share a hug, sit down to dinner, and then gaze into one another’s eyes. They never made it to the meal part because two assholes came in wielding guns, hunting for Maximillian Adorite’s sister. That was when Reese had stood between her and a bullet, urging her to safety. A skirmish ensued, Reese got in a few good hits, but then he’d taken a bullet point-blank to the chest.
“It doesn’t make up for it, I know,” Reese prompted, “but I was confused.”
Brantley leaned in, planted his elbows on the table, and pointed a finger in Reese’s direction. “I said I—”
Reese reached for his hand, cupping it between both of his. He held firmly, pulling his hand down. “I’m not confused anymore, Brantley. I know exactly what I want.”
He couldn’t help it; he stared at where his hand was embraced by Reese’s. The man had never touched him in public before. Not like this. And certainly not when there were so many people around.
Reese’s eyes were serious when he said, “If you want me to stand up and pledge my love for you right now, I’ll be happy to.” His voice remained steady as he continued. “I love you. That’s all there is to it. And my life was so much better with you in it. I’m not in denial any longer.”
Brantley continued to stare at their hands as Reese’s thumb brushed back and forth along his wrist.
“I know I hurt you, Brantley. I know I fucked up.”
Rachel stepped up to the table with their teas, but Reese didn’t release his hand—didn’t so much as flinch—and Brantley didn’t pull away. She didn’t say a word, setting down the glasses and disappearing.
“I’m sorry,” Reese finally stated, releasing Brantley’s hand. “I don’t mean to—”
“I’m not complainin’,” he interjected. “Let’s leave it at that and enjoy our dinner.”
