The sincerity in Carson’s tone surprised him, although it appeared to be Carson’s new thing. Even last night, after they finished dinner and returned home, Carson hadn’t attempted to seduce him. They’d spent most of the evening talking, catching up on everything that had transpired over the past month, ignoring the immense heat that still churned between them.
Atticus stepped around Carson, leaving him to get in with Slade. As he walked around the truck, he exhaled heavily, praying there would be no more surprises tonight.
Chapter Twenty
Brantley watched as Atticus escorted Slade outof the bar. He’d been tempted to intervene when he realized Jennifer had crashed the party. Even more so when he watched Atticus make a beeline across the bar to intervene.
However, the kid had surprised him. He’d held his ground and kept the interaction level-headed, although it was clear by his body language that he’d been upset.
“That was kinda impressive,” Reese said from beside him. “I think the kid’s growin’ up.”
Brantley glanced at Reese. “Careful. You might start to like him.”
Reese laughed. “I alreadydolike him.”
Feeling absolutely no pain thanks to the vodka that was flowing like water, Brantley stepped closer. “Is that right?”
Reese’s golden eyes flashed with heat.
“Should I be jealous, Mr. Tavoularis?”
“Never.”
Brantley winked and took a step back. He was feeling no pain, but he still had his faculties. Most of them, anyway. And he knew Reese wasn’t fond of public displays.
The door to the bar opened, and Brantley glanced over to see who had arrived. Most people were heading out at this point in the night, not the other way around.
He recognized the man who walked in, but he thought for sure his mind was playing tricks on him.
“Is that…?” Reese asked as the crowd seemed to split as the man walked toward them.
“Holy shit.” Brantley grinned. “Cyrus fucking Jernigan.”
Brantley hadn’t talked to Cyrus since he left Coyote Ridge for bigger and better things. The man who’d once been Brantley’s fuck-buddy had run off to California shortly after Brantley met Reese. Back then, Brantley thought Cyrus had been running away because Brantley ended their frolicking after he’d found himself truly interested in someone for the first time. According to Cyrus, he got a job offer he couldn’t possibly pass up, so they’d left it at that. Over the past couple of years, they’d exchanged a text message or two, but usually only when Cyrus had a question that was better suited for JJ to answer.
“Well, well, well.” Cyrus peered between the two of them. “I never thought I’d see the day someone took you off the market.” He held out his hand to Reese. “Good to see you again.”
“Likewise,” Reese said, shaking his hand.
Brantley was pretty sure he heard an edge in Reese’s tone. Then again, it could be the liquor.
“And you…” Cyrus grabbed Brantley’s hand and pulled him in for a hug. “Goddamn, you look good.”
Brantley hugged him, slapping him on the back. “I was gonna say the same thing. California looks good on you, man.”
Cyrus stepped back and swept his hand down his starchy white shirt as he grinned wide. “Don’t it, though?”
To Brantley’s surprise, Reese stepped closer, their shoulders bumping. He choked on a laugh when he had the mental image of Reese peeing on his leg to mark his territory.
Cyrus obviously noticed Reese’s dominant reaction because he took a step back and tucked his hands in his pockets.
“I didn’t think you were gonna make it,” Brantley said. “JJ told me you had a conference or somethin’.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t think I’d get an invitation.” He smirked. “But it’s not every day one of your oldest friends gets married. I didn’t want to miss it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna grab a drink before you two fuckers drink it all.”
Brantley watched Cyrus walk away, grinning.
“ShouldIbe jealous?” Reese asked, coming to stand directly in front of him.
