Page 74 of Hard Rain

The man had spent the better part of a year learning his moods. Half the time, Whip recognized them before he did.

Shit.

That wasn’t helping.

Axel scrubbed a hand over the stubble along his jaw.

It was one damn touch.

One hand against the small of his back.

Partners did that.

Hell, he’d done it himself.

Pushed deputies behind cover.

Grabbed suspects.

Moved teammates out of doorways.

It was just a touch.

So why couldn’t he stop thinking about it?

He rubbed the heel of his hand against the place again.

Nothing.

Still…

Something.

“What’re you doing?”

Axel glanced over.

“What?”

“You’ve been rubbing your back for the last five minutes.”

Had he?

“…Back’s stiff.”

“Mmm.”

Whip didn’t sound convinced.

He climbed out anyway.

Axel watched him disappear around the front of the Jeep.

“Dammit.”

Axel climbed out, slammed the door, and stood there for a second.

The cool afternoon air should’ve cleared his head.