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Chapter One

The sky was a pale blue with a few clouds scattered around. TJ backed through the front door with a box against his hip and Miles checked the stopper.

“You’ve got too much stuff for a guy who lived in a one-bedroom apartment, “TJ Redding grunted. “What is in this?”

Miles Owens shut the door with his heel. “Things for the kitchen.”

TJ snorted. “When do you cook? All I see is you eating cereal and protein bars.”

“I still need things for the kitchen.”

TJ put the box down and so did Miles. Miles looked around the house and nodded. It was small, but it was his. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a narrow living room that opened into a kitchen that needed better lighting. The second bedroom door stood open, showing stacked boxes and a folded-up bedframe leaning against the wall.

Miles walked past him and grabbed the nearest box. He hooked his fingers under the tape and ripped it off in one long pull.

TJ winced. “Jesus. Use a knife or something.”

Miles didn’t look up. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine. You’ll damage the boxes.”

Miles folded the flaps back. “TJ. I’m not keeping the boxes. I only needed them for the move.”

TJ grunted then turned and looked at the empty wall. “You going to put anything up?”

Miles rolled his eyes. “I’ve literally just moved in.”

“You’ve already got a chair.” TJ pointed to the corner where Miles’ old leather chair had been placed. The two-seater sofa would be moved the next day.

“That’s where the lamp goes.”

TJ walked over, looked down at the chair, then looked up at Miles. “You don’t own a lamp.”

Miles stood. “I will.”

TJ leaned into the doorway toward the second bedroom. “And this is… the guest room?”

“It’s a room for when family or friends stay over.”

TJ folded his arms. “Who’s staying over, Miles?” TJ rubbed a hand over his lips, but it didn’t stop Miles from noticing his smile.

Sighing, Miles looked at TJ. “You done?”

TJ blinked his eyes. “Look, Miles—”

“Not everyone can have what you and Cody have.” Miles interrupted. This was why TJ was behaving this way, even if he was doing it teasingly. He wanted Miles to find someone of his own. To have what he and Cody had. He was thirty-two. He had time to find someone.

Licking his lips, TJ nodded. “You’ve been on your own for a while now.”

“I know.” Miles sighed then looked around. There was no mess, not really. Boxes lined the wall and a couple had been opened. A stack of plates sat on the counter beside the sink. He’d unpacked the basics first. Uniforms hung in the closet and his toiletries were in the bathroom. More importantly, the coffee maker had been plugged in.

TJ pointed at the box by the door. “Where does this one go?”

“Kitchen stuff in the lower cabinet.”

TJ grunted as he carried the box. “What have you got in here?”

“Bowls and stuff.” Miles walked into the kitchen and crouched down next to the box, ripping it open.