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“So, this is a foregone conclusion.” He peered up from his pages for a second before resuming his scan of whatever data he’d collected. Probably was a list of our steps from our iPhones so he knew who walked to what end of the bus.
“No. I’m here to talk to you about a slight variance in our itinerary.”
“At least you didn’t ask for forgiveness after the fact for a change.”
I took his clipboard and tossed it on the counter. “I get it, we’re never going to be pals, but if you could remove the truck parked up your ass so we could have a conversation, that would be great.”
Noah leaned his hip on the edge of the kitchen sink. “We were pals once upon a time.”
“No, we weren’t. I was in your unit. You weren’t friends with any of us. If there was a lone wolf in the Army Ranger handbook, it would have your picture taking up a full page.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t correct me.
“And we understood. You took part in covert missions we weren’t privy to. However, you were the one who kept everyone at arm’s length, not
me—and definitely not the guys.”
His jaw worked a little, but again, he didn’t speak.
I didn’t have time to deconstruct the psyche of a black ops soldier today. There was a reason I’d gotten out and the catalyst had been Benny, not only my disenchantment with the Army.
I’d moved on from that part of my life and I was fucking happy.
And I was almost certain Benny would be happy I was putting myself out there for someone. So much so that I was going to go for the ultimate prize.
Forever.
“My mom’s place is about an hour outside of the amphitheater. It’s a ranch in the middle of nowhere. There’s plenty of space for the bus, and there’s even a home-cooked meal in it for everyone.”
Noah’s eyebrow rose. “You want to stop in and see your mom?”
“Yeah.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Does she still make that Roadhouse-level steak dinner?”
My lips twitched, but I managed not to smile. “Yeah. That’s on the menu. Easiest way to feed all the testosterone on this bus. Including Jamie.”
Noah snorted. “True statement.” He straightened up and finished off his coffee. “Yeah, I’ll check in with Lila about it, but I don’t see a problem. The out of the way location is good for some downtime without getting into trouble.”
“You hope.”
“I don’t have hope anymore, Dallas.” He grabbed his clipboard, tucked his mug in the slim dishwasher, and headed to the back of the bus where the security bunks were.
I found the one apron in the skinny pantry then got out the fixings for breakfast. I cooked enough bacon for three battalions and a pile of simple scrambled eggs.
As if I’d put it under her nose, Jamie came down the steps. “Is that bacon?” she whispered.
I held out the plate.
She took a piece and folded it into her mouth like the gum she perpetually chewed. “Oh my God. If Teagan didn’t have your dick tied up, I’d kiss you.”
“Thanks? I think.”
She took the whole plate.
“Hey now. I’m sure the rest are coming.”
She shrugged. “Cook more.”
