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“I…” Maverick swallowed hard. “I…missed you.”
Adam nodded. He’d been desperate for his brother and so much time had passed and now Adam didn’t know how to even greet his brother. Who Maverick was anymore. Adam had changed so it made sense that Maverick had as well.
“Can we…can we go somewhere and talk?” Maverick asked.
Adam glanced around the little shop that had become his place of comfort. Even though he would love to stay and have his friends there with him, it didn’t make sense. Whatever Maverick was there to say must be serious. Adam tried not to think about his mom or the family he left behind.
Sliding his hand in his pocket, Adam fingered the key that Lucas had given him. Both he and Nash had a key to the apartment, which probably meant that they needed to talk soon about where they were headed.
“We can go across the street. To the apartment,” Adam said.
“You live across the street? That’s convenient.”
“I don’t…uh, it’s complicated.” Adam took a step forward to bump into Sam.
“Are you sure, Adam?” Sam asked quietly. “You can use my office.”
“No, this is fine. I want to talk to him.” Even if Maverick was there to deliver unwelcome news, Adam did owe his brother a conversation.
“We’ll be right here if you need anything,” Sam told him.
“Thanks.” He nudged Sam again before he glanced over at Caden. “Hold down the fort. Don’t let Sam make you do all the work.”
“I won’t! You’ll call us later?”
“I promise.” Adam watched his brother as he crossed the room. He grinned at Mickey. “I guess you get to pick up some extra hours today after all.”
“I’ll handle it. Just—” He peered back at Maverick. “Be careful.”
“I will.” Adam motioned for Maverick to follow him.
He was actually relieved that his brother seemed to be giving him the space that he needed. Instead of going through the main part of the tattoo shop, Adam crossed the street and headed for the side entrance. Where Lucas and the others parked.
Adam pulled out the key that he hadn’t had to use before then unlocked the side door. He pushed the door open before motioning Maverick in front of him.
“What’s this? Where are we?”
Adam didn’t reply as he waved his hand. He was in luck that the break room was empty. Maybe they could get upstairs before they were spotted. Although he wouldn’t mind having Lucas with him. Hell, he would be overjoyed if Nash had left early and was currently in the apartment. But no, he should probably handle this on his own.
He headed upstairs with Maverick’s soft steps behind him.
Using the second key, Adam unlocked the door to the apartment. It was quiet and still. So, neither Nash nor Adam were home. Disappointment prickled but Adam pushed it down. He closed the door after Maverick followed him in.
“We can go to the living room,” Adam suggested. “Do you want a drink or something?”
“Water would be great,” Maverick replied.
“Go ahead and sit. I’ll be right there.”
Maverick wandered into the living room as Adam headed to the kitchen. Once he was alone, Adam pressed both palms down on the cool marble island and took a deep breath.
His brother was there.
Adam didn’t know why Maverick had finally tracked him down but there was only one way to find out. He crossed to the fridge and grabbed two bottles of water. He entered the living room to see Maverick checking out the shelf where Lucas had several photos of him and his crew.
“You’re not in any of these.” Maverick turned as Adam entered.
“This is my boyfriend’s apartment,” Adam said. “We haven’t been together that long.”
