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“You see that table with heart-shaped pink candles?”
“With the two guys sitting at it?”
“That is Paul Johnson.” I waved back at the older man, who had just spotted me. “He’s our minister. The younger guy chatting with him is Mark, his son.” I gazed at her. “His openly gay son.”
“That’s so wonderful.” Her voice displayed her fascination. “It’s hard to consider such a small town like this one would be so respectful.”
“This place is certainly a little gem, and so are its people.” I placed my forearms on the table, filled to the brim with pride. “All In One is a reflection of that. Hank did one hell of a job here.” I pointed to the owner behind the bar.
“I’d never pegged you to be the religious type.”
“I’m not exactly. The Bryants are; my chosen family. They go to church very often. I could never be called assiduous.” I shrugged one shoulder. “But sometimes I...I need to feel a powerful force. I need to remember that there is some higher energy looking out for me.” I’d never admitted that. “And whenever I decide to go, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve been there, I’m always met with open arms, kind words, and no judgment.”
“What is this town?” She didn’t try to hide her wonder.
“Welcome to Holy Water. This place is home.”
At my words, she beamed at me, nodding lightly, and that felt meaningful. To her and me. After we ordered our drinks and waited for the specials, we resumed our conversation.
“So tell me more about your job. I’m still curious as to what you do and how you started it.” We were facing each other in the booth, and I regretted that decision, needing to be closer to her. But that way I could see her face as we talked; I never tired of looking at her.
“I left the navy a few years ago and joined Mia and her brother, Zach, on this.” At the mention of Mia, I saw what seemed to be a tick on her jaw.Was she jealous?If being happy at that thought made me a jerk, so be it.
“Are you close?”
“We’ve known each other since we were kids. The three of us grew up together.” More than she could imagine. “Zach and Mia Bryant. He and I enlisted together, and the Bryants continued to be a big part of my life.” And I’d be forever grateful to them for taking me in. They were there for me during my worst times. “Eventually, we joined the SEAL program and met Danny.”
“You mentioned her before. Who is she?”
My smile broke free at her jealous inquisition. “He. Daniel Delgado, or Danny. He works with us. He left the navy before Zach and me, then he went to work at the DEA with Mia.”
“Wow. That’s impressive.”
“What part?”
“Everything. It’s just...I didn’t imagine she...” Her stammering was endearing. But it was wrong to let her feel uncomfortable.
“She’s an impressivefriend.” I emphasized the word, hoping she’d believe me. Her beaming was answer enough.
“Then what?”
“Then, a few years ago, Zach and I left the navy, Mia...left the DEA, and we started our company, Bryants & Walker Protection. Later on, Danny joined us.”
“What do you do exactly?”
“We do private investigation, give consultations, install security equipment. We also work on confidential assignments for the government.”
“Nowthatis impressive.” She looked at me with marvel, with a side of lust that was driving me wild. “When you were away a few days ago...were you on one of those confidential assignments things? I’m sorry if I’m not supposed to ask that.”
“Indeed I was.” I breathed out. “But it didn’t go well.”
Her eyes became worried, and seeing her care warmed something inside of me. “What happened? Are you okay? I’m so sorry, I was just thinking about it being cool and sexy; I hadn’t considered it could be dangerous.”
“You think I’m sexy?” With that admission, I couldn’t be blamed for the cocky grin stretching my lips.
She came closer to me. “You know you are.” Her scent was intoxicating. It had a note of caramel, just like her pastries. It was comforting, almost familiar. She smelled of home and care. “I need to know you’re fine.”
I placed my hand on hers, squeezing it, and just by touching her, I could feel myself getting calm yet excited. It felt right as my thumb roamed her hand. When our food arrived and we pulled our hands back, the longing nearly crushed me. I needed to feel her warm skin against mine. “I’m fine. It can be threatening sometimes. But we’re all trained. We’re as safe as we could be.”
