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“I don’t want to take food out of someone’s mouth. They work hard around here, and I just…” Take up space and steal their air. Great. He’d reached the pity party phase of his recovery.
“I make enough to feed two armies. Don’t you worry about a thing,” Harry told him. “We’re so glad to have you on the ranch.”
“Not as happy as I am to be here.” Nick opened the microwave to inspect what yumminess he had in store and nearly choked on his sip of coffee when he saw the glazed donut on the side of the plate. The memories of that morning came flooding back, and he was grateful his back was to Rory and Harry. It spared them from seeing what surely had to be a lecherous grin between bites of pastry while the food reheated in the microwave.
“Would you think I’m rude if I just stand at the counter and eat?” Nick asked. “I’ve been sitting and lying down too much.”
Harry waved away his concerns and continued working.
Nick enjoyed watching Harry and Rory interact because they fed off one another’s energy. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his little brother so happy. Maybe before their mom died? Maybe never. Rory was clearly in his element and thriving. After Nick finished eating, he rinsed his dishes and put them in the dishwasher. He ruffled Rory’s hair like old times on his way out of the kitchen.
“Paybacks will be hell after you recover,” Rory said as he straightened his hair.
Nick still had one more week in the sling before he could start physical therapy. He needed to find a facility close by to knock that off the list. Cash’s office door had been shut when he walked by on his way to breakfast. He’d heard Cash’s voice and figured he was on a phone call or Zoom meeting, so Nick didn’t interrupt him. The door was open now, and he didn’t hesitate to poke his head inside. Cash looked up from typing and smiled. He wore a pair of black glasses that made him look even sexier. The mouth that had been wrapped around his dick spread into a warm smile.
“Good morning,” Cash said. “I saved you a plate of food.”
Nick eased into the room and shut the door behind him, earning a bigger grin. “I already enjoyed it. Thanks for the glazed donut.” He’d kept the innuendo out of his voice, but he could tell Cash received the message loud and clear. Nick walked around to Cash’s side of the desk and sat on the edge directly in front of him. Cash placed his hands on Nick’s hips and tipped his head back for a kiss. Nick leaned forward and took his time teasing Cash’s lips open and tasting his mouth before straightening back up.
“What’s on your agenda?” Cash asked.
“Charge my laptop and find a local physical therapist. Take a nap.” Both his brain and injured body needed the rejuvenating sleep. “Once I get some mobility and strength back, I can do more stuff to help around here.” He’d tried to lend his good hand, but everyone shot him down. “Earn my keep.”
“You don’t need to earn anything,” Cash said. “But I’d be going out of my mind if the roles were reversed, so I’ll try to think of something.”
“Appreciate it.” Nick slid off the desk to his feet. “I’ll get out of your hair so you can get back to work. A minute wasted is a million lost.”
Cash snorted. “Hardly.” He snagged Nick’s hand before he could get too far. Cash’s baby blues smoldered with intensity. “I want to take you on a date.”
It would be their first. “I would love that.”
“Where would you like to go?” Cash asked.
Nick nearly said Cabo San Lucas but realized Cash might take him seriously. “You pick. I will love any place as long as you’re there.”
Cash blessed Nick with a smile that was both angelic and devious at the same time. Just what idea was forming in his brilliant brain? “One more kiss,” Cash said.
Nick obliged and left Cash glassy-eyed and needy. He headed to the library, plugged in his laptop, and got comfortable with it on the couch. Nick had truly intended to look for a physical therapist, but when he pulled up the browser, he typed in Samuel Jeremiah’s name instead. Several articles came up from area newspapers, blog posts, and news channels. Nick hovered over the top link for a few seconds before clicking it. Burke had made his stance clear to Cash, who’d relayed the messages to Nick, but what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. Nick put on his headphones and clicked the first video.
Two hours later, he’d reviewed everything twice. The first pass was just to get a feel for the things being reported. The second time, he wanted to read or watch the order in which things got reported. In doing so, an obvious pattern had emerged. Samuel Jeremiah and Salvation Anew put all their energy on attacking the casinos and drinking establishments until they garnered media attention. After that, Jeremiah only frothed at the mouth over Redemption Ridge. Nick needed to know who this Samuel Jeremiah guy was, where he came from, and why he had an ax to grind against Cash. He had the tools at his fingertips to do it but was technically on leave. That would raise some major red flags, which he wanted to avoid.
Nick retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialed his closest friend and ally at the Bureau, Andi Spitz.
“You’re supposed to be on leave, Nick,” Andi said when she picked up.
“I am, and that’s why I’m calling you.”
Andi sighed dramatically, and Nick pictured the eye roll that accompanied it. “Hang on a minute.” He heard her high heels clicking as she hurried. A door swung open, more rapid footsteps, and then creaking hinges.
“Are you taking me into the bathroom?” Nick asked.
“Yes. I sensed you needed to ask a favor you might not want overheard.”
“This is why you’re my favorite,” Nick told her.
“These bullshit lines are why you’re single,” Andi shot back.
Nick didn’t bother to correct her and got straight to the point. “I’ve just got a terrible feeling about this guy,” he added once he finished.
