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Lake had been there when Dane had told Brandon that he was too distracting to be outside when Dane and Maverick were working. It appeared that argument hadn’t ended the way Dane wanted. Not if Brandon was out there with a big smile on his face.

As much as Lake didn’t want to be a distraction either, he did want to talk to Brandon. He exited the sliding glass door quietly and stood on his own porch.

Brandon waved and Lake waved back.

When Brandon rose and began to creep closer to the edge of the side fence, Lake did the same. Luckily Dane and Maverick were on the other side of the yard where Dane had boxes with different scents set up.

With the back fence taken down, a new one had been put around the pool located in their yard. No one wanted an accident with little Annabelle running around. Lake skirted around the pool fence before finally reaching the side fence. He and Brandon continued until they met in the middle.

“Hey, buddy,” Brandon said softly.

Lake hugged his friend quickly before pulling Brandon down onto the lush grass. “Hey.”

“What are you up to today?” Brandon asked.

“Nothing much. I slept in and just had lunch. I see you’re keeping an eye on your men.”

Brandon laughed. “They both make me so proud. Dane has been working hard on a case and last night he finally got the bust he was after. Maverick did so well. I spoiled Maverick all night, but Dane said they can’t get lazy.”

Lake nudged Brandon’s shoulder. “I bet Maverick isn’t the only one who got spoiled.”

Brandon’s grin was wicked. “Maverick’s was the only PG spoiling. I might have taken care of my man later. He was a good boy too after all making sure that our streets stay safe.”

Lake had to shake his head. “I noticed you didn’t say that loudly.”

Brandon snorted. “I’m no fool. Now enough about me. I want to know all about your date.”

“It was so good,” Lake said, leaning against Brandon’s shoulder so he wouldn’t get too loud. It was hard when he was so excited. “I really like him.”

“I know you do.” Brandon twined their fingers together. “But that also means that he better be on his best behavior with you.”

“He was such a gentleman,” Lake assured his friend. “He opened doors for me, buckled me in his SUV, let Zeb sit at our table at lunch, and we had so much fun making Al.”

“I can’t believe you picked an alien,” Brandon said. “That is too perfect. Dom is going crazy with alien conspiracies right now.”

“It’s driving him crazy,” Lake shared. “He is sending me all kinds of links to YouTube videos.”

“Me too,” Brandon told him. “It’s fun!”

“I just never expected it from Dom. We just have to keep him away from Jimmy. They two of them together…” Lake gave a fake shudder.

“True!” Brandon agreed. “Now tell me something good. Did Jesse kiss you?”

Lake’s face heated and he knew that Brandon saw when his friend’s smile widened.

“He did, didn’t he?” Brandon said elbowing Lake in the ribs.

“Yes,” Lake admitted.

“And…” Brandon pushed.

“It was everything a kiss should be,” Lake said. It really had been.

“Yes!” Brandon shouted and pumped a fist.

Dane and Maverick both turned to them.

“Shh!” Lake grabbed Brandon’s arm. “You’re gonna get us in trouble!”