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We collapse against each other, panting and sweating.
Chapter 23: Andrew
The bar is buzzing with the low hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. The smell of grilled steak and freshly fried fries mingles with the faint scent of beer.
Jack and I are sitting in a corner booth, plates in front of us loaded with thick, juicy steaks and cold beers within reach.
Jack cuts into his steak, his knife gliding smoothly through the meat. “So, I’ve been thinking,” he starts, his tone casual but his eyes serious. “About starting my own personal protection outfit.”
I look up, surprised, but interested. “Yeah? You thinking of leaving the company?”
“Not right away,” he says, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully. “But a lot of the guys we knew from the military are struggling to find stable work. I’ve got a few who’ve reached out, looking for gigs. I was thinking I could make a go of it—start something small, just a handful of guys, and see how it goes.”
I take a sip of my beer, nodding. “Sounds solid. You’ve got the skills, and you know what to look for in a good team. It could work.”
Jack leans back in his chair, looking relieved. “I needed to hear that. I wasn’t sure if it was a crazy idea or not.”
“It’s not,” I say, cutting into my own steak. “And if you need contacts, I’ve got a few I can introduce you to. Might be able to help you get off the ground.”
“Man, I appreciate that,” Jack says, raising his beer in a toast. “I owe you one.”
We eat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the sounds of the bar filling the space around us. Jack studies me for a moment, then grins. “You know, I’ve never seen you look this relaxed.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah, apart from those dreaded episodes.”
Jack’s expression changes, his brow furrowing. “Still getting them?”
“Yeah,” I admit, setting down my fork. “Emily suggested I go for therapy. I’ve been considering it.”
Jack nods slowly. “You should. I did it myself, after I left. It helped a lot more than I thought it would. I can refer you to someone if you want.”
I hadn’t realized Jack had gone through that. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that. I’ll give it a shot.”
He leans forward, pointing his knife at me with a grin. “Emily’s good for you, man. You seem different. In a good way.”
I think about it for a second, then nod. “Yeah, she is. I’ve never felt this in tune and comfortable with a woman before. Except I don’t feel like we really know each other. Not really.”
Jack shrugs, like it’s the simplest thing in the world. “Then get to know her. Take her out for dinner. Go on dates. And maybe stay off her bed while you do so,” he adds with a wink.
I laugh, but the idea sticks. He’s right. I want to know Emily, beyond just what we’ve shared so far. I pull out my phone and, almost without thinking, shoot her a text:Dinner tomorrow night?
The reply comes almost immediately, a laughing emoji followed by,You could have asked me at home, but yes, I’d love to.
I smile at my screen. Jack was right. I want to get to know Emily without the complication of sleeping together. Maybe this could be the start of something more, something real.
“So,” Jack says, “How’s it been working with Emily?”
I can’t help but grin. “Exasperating. She drives me nuts half the time, but she’s brilliant at what she does.”
Jack chuckles, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds like she’s got you on your toes.”
“She does,” I admit, taking a sip of my beer. “But it’s good. Keeps things interesting.”
“Speaking of brilliant,” Jack says, a twinkle in his eyes, “Sarah and I are expecting.”
I blink, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”
“Sarah’s pregnant. Two months along,” he says, his grin widening. “I’m going to be a dad.”