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“Yum.” He did love the Kerbey queso that place had. “I have a guy in Dallas.”

“Yeah? I’ll have to look him up.”

“I’ll take you.” He would love to watch Dalton get a tattoo.

“I’d like that. A lot.”

“Then we’ll make it a date.” He took Dalton’s hand. “Did I say thank you?”

“Yes. You’re welcome. Anytime.”

“Come on, baby.” Tank finally climbed to his feet, the pain almost gone completely, and his wave of embarrassment over. Dalton had to get to know all of him, Tank reckoned. He could care for Dalton, no matter what. What came around went around, right?

Dalton held his hand all the way outside, and Tank was starting to believe Dalton felt the same way.

Chapter Twenty-Four

THE PARTYwas rocking—good food, good beer, good folks. He was throwing horseshoes with Tony and Ben, the three of them laughing their happy asses off. Tank was sitting with Pops and, believe it or not, Darius, who’d been crazy tickled to see Tank.

Dalton got a ringer, winning the round, and he hooted as the guys fussed.

“You’re too damn lucky, man.” Ben moaned.

“He always has been.”

The voice raised Dalton’s hackles right away. Rocket.What the actual fuck?Everything in him tightened, his belly sick and his cheeks hot. “Hey, man. What brings you out?”

Why the fuck aren’t you in Oklahoma where you belong?

“Roy told me there was a shindig, so I came down with him.”

“Cool. You know where the food and beer is.”Go away. Go the fuck away.

“I do. I was hoping to join the game.” There was something lizardy in the gaze Rocket turned on him.

“Have at it. I’m going to hit the head. See ya.”

No way. No, he wasn’t going to play dick with Mr. You’re a Nasty Slut.

“Sure.” Rocket said it easily, but Dalton knew that tone. That “I’ll get you later” tone.

He headed toward the house, not the least surprised when Deb and Dustin flanked him. They were a unit, the three of them, and they had one another’s backs.

His muscles were still tight, his shoulders up around his ears.

“Easy. Easy, Dee. Come on to the back.”

“Why is he here?” He knew it was a stupid question, but it popped out.

“Who the fuck knows? Y’all are well and truly broken up, right?” Deb’s eyes were flashing.

“Sister, we’re so broke up no one could put it back together. Like Humpty-Dumpty.”

“I’m going to just go kick his ass,” Dustin growled. “Drive him off like a rabid coyote.”

“Uh-huh. Then what are you gonna tell Pops?”

“The truth?”