Page 77

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about, man.”

“Uh-huh. If I know one thing about you, it’s when you’re all het up.”

“Working,” Tank intoned.

“You’ll be watching that little boy’s heinie for the next two hours.”

“I will. I got a cushy job that way. You keep it quiet and I’ll buy you a Happy Meal.”

“Promises, promises. I want the good toy.”

“I’ll make sure.” He shook his head, but Buick had a whole collection of Happy Meal toys in his little bungalow in El Paso. It was cute as fuck.

“You’re good to me.” Buick stopped, grinned nice and slow. “If I was a bad man, I’d kiss you now, because your boy is watching, but I’m not. Bad, that is. I’ll totally kiss you if it’ll get you laid better.”

“I think it would just get your ass kicked.” When he glanced at Dalton, that face was like a thundercloud.

Jealous man. How hot was that?

Tank gave Buick a friendly shove. “Go on, man. Let me have a little time.”

“Yeah, yeah. You holler if you need a shit pot stirred.”

“You know it.” They fist-bumped, but then Buick moved away.

Tank jogged over to Dalton, careful not to startle his mount.

“Hey, you.” Dalton’s gaze ate him up.

“Hey, baby. How’s it going today?”

“Excited about heading home, I think. Everything okay?”

“Yep. Buick was just asking if I was still available.” He moved a little closer. “I told him absolutely not.”

“Yeah?” Dalton searched his eyes. “You’re right, huh? We got us a thing going on.”

“A big thing. You just remember that.” He needed Dalton to know. To believe it.

“I intend to. You got plans for supper after? I was thinking you and me and Mexican food.”

“Oh now, I like that idea.” He did love Tex-Mex.

“Molina’s it is. Had someone tell me it’s the best in town.”

“I’m with you.” He paused. “Buick will be around while we’re at your place. I think he’s gonna stay in Austin. Is it okay if he comes to the big barbecue?” He needed to ask now. No hiding.

“Sure. It’ll be a party. Save your dances for me.”

“Got it. My dance card is full.” Tank saluted, the movement snappy and clean.

“Good man. I’ll keep you happy.”

“Like no one ever has, baby.” He reached out to touch Dalton’s leg.

That smile liked to burn him down to the ground. He gave it back. Lord, Dalton was beautiful.

And his. Totally his.Fuck yes.