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Still, he got what Dustin was saying, and unlike most, he knew Dustin hated to be drunk or high. He was a control freak.

Him? He sorta… liked losing it.

Tank helped with that. No alcohol required.

He told himself not to blush, not to let on how that revved him up.

Bubba still glanced at him, one eyebrow going up.

He just hopped in the truck.La, la, la. No talking.Tank was gonna drive, it looked like, which was nice. His pickup had a ton of room.

“You know I’m going to razz you for an eternity, right, Dee?”

“Shut up, Bubba.”

“Did I miss something?” Tank hopped into the driver’s seat.

“Nope.”

“Not a thing.”

Tank gave him the stank eye. “Uh-huh.”

He went for innocent, knowing full well it wouldn’t work.

A snort told him he was right. “Which way at the gate?”

“East.” He pointed. “It’s on the way into town.”

“Thanks.” Tank got them going, humming along with FGL on the radio.

Pretty soon they were all singing together, laughing as they pulled into the little nondescript building that was the diner.

“I know it doesn’t look like much,” Dustin said.

“Smells good.” Tank winked back at Dustin. “That’s all that matters.”

“It’s amazing—good coffee, great cook, better sauce.” He did miss his salsa when he wasn’t in Texas.

“Good deal.” They all piled out, Tank holding the door for them when they reached the entrance.

The café, which didn’t even have a name, so far as he knew, had five little tables and a single long counter with six stools. Patricia waved at them, her gold tooth glinting.

“You came home! Mira! Mama! The gemelos are home!”

Dustin got his hug first, and then Dalton got one. “Come sit. Is Miss Deb coming out?”

Dustin shrugged. “I ain’t talked to her yet, Patty, but I’ll text.”

“If not, I will make her pecan pancakes to take home.”

“Oh, and Aaron wants loaded hash browns,” Dalton said.

“Of course he does. Who is this?”

“This is Mr. Tank. He’s a bullfighter with us. He’s staying with me. Tank, this is Miss Patricia, a queen among women and my momma’s best friend. Her mama makes the best sauce in Texas.”

“Now that’s great praise. Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” Tank shook hands with Patricia. “The boys tell me everything is good here.”