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“I didn’t need to make it sound dirty; it did that all by itself. You shared a bed, didn’t you?”

“You and I have shared a bed too; don’t get excited,” Lake said. The fact that sharing a bed with Grady was somehow completely different and comforting in an entirely new way wasn’t something he wanted to discuss. Or the fact he’d done it more since then.

Zach laughed. “I’ll try to contain myself. You’re still hanging out with him, though? He seemed a little grumpy for you.”

“I’m friends with you, aren’t I?”

“I am a ray of sunshine, Lake. There’s no need to bring dirty lies into this conversation.”

“He’s actually…” A great listener, anincrediblecook. He had a surprisingly witty sense of humour, and when he got “grumpy” at something, it was for a genuine reason and usually involved not appreciating when the small people got stepped on. Or when they were watching reality TV shows, which Grady was surprisingly into. Lake had never been into them before, but Grady’s response to everything was so on point he made the entire experience thebest thing ever.Lake had never met anyone quite like him. Hardened and yet soft.

“Lake?”

Lake turned to Zach, who was looking at him weirdly. “What?”

“You’re making a… face. Are you—do you…” Zach trailed off and tilted his head curiously. “Is there something you want to tell me?” he asked.

“… No?” Like what? What face had he been making? “I made a new friend. He makes me food.”

Zach laughed so loud some of the other soldiers glanced at him. Once they noticed who it was, they went back to whatever they were doing. “That explains a lot.”

“I would resent that remark if it weren’t true. But also, he’s just a really great guy.” Why was Zach making it sound weird that he’d made a new friend? He made friends all the time. He was good at making adult friends!

“And there’s nothing else you want to tell me?”

Lake mimicked Zach’s “the fuck” face becausethe fuck? “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said honestly.

They both ordered chicken schnitzel burgers and a side salad before finding a spare place in the bustling room. He snapped a quick picture and sent it to Grady with the message, “Better than yours. Check yes or no.”

Grady didn’t always reply straight away if he was busy or at a crime scene—which was kind of cool to think about—so Lake wasn’t expecting a response. When it came through only a few seconds later, he couldn’t help the way his insides lit up, and he smiled as he flicked his screen on.

There was no text, just a picture of a mug that most likely had coffee in it, a pink-iced donut with sprinkles, and a plain white takeout box filled with some kind of noodles. In the corner of the picture was the edge of someone standing at a counter and a fridge that had sticky notes all over it. Lake had to assume it was the break room at the station.

Lake:They look good, but nothing beats a good burger.

Grady:We can agree to disagree.

Lake:I’m going to Zach and Felix’s for dinner, but can we make burgers for dinner tomorrow night?

Grady:What if I want noodles?

Lake:I’ll fight you for it.

He sent a GIF with sumo wrestlers in it.

Grady:My sumo suit is at the dry cleaners, which is a real shame. Burgers it is.

Lake:I’ll bring some fresh buns!

“That your cop?” Zach asked.

Zach’s face was speculative again, and Lake frowned. “Yes, why?”

“No reason. You’ll figure it out.”

Lake had no idea what Zach was talking about, so he didn’t bother asking. Zach didn’t have a lot of patience; if it was important, he’d blurt it out. He just picked up his burger and took a bite out of it, smiling as he thought about the next night’s dinner plans.

Gradywishedheknewhow to swear in more than one language. He’d check out some apps later because it was clearly an oversight on his part. Maybe Lake knew another language.