Page 3 of Gator

“So how are things with your silver fox in Austin?” he asked.

“They aren’t.” I glanced around like he had just a minute ago to make sure no one was listening. Migs knew the whole story, but no one else here did. I’d told everyone else the same thing I’d told Willow earlier—that things just didn’t work out, but that wasn’t the whole story. “Turns out there was a reason he never wanted me to come to his place.”

“No way!” Mika gasped.

“Yep, and, honey, I’m way too fabulous to be anyone’s side piece.”

“What a jerk.”

“Aren’t they all?” I grumbled, but then I remembered that Mika had found a Daddy who cherished the ground he walked on. “Other than Hawk, of course. You got lucky with that one.”

“Before Hawk, I would’ve agreed with you, but now I know that our past doesn’t have to define our future, and there are good guys out there.”

I grabbed the clippers that I was planning to use on the sides of his head. “Maybe, but right now, I’m not looking for a good guy. I’m looking for a good time.”

“Well, this weekend is Daddy Night at Kirby’s. You should join us. You might even find a good guy to have that good time with, who knows?”

“That isn’t likely to happen, but I may come. It’s been ages since I’ve hung out with you guys.”

“I think Gator might even be back in town in time, so you should come.”

“Really? Then I’ll definitely come.”

I finished up his cut and let him take a look. He grinned at me before pulling me into a hug. “It’s amazing, Jules. It’s exactly what I wanted.”

Chapter two

Gator

I stood on the tarmac and watched as the small private plane taxied to a stop right in front of us. As soon as the door was open and the steps were in place, I turned and opened the car door so my clients could step out.

“Thanks, Gator.” Ryan Barnes held out his hand, and I clasped it, giving it a shake.

“It was no problem. You can always call us if you need help.”

Three Bears Tactical Services had worked on more than one event in collaboration with Ryan’s company, Hart Security. Usually because we both had high-profile clients attending the same functions, but this one had been more personal, though.

Ryan’s husband, country music star Colton Montgomery, had been in town for a special charity event. Normally, Ryan served as his bodyguard, but some bad shrimp had taken Ryan out, so he’d called for backup.

“Tell Wolfe I owe him one. I swear I’ve never been so sick in my life.”

“He said it must have been bad if you were trusting Colton’s security to anyone else,” I said.

“You’d never believe I survived on tour for years without him, the way he talks.” Colton rolled his eyes, but then he smiled fondly at his husband.

“Y’all have a safe trip back to Richmond.”

“We will, and if you find yourself in our neck of the woods, hit us up. We’ll take you out for some real seafood,” Colton said.

Ryan cleared his throat and gave a little shiver. “Maybe some pulled pork BBQ or Brunswick stew. I’m not sure I’ll be eating any seafood anytime soon.”

“Poor baby.” Colton patted his arm.

“I appreciate the offer, and if I ever find myself out your way, I’ll be sure to get in touch.”

I didn’t make a point of keeping in touch with former clients, but Ryan being in the security business, coupled with the fact that Colton was very much just a regular guy, had meant this assignment had been different from the get-go. Plus, Ryan and Wolfe had known each other from way back. Apparently, they’d served together overseas when they were both young men.

I leaned against the black SUV I’d driven to Austin and watched while they boarded the plane. Ryan was back to his normal self after days of feeling like death, so they didn’t really need me at this point, but I liked to finish what I started. I waited until the door on the plane closed and then got into the driver’s seat to leave.