Page 42 of Zero Divergence

“Nah,” Levi said. “I don’t do it for the guy. He’s probably worried about what you’ll think if he stops calling me.”

Royce shook his head. “That’s not the Diego I’ve come to know the past few weeks. Let me tell you a secret.” Royce leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Even the shrewdest detectives miss clues sometimes, Levi.” He nearly laughed as he recalled the many missteps he and Sawyer had taken. “Rather than assume he’s not interested and give up, take a leap and make your move.”

“You make it sound so easy,” Levi mumbled.

Royce glanced over to where Sawyer sat at a table by the big picture window. He was observing patrons coming in and out of the café. Sensing Royce’s attention, Sawyer glanced over and smiled at him, making heat bloom in Royce’s core, spreading outward until he felt warm all over. Royce winked before facing Levi again.

“Nothing worth having is ever easy. Look at the successful business you’ve built. Are you going to tell me it was easy?”

“It wasn’t,” Levi replied softly.

“Relationships aren’t easy either,” Royce said.

“Their order’s up, boss,” a lanky college-aged kid said as he approached with a white paper bag and a drink carrier.

“Thanks, Mike,” Levi said, taking the items from the employee, who nodded at Royce and walked away.

Royce took the drink carrier and bag, smiling at Levi. “I know how hard it is to trust your heart to someone else. I also know I will be grateful until my dying breath that I found the courage to live my truth.”

Levi tilted his head to the side. “Does that mean you weren’t out until you met Sawyer?”

Royce nodded. “I’ll tell you about it sometime if you’re interested.”

Levi smiled shyly. “I am. And thank you. Can I please ask you not to repeat this conversation to Diego?”

“You don’t have to ask,” Royce said.

“Thanks. Be safe today.”

“Just today?” Royce asked, walking backward.

Levi chuckled. “Smartass.”

“Take care,” Royce said, then turned around and walked toward Sawyer, who was watching the interaction with unabashed curiosity. Royce tipped his head toward the front door, indicating they had to go.

Sawyer rose to his feet and followed him outside. “What’s the big hurry?”

“Chief Mendoza wants us at Elderwood’s house ASAP.” He filled Sawyer in on their conversation as they walked to his car.

“The chief has a valid point,” Sawyer said as he started the engine. He took the coffee cups from the carrier and placed them in the cupholders between the seats, then he held out his hand for his sandwich. “I can eat and drive.”

“Like you can audiobook and drive?” Royce quipped.

“Ha ha ha.” Sawyer unwrapped his sandwich halfway, then eased into traffic. “As much as I love a breakfast croissant, it won’t move me quite like the books do.” Sawyer took a big bite of bacon, egg, and cheese croissant and moaned like a true food slut.

“Pretty sure I heard you make that same sound the other night when you were cooking dinner and listening to one of those books. You nearly chopped off a finger.”

“I’d still have nine more to make you happy,” Sawyer replied. “Where to, Sarge?”

Royce rattled off the address from memory before taking a bite of his sandwich. His euphoric whimper rivaled Sawyer’s slutty moan. “Levi sure knows what he’s doing,” Royce said after he washed the food down with a sip of coffee.

“That’s what Diego says,” Sawyer teased, then glanced over when Royce didn’t immediately reply. “What’s that face mean?”

“What face?” Royce asked.

“You look constipated.”

“Fuck you, asshole. I’m thinking hard.”