Chapter Twelve

Andrew couldn't have missed Kyler on the dance floor even if he wanted to. With the lights low and so many bodies pressed together, Kyler stood out in the crowd. He danced with Luis, who sparkled under the black lighting. Kyler wore a white button-down that glowed more than Luis' skin did. His pants didn't leave much to the imagination, which made Andrew want to slide behind Kyler.

Andrew already knew what Kyler felt like underneath him. The memory of his smooth, warm skin and his silky dark hair was no longer enough. He needed to touch him again.

But he needed to protect him more, which was why he kept his distance. He couldn't watch for threats if he plastered himself against Kyler. He shouldn't if he wanted to keep him safe.

Andrew stood straight, setting down the bottle of water on the bar's top when a man who looked like an off-duty banker danced his way into Kyler and Luis' little bubble. When the two made space for him he moved between them, dancing so close, Kyler had to either accept the press of his body or back up. Kyler chose the latter, although he smiled as he moved away.

The office prick didn't take the hint, coming at Kyler. Kyler shook his head and tried to move around him, wanting to dance with Luis again. When the guy stood in his way, Kyler scowled and then searched for Andrew.

Andrew came away from the bar and closed the distance between them, moving around a few people on the dance floor. When Andrew put himself between Kyler and the office prick, the guy took a step in his direction. His first instinct took over. "No means no."

Andrew felt a hand on his back right before Kyler moved beside him. Andrew wrapped an arm around Kyler's waist and pulled him close. When he did, he exposed the badge on his belt.

The guy darted his eyes to it and then met Andrew's gaze, holding up his hands as if under arrest. "My mistake."

When the guy moved away, Luis closed the distance between him and Kyler, taking Kyler's free hand. "God, what an asshole. It's a good thing you're here, Andrew. I don't know if I would have made it as long otherwise. Everyone scares me because of the rapes."

The way Luis hugged close to Kyler's side and Kyler hugged close to Andrew gave him a clue as to how paranoid they both were, and with good reason.

"Going out was a bad idea." Luis had to yell over the music when another song started playing.

Kyler nodded and then leaned into Andrew until his lips touched the shell of his ear. "I think we're going to go home. It's too weird."

Andrew nodded and led both men out of the club. When they were outside, the music wasn't so deafening, but the loudness still affected his ears, muffling sounds, including Luis and Kyler talking.

"You can ride with the chief if you want." Luis still held on to Kyler's hand.

"Nah, man. We came together. Besides, I think Brad wanted us to stick together until we made it home."

Luis nodded. "Yeah, he's overprotective since the rapes started."

Kyler turned and met Andrew's gaze, smiling. "Thanks for coming with us. I felt safer."

"I'm sorry we didn't get to dance together, carino. Next time we will." Andrew hoped he'd find the rapist and Brett-if they weren't the same person—sooner rather than later. It would all be over when he did, and everyone would be able to let their guard down a bit, including Andrew.

Kyler looked away. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

Andrew had a lot to think about, like what he wanted. He liked Kyler a lot more than he had liked anyone, and he wanted to spend time getting to know him better. Beyond that, he wasn't sure how serious he was willing to get.

Kyler wanted a relationship, though. That little fact was one thing Andrew had learned the hard way. The problem that Andrew had was Kyler wished to go from zero to sixty in no time at all. Andrew didn't know if he wanted things to go that fast, but if he didn't give it, he'd probably never get a chance with Kyler.

"I'm not. I'd like a couple of dinner dates first. We can get to know each other better without all the loud music. But I'm into dancing, too."

Kyler blinked at him in surprise but recovered quickly. He cleared his throat. "Right…um…I could do dinner."

They stopped at Kyler's car, and Andrew leaned down, kissing him. "I'll follow you home, carino."

Andrew parked on the street when Kyler dropped Luis off. Neither of them moved until Luis was inside his house, and when they finally did, Andrew let Kyler go first, following him to his home. He shut off the engine. His headlights cut out and undid his seatbelt. He settled into the seat as he watched Kyler get out of his car and open his front door.

Kyler smiled and raised his hand when he unlocked the door.

Andrew returned the gesture and watched Kyler enter the house. As much as he didn't want to sleep in his car, he wouldn't leave Kyler so vulnerable. He pulled his coat around himself and watched the light above the door go out. As soon as it did, Andrew shut his eyes and tried to quiet his mind.

It wasn't very long before he heard a knock on his window.

Andrew turned his head before he opened his eyes again. He smiled when he saw Kyler and then scowled. "Where is your coat, carino?"

Kyler rolled his eyes. He didn't say anything but beckoned him to follow even as he walked away. Andrew didn't move until Kyler stood with his front door open, gesturing to the inside of his house.

Andrew got out, locking his vehicle before closing the distance to Kyler.

Kyler never said a word when Andrew passed him, entering the house. The warmth hit the exposed parts of him first, making him relax in ways he hadn't in days, probably even longer. He hadn't realized how tense he'd become until some of it washed away. Kyler's scent permeated the space, which was the second thing that made even more stress evaporate from his body.

Andrew took off his coat and hung it on a rack by the door while Kyler locked up again. When they both finished, Kyler took his hand and led him down the hallway to his bedroom.

He let go and got into bed.

Andrew took off his shoes and set them by the bedroom door. He should have taken them off earlier but hadn't thought about it. His mind reeled. Being in Kyler space again left him giddy, and he wasn't sure why.

Andrew undid his gun holster and set it on top of the dresser along with his badge.

It was as he pulled his shirt over his head that Kyler spoke. "We're just sleeping. Got it?"

"Si, carino." The only thing he needed was to hold Kyler for a while. He took off his pants and then slid into the empty side of the bed, moving behind Kyler, pulling him close.

Kyler put his hand over Andrew's as he relaxed into the embrace. "The fact that the first thing you do is cuddle into me is quite telling, chief."

Andrew pressed a kiss into his hair. The silky strands tickled his cheeks as they rubbed against him. "I like being here with you."

"Not enough to stay that first time, though, right?"

"I'm sorry I didn't. I should have, and I'm glad I am now."

"Well, those are pretty words. Actions go further." Kyler yawned.

All that meant was Andrew had a lot to prove. Was he ready to take that step? That was the question. At the moment, spooned up against Kyler, he would do anything to stay right there for the rest of his life.