Chapter Six

K erry checked his watch again, but it was only three minutes later than the last time he looked. The air stirred beside him, and he caught a whiff of Sven's cologne. Kerry braced himself for a confrontation with his brother, but Sven remained silent. He should've embraced the quiet, but it only unsettled Kerry more than the clock creeping closer to six with no sign of Keegan. He'd known the little minx wouldn't show, but he couldn't stop himself from hoping Keegan would change his mind. And what kind of dickhead did that make him? He'd warned Keegan away, pulled him closer, and then pushed him away again. When Keegan had done precisely what he'd asked, Kerry had gotten his feelings hurt. Yeah, he hadn't meant Keegan should never look at him again, but the previous shift at the Feisty Bull was torturous. The last thing he'd ever wanted to do was hurt Keegan, but he'd done it anyway.

So much for honesty being the best policy. Not to sound like Jack Nicholson, but sometimes people couldn't handle the truth. Better to find out now before things got too deep with Keegan. Who the fuck was he trying to kid? That ship had already sailed. And Sven still stood beside him, an unusually silent sentinel who somehow still radiated enough sass to get under his skin. "What?" Kerry snarled as he turned to face his brother. "You've never been this quiet a day in your life."

Sven's serene countenance was even more suspicious than his silence. The man didn't do calm. That could only mean Sven had a secret knowledge of something, and he planned to wield it like a weapon. His brother was as lethal as a rapier, cutting and deadly when he needed to be, and Kerry had a feeling he was about to bleed badly.

"It's nearly dinnertime, and Keegan isn't here yet," Lucinda said. "It's not like him to be late." For Lucinda, on time was late. When she said dinner would be served at six o'clock, she meant people should arrive a minimum of thirty minutes earlier.

Sven's expression reminded him of the viral meme of a little girl smiling wickedly as a building burns in the background. Christ, he hoped his mother's fire extinguisher hadn't expired. Kerry shook his head to discourage his brother, but when had that ever stopped him? "Keegan isn't coming tonight."

The disappointment was a palpable thing in the room. Did Keegan have a clue just how much Kerry's family adored him? Not likely. And Kerry would not pile guilt onto Keegan's surprisingly toned shoulders. The guy hid a rocking body beneath his modest clothes. Walking away from that temptation in the locker room had been one of the hardest things Kerry had ever done. Sven raised a brow to bait Kerry, daring him to ask where Keegan was or why he wasn't coming. No way. He'd be in the doghouse for sure if Lucinda and his aunts thought Kerry had scared Keegan off. Thank goodness the newlyweds were still too enamored with one another to attend the family dinners, or Rueben would help Sven lead the charge.

"Why not?" Lucinda didn't bother to hide her disappointment.

Sven kept his gaze locked on Kerry. "He met someone."

"Ohhhh," came the collective reply from many in the room. A few others asked who it was, how they'd met and when.

Not Lucinda. She marched right up to Kerry and placed both hands on her hips. "Do you know anything about this?"

Both her expression and tone transported him back to when he was a seven-year-old boy with major-league ambitions. Seth had pitched a strike right over the makeshift home plate, and Kerry had hit the game-winning grand slam…right through the family room window. He'd been too stunned to run and hide like Seth had, so he literally got caught red-handed, still holding the bat. Lucinda had struck the same pose and asked the same question. He hadn't been smart enough to save his ass back then, but he could talk his way out of nearly any situation as an adult. "I only know that he went to get pizza after his shift last night."

"With who?" Debbie asked.

"Nate and a few others," Kerry replied. He'd only sensed platonic vibes between Nate and Keegan, but he must've misread the situation. His mopey mood threatened to turn downright mean.

"Nate's a good kid," Debbie said. His aunt and uncle didn't have kids of their own and doted on their staff like family. "I've never seen him flirt with Kerry, so I didn't think he was interested in guys."

Sven snorted. "Not every gay or bi man wants to take this big lug to beg."

Kerry arched a brow and pinned his brother with his patented "you wanna bet" look.

"I can't speak to Nate's sexual orientation, but he's not the guy Keegan is going on a date with tomorrow night." Sven explained that the crew had driven to Colorado Springs for pizza, where Nate ran into an old high school buddy who was also there with some friends. "A friend of Nate's buddy took a real shine to our sweet Keegan. He bailed on his group to hang out with the Feisty Bull crew and get to know Kee better. His name is Danny, and he's really cute. They exchanged phone numbers and have been chatting and texting ever since. They would've gone out tonight, but Danny had prior commitments."

"I still don't understand why Keegan couldn't join us, then." Lucinda huffed a resigned sigh before heading to her kitchen.

"Did you have to break her heart?" Kerry asked quietly when they were alone.

"Did you have to break his?" Sven countered.

Kerry's stomach dropped. "How much did he tell you about our conversation?"

"Aha!" Sven said. "I knew something must've happened during his shift at the Feisty Bull."

Kerry gestured with his hands for Sven to keep his voice down. "How?"

"Because Danny wouldn't have stood a chance otherwise," Sven said. "Keegan wouldn't have given the guy his phone number, let alone stay up until two in the morning texting him."

That punched Kerry in the gut. "Sounds like they made a serious connection."

"What happened between you two last night?" Sven pushed.

"None of your business," Kerry replied, earning a scowl.

"You're both idiots." Before Kerry could defend himself, Sven pointed to Kerry's face. "You should see how mad you are that Keegan is going out with someone else. It's almost the same response you had to finding out Keegan was hoping to pick up for a guy at the bar on Friday."

Had that encounter really only happened two nights ago? It felt like at least three lifetimes had passed. "You're wrong."

Sven crossed his arms over his chest. "Guess we'll find out, won't we?"

Lucinda dashed out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "He's here!"

Kerry didn't bother to ask who she was talking about because only Keegan triggered that kind of response lately. "Should we be jealous or offended that our mother is happier to see Keegan than us?"

Sven nudged him with his elbow. "You should see that dorky smile on your face. You adore seeing your mom fret and fuss over Keegan."

Kerry glanced across the room and caught his reflection in a mirror. Yeah, he was rocking the biggest, dorkiest smile. "Because Keegan deserves the attention. He soaks it up like a sponge."

Sven's sigh indicated he thought Kerry was the dullest tool in the shed. "Keep telling yourself that."

Lucinda didn't rush onto the porch, but she opened the door before he could ring the bell. She threw her arms around Keegan as if she hadn't seen him in ages. "I'm so glad you could make it. Family dinners just wouldn't be the same without you."

The sentiment echoed in Kerry's brain, and he nodded before he could stop himself. He hoped everyone was too busy watching his mother squeeze Keegan like a starving python to notice, but he should've known better. Sven snorted, and Aunt Deb winked at him. Just great. The announcement that Keegan had met someone hadn't dampened Kerry's craving or diminished his family's matchmaking schemes.

"Honey," Steven said gently. "Keegan's turning blue. Maybe you should loosen your hold or let him go."

Lucinda ignored her husband and, if anything, held on tighter. Keegan didn't seem to mind and, if anything, hugged her just as tightly. "I made your favorites."

Keegan pulled back but didn't drop his arms. "It's not my birthday."

"Every day is a reason to celebrate you." Lucinda patted his cheek before she completely relinquished her grip on him. "Something told me you could use the comfort food. Am I wrong?"

Kerry braced himself for Keegan to do or say anything that would give their conflict away. A simple glance in his direction would be all anyone needed to leap to conclusions. Keegan just smiled. "Everything is fine. I'm just a little tired."

"Because you stayed up late talking to a guy," Aunt Deb teased. "Sven told us what he knew about Danny."

Keegan scanned the room until he found Sven. "Really? Is nothing sacred?" And since the brothers stood together, Keegan's hazel gaze slid to Kerry next. His expression wasn't chilly, but it lacked the warmth Kerry had gotten used to and now craved. Keegan looked between the brothers, then narrowed his eyes slightly. Was he still raw from their conversations at the Feisty Bull last night, or did he wonder what Sven had told him? "Hey, Ker." Keegan's voice lacked its usual warmth, but Kerry was grateful he hadn't outright ignored him.

"Hey." Christ, he sounded like Eeyore. Kerry wanted to get Keegan alone to clear the air, but Lucinda looped her arm through Keegan's and led him into the kitchen under the guise of getting his help. She wanted the hot gossip on the new man to assess his risk to the happily ever after she envisioned for Keegan and Kerry.

Sven waited until Lucinda and Keegan were out of the room before he turned and glared at him. "You better fix whatever you fucked up."

"I—" That was as far as he got before Sven cut him off.

"Don't waste your breath. That special sparkle Keegan gets whenever he looks at you is missing."

Kerry's chest felt tight, and regret burned a trail from his stomach to his throat. He wanted something cold to drink to soothe the ache, and he needed Keegan's warmth again. He could find both those things in the kitchen, but he'd have to go through Lucinda first. Fuck it. Kerry released a low growl and crossed the room.

"What does Danny do?" Lucinda was asking when Kerry stepped into the kitchen.

"Hey, Ma," Kerry said before Keegan could answer. "Can I borrow Keegan for a few minutes?"

When she turned around, she wore the smuggest smile he'd ever seen on her face. "Take as long as you need, dear." She set her potholders on the counter and turned off the stove. "Dinner can wait."

He wanted to ask since when but didn't dare. Lucinda shot him a warning glare on her way out of the kitchen. Kerry waited a heartbeat before he crossed the room. He wanted to crowd Keegan against the counter and cup his face, so Kerry stopped a few feet away and tucked his hands inside his front pockets. "Hey."

"Hey." Keegan bit his bottom lip and shook his head. "I think we already said that."

Kerry nodded, suddenly at a loss for words. He might not be as vocal as Sven, but he never lacked something to say. "I want to tell you how sorry I am about the way things went down last night."

"So say it," Sven said from the other side of the kitchen wall.

"Sven!" Aunt Debbie cried. "Get back in here and leave them alone!"

"Damn it," Sven groused.

Kerry looked over his shoulder and considered waiting until they were alone again, but that hadn't worked so well for him. Maybe having an audience nearby would help him keep his sanity. "I find myself in troubled waters, and I'm not sure how to navigate them."

Keegan's posture softened, and he eased a little closer. "That makes two of us."

"I'm sorry for saying anything that upset or confused you."

"So you're not sorry for thinking those things, but you're sorry for saying them." Keegan pursed his lips and nodded. "Good to know."

A snarl of frustration caught in Kerry's throat, and he swallowed it down. He took a deep breath to settle his nerves. There were all kinds of delicious aromas in the kitchen, but Keegan's signature sunshine scent was his favorite. "Yeah, look, I am sorry for thinking stupid shit too. I didn't mean to imply that I'm some massive force of masculinity you can't resist. I don't think one night in my bed will keep you jonesing for more for the rest of your life."

Keegan barked out a short laugh, lowered his head, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're not helping."

Kerry stepped back and pondered what he'd said wrong this time. "I should just stop talking. I can never say the right things around you."

Keegan cocked his head and studied him. "It never used to be that way. Why is it different now?"

All Kerry could do was shrug. "Troubled waters."

Keegan nodded. "Think maybe we could build a bridge and get over them?"

Kerry didn't really have a choice if he wanted to keep Keegan in his life. "Definitely." His answer earned a genuine smile, and the pressure in Kerry's chest eased up. He'd just have to fake his enthusiasm about Keegan's big date.

"We better get back out there. It's probably taken all of them to hold Sven back," Keegan teased.

More than one pair of feet fought for traction on the other side of the kitchen wall as nosy family members scampered away before getting caught. Kerry would place money on the culprits being Sven, Debbie, and Lucinda, but the busybodies were too fast for him to catch. Everyone looked deep in conversation by the time they rejoined the family in the living room.

Lucinda searched their expressions as she stood up. "Guess I'll finish putting dinner together," she said.

"I'll help," Keegan said.

"Me too," Sven and Debbie echoed.

"I need help setting the table," Lucinda told them.

"Fine," Debbie said, "but I'll need you to speak up so I can hear your conversation. Years in the restaurant business has left me hard of hearing." Kerry snorted. She could hear a frog fart from two thousand yards away. "I heard that, Kerry," she said to prove his point.

Keegan's favorite meal was Kerry's too. The chicken and stuffing casserole was something his mom had learned to throw together quickly on a busy weeknight, but the dish tasted like it had taken all day to make. She always served it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and buttery rolls. Normally Kerry savored every bite, but he didn't taste a single thing as he hung on every word his family drew from Keegan's beautiful mouth.

"His name is Danny Rodgers," Keegan said.

Sven leaned in close and whispered, "Have Dom run a background check."

"You ask him," Kerry fired back.

Oblivious to their conversation, Keegan continued. "He's a few years older than me and works in insurance sales."

"Half a step above a used car salesman," Deb whispered from Kerry's other side. "You still have a chance."

Kerry shoved a large forkful of casserole in his mouth instead of replying to her.

"He wants to have four kids, two dogs, and a cat," Keegan said.

And Kerry's food lodged in his throat. He coughed until his eyes watered and his nose ran, but he finally dislodged the lump and swallowed it. Sven pounded on his back while Deb handed him a glass of water. "I'm fine," he rasped between sips. "You can stop using this as an excuse to hit me."

"I should get one of Lucinda's cast-iron skillets," Sven countered.

"Oh dear," Lucinda said. "I hope I shredded the chicken well enough."

"It's fine, Ma," Kerry replied, then drained the glass of water. "I know better than to hoover my food. It's just so delicious." And he was horrible about eating well during the rest of the week. Kerry gestured at Keegan. "I'm sorry I interrupted. You were telling us your plans to have four kids, two dogs, and a cat with Danny."

Keegan narrowed his eyes, and his face turned a darker shade of pink. "That's not what I said."

Food forgotten, Kerry leaned back in his chair. "I'm a little surprised big topics like kids and pets came up so soon. Didn't you just meet the guy last night?" He knew it was the wrong thing to say when Keegan's eyes snapped with irritation.

"Why does it matter to you?"

Kerry shrugged his shoulder like he didn't have a vested interest in Keegan's answers. "Just seems soon."

"So, you're saying one or both of us is desperate?" Keegan asked.

"I don't think that's what he meant, honey." Lucinda pinned her son with a dark scowl. "Right, Kerry?"

"It sure sounded like that's what Kerry meant," Sven said. That little shit was enjoying every bit of Kerry's comeuppance.

"I just want you to be careful," Kerry said.

"Because I'm pathetic and stupid in addition to desperate?" Keegan asked.

Kerry pushed back from the table and put his hands up in the air. "Whoa. I didn't say any of those things."

"But you thought about them, right?" Keegan pressed.

Kerry sighed and stood up. "I think I'll head back to the station and catch up on some paperwork."

"Kerry, no," Lucinda said. "This is a simple misunderstanding that you and Keegan should work through."

"Preferably right here," Debbie said.

Kerry looked at Keegan. He was only three chairs down, but he might as well have been sitting on the opposite side of the Grand Canyon. Maybe building a bridge was impossible after all. "I hope Danny turns out to be everything you want him to be because you deserve the best." He picked his plate up and took it to the kitchen, where he fed the leftovers into the garbage disposal. The whir of its small engine and running water covered the sound of his mother following him, but Kerry sensed her presence. He rinsed off the plate, set it in the sink, and turned off the faucet. When he turned around, Lucinda was spooning food into containers. Kerry knew it wasn't because she was eager for him to leave. His mother just knew there was no changing his mind once he'd made it.

"I made pineapple upside-down cake for dessert," she said. "Would you like a few slices?"

"I'd take the entire cake if you let me." A few slices of that and some good bourbon ought to make the night a lot better. Maybe if he drank enough, he'd get some sleep.

Lucinda looked over her shoulder and smiled. "If I had a backup plan for dessert, I'd let you have the whole thing." She turned back around to her task, her movements concise and sure.

"I meant what I said. Keegan deserves the best."

She stilled for a moment but didn't turn around. After a few seconds, she resumed packing enough food to feed an army. "He does," she said. "You and I just don't agree on who the best person is for Keegan."

"Ma, I told you I'm not made for relationships."

"And I told you a long time ago that you'd change your mind when you met the right person."

"You did," he agreed.

"I knew Keegan was that special someone the first time Sven brought him home to meet our family. You come alive, and you navigate toward him like he's a beacon pulling you out of the dark."

"Ma, you've read too many romance novels," Kerry said.

"And you haven't read enough," she countered. "I'm right, and we both know it."

"I don't want the kids and dogs, and I already have the most perfect cat."

"Keegan didn't say he wanted any of those things," Lucinda pointed out. "You have jumped to many conclusions about Keegan, my love. You've made decisions for a person who's spent a lifetime under someone else's thumb. Freedom of choice is the most important thing to him, and you must respect that."

"Even when he could make the wrong one?"

She turned and faced Kerry, cupping his face with both hands. "That's all part of life. Loving and losing are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. You can build walls around your heart and play it safe, but that's not living. It's a slow death from joy deprivation. You deserve better, Kerry. You deserve the best."

"I'm a hot mess, Ma."

"You're a beautiful mess, and I love you more than you will ever know." She sighed and lowered her hands. "I just wish I'd been firmer about therapy after Natalie and your dad died. I should've tried harder." Lucinda's eyes filled with tears, and her lips quivered. "I'm sorry I let you down."

"Mom, you did everything right. You took me to see a therapist. It's not your fault I refused to talk to her." He'd lost count of the times they'd had the same conversation. Kerry didn't know if his argument wasn't strong enough or if she just brushed it aside. He wasn't the only stubborn one in their family, but Kerry wouldn't give up until his mother forgave herself. "You didn't let me down. Look at the incredible example you set for me. You worked hard to keep Natalie's memory alive through good deeds and your crusade for justice. The salon is more than just a place for your clients to get their hair or nails done. It's a loving community where you lift each other up. You were brave enough to risk love again and found Steven. I got an amazing role model and a bonus brother out of the deal. My faults are my own."

And he was the only one who could repair them. Until he met Keegan, Kerry wasn't interested in self-reflection, healing, and growth. He liked his simple life, and no one had challenged him to do better or want more. And now that he'd met that someone, it could be too late because he wasn't brave enough to admit it.

"We'll just have to agree to disagree." Lucinda gave her standard reply to his rebuttal. Occasionally, she used her position as his mother to override him. "Are you sure you have to leave?"

He didn't have to go, but it was for the best. The people in the other room might be his family, but Keegan needed them more at the moment. And Kerry really just needed a quiet place to think, and no one would ever describe their family dinners as peaceful. "I'm not going far, and I will be back." It might've sounded trite to some, but Lucinda needed to hear it. Mothers who lost a child to sudden and unspeakable death needed more from their surviving children, and Kerry would gladly give it.

Lucinda searched his gaze for a few seconds before she nodded and retrieved the bag of food she'd packed for him. "Maybe we can have lunch this week. Just the two of us."

Kerry accepted the food and kissed her cheek. "I'd love that. Name the time and place, and I'll be there."

He left through the utility room door on the side of the house to avoid any awkwardness, but escaping without another confrontation wasn't in the cards. Sven leaned against the driver's-side door of Kerry's truck. He could easily overpower his brother and make his escape, but he wouldn't, and Sven knew it. Kerry was raised to be aware of his size and strength compared to others, and Sven would press any advantage he could get.

"I'm not running," Kerry said. "Just retreating to reboot. I'm exhausted."

Sven sniffed the air over the bag. "Do I smell pineapple?" Kerry was tempted to barter the dessert for his freedom, but his brother spoke again before he could make the offer. "I'm worried about Kee." Sven's solemn voice matched his expression. "Really worried about him." The emphasis was overkill, but that should've been Sven's middle name instead of Edward. He did nothing in half measures. "This thing with Danny is too fast. I mean, what dude discusses future children and pets within the first twenty-four hours of meeting someone?" Sven didn't pause long enough for him to answer, choosing to charge ahead with his concerns, spitting them out like rapid machine gun fire. "I tell you, Ker. I have a really bad feeling about this. I think Danny is telling Keegan whatever he wants to hear so he'll let his guard down."

Kerry was riddled with doubt and guilt by the time he finally halted his diatribe, but he remembered what his mother had said about Keegan's need to be in control and make his own choices. He repeated her pearls of wisdom for Sven and earned a scowl.

"Well, fuck." Sven dropped his gaze to his feet and kicked a piece of gravel. "She's right. But how do we make sure he's safe? We don't want your little lamb to stumble into an eager butcher."

Kerry felt the same fears and frustrations but didn't have a solution. "Other than follow him around, what can you do?" Kerry asked.

Sven straightened, and his eyes widened. "That's exactly what I'll do. Getting Keegan to tell me where they're going on their date will be a cinch. Then I can just discreetly follow to make sure Danny Boy doesn't get out of line." He launched himself away from Kerry's truck and headed toward the house.

"Whoa, wait!" Kerry called. "I didn't intend that as a serious suggestion."

"You're a genius!" Sven fired back.

His brother didn't have a discreet bone in his body. Sven lived for standing out, so there was no way Keegan wouldn't notice the tail. This would come back on Kerry. He could see it now. Keegan would confront Sven, and his brother would throw him under the bus. Then Keegan would…what? Seek him out for a confrontation? Get curious about Kerry's intentions? Would that be a bad thing? Yes! Kerry wrenched his truck door open and climbed inside. He needed to discourage Keegan's crush, not encourage it. Sven's plan spelled absolute disaster. If he were smart, he'd give Keegan a heads-up. But Kerry was worried too, and Sven's intentions were good. So he fired up his truck and drove home to Betty, bourbon, and a crushing hangover if he weren't careful.

Kerry had set his alarm ninety minutes earlier than usual. He'd planned to put himself through a grueling workout in his home gym to reduce his anxiety before his appointment with Vinny. His pounding head and queasy stomach made exercise difficult, but he managed to sweat out some of his misery. Pain meds, a hot shower, and strong coffee helped him feel almost human by the time he pulled out of his driveway.

Vinny Marino looked nothing like Joe Pesci's character in My Cousin Vinny , but they both had swagger. The attorney greeted Kerry and Steven warmly and offered hugs instead of handshakes. The man's suit probably cost more than all of Kerry's clothes combined, but he wore it well. Vinny looked to be in his midforties, but Kerry knew he was pushing sixty at least. They spent several minutes catching up while sipping expensive-tasting coffee before Vinny set his cup down on the desk and got down to business.

"I reviewed the information Steven emailed me this weekend. Your investigator is incredible," Vinny said with a cocky smile. "I've known the plaintiff's counsel for many years, and I thought it was only fair to let Roger know I am going to represent you. I didn't reveal my hand, but I let him know in no uncertain terms that their client will not win. I also clarified that we would not make a settlement offer."

"And?" Kerry asked hopefully.

Vinny sighed and shook his head. "Roger didn't heed my warning, so he'll have to find out the hard way. Your options are to file a response to dispute the allegations or countersue. Either way, we enter the discovery phase, where I gather the evidence and witnesses we will need. I figure opposing counsel will drag this out until depositions, which should take place about four weeks after I file our response or countersuit. The deposition is where I'll go hard, and they'll fold like a weak-ass house of cards."

The attorney's comment buoyed Kerry's confidence, but he wanted to maintain a grip on reality. "You sound certain."

"Because I am. I've won cases with a lot less evidence than Dominic Babb provided you. A good investigator is priceless. Do you think he'd be interested in doing some work for me?"

The pivot in conversation caught Kerry off guard, but it also elated him. "Definitely."

Vinny pulled a legal pad and pen from his desk and slid them to Kerry. "Would you mind providing his contact information?"

Kerry didn't bother checking with Dom first. He knew how hard his friend was working to build up his clientele. Landing a successful lawyer like Vinny could be a lucrative arrangement with infinite possibilities. He jotted Dom's phone number and email down for Vinny without hesitation, though he'd give Dom a heads-up once they left. "You said something about a countersuit? Is that what you recommend?"

"Yes, I do. I think you should sue for a dollar," Vinny said. "It sends a powerful message. At first, Bozeman will think it's a weak countersuit, but then I'll clarify that he will also pay all your legal fees when you win. I'm not charging you a penny for this, but he doesn't need to know that. And his attorney sure as hell knows how much someone with my experience charges."

"So, you're saying my son has nothing to worry about, Vin?" Steven asked.

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Vinny turned his attention to Kerry. "Do not lose another moment to worrying about this case. If this man is stupid enough to take this all the way to court, I will make him regret the day he was born."

Kerry slapped his hands against his thighs. "That about settles it, then."

"Only thing left is the crying. His," Vinny clarified with a wink. "You've already provided all your documentation on the accident and a list of witnesses who were on the scene and can confirm that Chuck Dahl acted in the opposite manner you instructed him during Mr. Bozeman's rescue. I will contact your insurance company to obtain documentation on their negotiations with Mr. Bozeman. They will have done an extremely thorough investigation into the matter. We've already hit the ground running on this, so I'll be in contact when I need more information or have an update to share."

"I can't thank you enough, Vin," Steven said.

"This is what I do." He smiled at Kerry and said, "I hope you feel better about the situation."

"Immeasurably so," Kerry replied.

They left the office a few minutes later. Steven offered to buy Kerry breakfast, but he was eager to get back to a normal routine. Caffeine and Vinny's assurances had worked miracles, and time was wasting. The two men hugged before parting ways, and Kerry headed to the station. He called Dom to give him a heads-up, but Vinny had beat him to the punch.

"Do you know what this could do for my business?" Dom asked.

"Great things, I hope."

"His assistant is sending over a contract and information on a case Vinny wants me to start on right away. I can't thank you enough."

"Your work created the opportunity. I just provided your contact information. I'm really happy for you."

They chatted for a few more minutes so Kerry could tell Dom what Vinny said about his case. They promised to meet up soon for a steak dinner before disconnecting. Kerry almost felt like a new man when he strolled into his station. The crew whistled when they caught sight of him in a suit.

"This old thing?" Kerry asked as he continued to his office.

He kept spare uniforms at the station for emergencies but decided not to change unless he needed to respond to a call. The suit made him feel like a boss, and he needed the boost after weeks of floundering. Kerry sighed when he saw the mountain of paperwork on his desk. His role at Hart's Creek Rescue had become more administrative over the past few years as he'd expanded the business and hired additional crew. He'd fallen behind miserably on his paperwork and was determined to set things right.

Kerry removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work prioritizing the outstanding tasks. Facing the music was overwhelming at first, but he found a rhythm in no time. Kerry started with the outstanding renewal contracts because they were the rescue's primary source of income. Those agreements cemented Hart's Creek Rescue as the first responders to accidents and rescues, and he was fortunate to work with nearly every municipality in the tri-county area, as well as state-funded entities. Kerry sent the renewal documents out ninety days before the existing contracts expired, then followed up forty-five days later. It was common for the municipalities and state to wait until the last minute, so Kerry wasn't initially alarmed that three renewal contracts were still pending until he saw how close they were cutting it. Two of them still had three weeks until their contracts expired, but he only had ten days left to secure Hart's Creek Township's renewal. Kerry tried to track down the three entities by phone but didn't have much luck. Township trustees managed the municipalities, but it was rarely their primary jobs. Kerry left messages and sent emails, hoping he'd hear back from them soon, and continued working through the mess he'd made.

One of the crew brought him lunch, and he took breaks to stretch, snack, and hydrate throughout the afternoon. Around three o'clock, Kerry received an email from Frank Tallus, a trustee for Hart's Creek Township, in response to the renewal contracts. Dread knotted his stomach when Frank admitted they were considering other service providers. One of the trustees raised nepotism claims, pointing out that they shouldn't just choose Kerry because of his lineage or relation to the county sheriff.

"Fuck!" Kerry snarled. This had Chuck's fingerprints all over it. The timing of his newly formed company and the renewal holdouts couldn't be a coincidence. He took a deep breath and wrote a respectful reply to Frank's email, signing off with his hope that they'd continue to work together. He jotted a follow-up in his calendar so he could make a last pitch to Frank before the contract expired.

Kerry wanted to give in to his temper, pause to pound the punching bag for an hour, but he directed his focus to getting caught up. Before he knew it, dinnertime arrived. Kerry thought longingly of the leftovers waiting for him at home, but he'd made great strides and didn't want to ease off the throttle. He jumped when his phone vibrated with a text message from Sven around seven o'clock. Kerry's heart raced when he recalled his brother's plans for Monday night.

At the Thirsty Cowboy. I really don't like this Danny guy. Need backup. Now!

Kerry was out of his chair and heading to the door before he finished reading the message. On my way , he typed. Sven was many things. Dramatic was one of them, but he wouldn't trigger unnecessary panic. If Sven said something was off about Danny, then Kerry believed him. The drive to the bar only took fifteen minutes, but his mind spun countless possibilities—each one worse than the next. Sven had texted him updates, which he checked as soon as he parked in the crowded lot. The number of thirsty cowboys at such an early hour on a Monday was surprising. Equally concerning was the attention Kerry got when he strolled over to Sven's table. If his brother hadn't texted him with his location, Kerry would've struggled to recognize him. Hell, he didn't even know Sven owned a regular ball cap that didn't have sequins or glitter on it. The black-framed glasses were a nice touch, and his dowdy, oversized shirt and baggy jeans hid the assets he typically showed off at the bar.

Kerry's attire must've equally distracted Sven. "Did you come from a funeral?"

"I had a meeting with Vinny about the lawsuit," Kerry replied.

"Oh my god! I forgot all about that," Sven said, then gestured across the room to where Keegan sat with a dark-haired guy close to his age. Danny was deep in conversation with a couple sitting across from them while he absently stroked Keegan's hair, shoulders, and arm. "He looks miserable. Every time he stands up to leave, Danny places a hand on his leg. Do something."

"I will not storm over there and yank Keegan out of his embrace." Though that was exactly what he wanted to do.

Before Kerry could formulate a plan, Keegan scooted his chair back and stood up. Danny had reached for him, but Keegan evaded his touch. His little lamb said something to the table before heading to the bathroom. Danny watched Keegan go with a telling glint in his eyes that made Kerry's stomach curdle. The tablemates said something Danny found hilarious, but he never tore his gaze away from Keegan. When Danny stood up to follow, Kerry was moving too. The distance between them was too great for Kerry to intercept Danny, but he should only be a few steps behind. Unfortunately, that was all the head start Dickhead Danny needed.

"I said no, Danny." Keegan's distressed voice rang down the hallway, and Kerry ran the last few steps, his mind spinning with horrible possibilities.

"You little cocktease," came the angry reply. "You should consider yourself lucky—"

Kerry pushed through the door hard enough to make it slam against the interior wall, cutting off the rest of what Danny had to say. He'd crowded Keegan against the sink but luckily hadn't put his hands on him. Scared hazel eyes met Kerry's, then widened in surprise.

Danny had his back to Kerry and hadn't turned to see who'd entered. "Go away, man. Me and my guy need a minute."

Kerry had spent a lifetime trying not to make people feel uncomfortable about his size, but he embraced his brawniness with fervor and pushed that strength into his voice. "Step away from him if you want to leave this place alive."