Chapter Seven

K eegan had just been about to drive his knee between Danny's legs when the bathroom door flew open and crashed against the wall with a loud bang. A supersized man in a suit barged into the room with a murderous expression on his face. Wait! Keegan knew those eyes, but he'd never seen them burn with rage. And he'd never seen Kerry all dressed up. What the hell was going on?

Danny pressed closer against Keegan, making a knee to the groin nearly impossible, but it wouldn't matter. Kerry was there and appeared to be seconds away from removing Danny's limbs one by one. He'd even said as much when the fool in front of him tried to brush Kerry away like an annoying gnat. Danny had rolled his eyes when Kerry issued his commanding threat.

"Look, pal." Danny angled his upper body to address his doom face-to-face and froze.

Kerry looked impossibly big in that tiny space. Like Reacher kind of big. And not that lean Tom Cruise, but the other hulking Alan guy from the Amazon Prime show. Kerry looked imposing, but he wasn't taut. Fighters knew better than to tense up because it slowed their reactions. Owen had taught him that during boxing lessons, which he'd failed to implement when Danny crowded him against the sink. Kerry had relaxed into the moment and was prepared to cause some serious damage on his behalf. Humiliation might come later when he thought of Kerry riding to the rescue like Keegan was a damsel in distress, but right then, he was just so damn grateful.

Danny sidestepped to get away from Keegan and turned his body to keep Kerry in his sights. He put his hands up to show he wasn't a threat and eased toward the door. "This is just a big misunderstanding."

Kerry was not appeased in the least. He eased closer to the door, blocking Danny's path. "When someone tells you no, you stop. Period. Do you fucking hear me?" Kerry's voice was cold and hard, something Keegan never imagined. "There is no forcing your will on someone else and then justifying your actions afterward. No fucking means no."

Danny nodded vigorously. "I got it, man. No means no."

"If I find out you've forgotten, I will track you down and make you pay, Danny Rodgers." The asshole's eyes widened when he realized Kerry knew his name, and he darted for freedom when Kerry stepped aside to unblock the doorway. "And lose Keegan's number, asshole!" Kerry yelled after him.

It was just the two of them, and Keegan didn't know what to say, so he went with the first thing that popped into his mind. "This is a new look."

Kerry closed his eyes and shook his head. "You've been spending too much time with Sven if the first thing you comment on is my outfit." He muscled the bathroom door shut before closing the gap between them. Kerry paused just outside Keegan's touching zone and opened his arms in invitation.

Keegan launched himself against Kerry's chest hard enough to make him stagger back a half step. Muscular arms enfolded him in the biggest, safest hug he'd ever known. Keegan melted into his embrace and pressed his forehead against Kerry's chest. "I'm so glad to see you." He closed his eyes and cycled through some breaths to calm his racing heart. Kerry's nearness made the latter part a challenge. "I want you to know I was about to knee that asshole in the balls when you rode to my rescue."

A chuckle rumbled through Kerry's chest. "I have no doubt."

Keegan lifted his head and met Kerry's gaze. The rage he'd witnessed earlier was gone, and he was afraid to assign a name to the warmth shimmering there. "You must think I really am desperate and dumb."

Kerry slowly lifted his hands to cup Keegan's face but stopped before making contact. "May I?" He wanted to be annoyed by the hesitance and gentle handling, but Keegan had to admit it was exactly what he needed at the moment. He leaned into one warm palm, and Kerry closed in with the other. "I have never thought those things about you. I think you're—"

The bathroom door banged open again, and the two of them jerked apart and faced the new intruder. A guy wearing slouchy clothes, a ball cap, and black-framed glasses entered the room. He placed one hand on his heart and the other on the wall. He panted like he'd run a mile. "Christ! That asshole nearly ran me over with his eagerness to get away."

Keegan recognized the voice right away, but it didn't belong to the dude in the room. "Sven?" Wait a minute . He'd never seen Kerry in business attire, and Sven never wore dull, oversized clothes. He sure as hell wouldn't wear anything to mess up his hair. All the relief he'd felt from Kerry's rebuttal faded. What were these two doing there, and why were they dressed weirdly? "What the hell is going on?"

A lull washed over the cramped space for a few seconds. Then Kerry and Sven spoke at once, talking over each other, verbally and physically pointing at each other. Keegan couldn't make out much of what was said, but the wild gesturing and arguing broke the tightness in his chest. A giggle-snort burst from his mouth, catching the brothers' attention. They turned and looked at him with matching quizzical expressions that triggered a fit of laughter. Whatever the reason for Kerry's and Sven's attire or presence didn't matter because their actions came from a good place. He'd get the truth out of them, but it didn't have to be in the sketchy bathroom of a gay bar. Keegan couldn't imagine taking his pants down to piss in there, let alone bend over and offer his ass. He'd only fled to the bathroom to figure out a way to extricate himself from the disastrous date without causing a scene.

"Way to go," Sven said to Kerry. "You broke him."

"I did not," Kerry argued. "He's just releasing tension. Ever heard of people laughing at a funeral?"

"Danny came close to needing a funeral a few minutes ago," Keegan said.

Sven narrowed his eyes. "What the hell did that fucker do? It's not too late to kill him? We'll hide the body where no one will find him, and I bet no one reports him missing."

"Take it down a notch, Dateline ," Keegan said.

"Dude," Kerry scoffed. "You're winded just from hustling down a small hallway. You think you're going to sprint out to the parking lot and catch him before he drives off?"

"To avenge Keegan's honor? Hell yeah, I could."

The brothers bumped fists, united once again. Keegan got so caught up in the sweetness that it took him a few seconds to realize they were both watching him with concerned expressions.

"I'm fine, guys." The date had been a disaster from the jump, but the aftermath was…beautiful.

Kerry held out his hand, and Keegan took it. "Let's get out of here."

Sven flapped his hand in front of his face like he got a whiff of something horrible. "No doubt. Drinks are on me." He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. But when Keegan moved to follow, Kerry tugged on their joined hands to stop him.

"I meant let's leave the bar," Kerry said.

"And go where?"

"Anywhere you want, but I was thinking my place."

Keegan could only blink for a few seconds. "Together?"

Kerry laughed and cupped Keegan's face with his free hand. "Yes, together. We need to talk."

"Talk?" He tried not to sound disappointed.

Kerry swallowed hard. "And I really want to hold you and kiss you, if that's okay—"

Keegan darted toward the door, hauling Kerry behind him. Delicious chuckles met his enthusiasm. "I met Danny here, so my truck is outside. That's one smart thing I did tonight." Time would tell if going home with Kerry would fall into the same category.

"This way," Kerry said once they stepped into the hall. He nodded his head toward the door at the end of the corridor marked as an exit.

Keegan wondered how often Kerry had left through that door with his hookups, but he didn't let the thought ruin his good mood. "Should we tell Sven we're leaving?"

"He'll figure it out." Kerry squeezed his hand, then added, "I'll text him right before we pull out."

Keegan would've preferred to ride with Kerry, but he didn't want to leave the ranch truck behind. The ordeal with Salvation Anew was finally behind them, but why risk drawing attention or retaliation from bitter followers? Kerry didn't release his hand until they reached Keegan's truck. He fished out the key fob and unlocked the door.

"I'll be right behind you," Kerry said.

Keegan didn't need to ask where Kerry lived. He'd passed his gorgeous log cabin every time he visited Seth and Rueben. This would be the first time Keegan stepped inside Kerry's house, and the thrill of that blocked out any of the nerves he'd normally experience. Keegan moved to open the door, but Kerry stood in his way.

"Are you sure about this?" Kerry asked. "I don't want to pressure you."

Keegan cupped his neck and pressed his lips to Kerry's. "I'm not going home with you because you saved the day and I owe you. Talking is the last thing I want to do with you right now, though I understand it's necessary."

Kerry's cheeks flushed with warmth, and his eyes darkened. "Sounds like you have big plans for me."

"I've had big plans for you since the day we met." The moment called for complete honesty, so he added, "But tonight proved that I may not be as ready for intimacy again as I'd thought."

Kerry brushed his thumb over Keegan's cheek. "I will happily wait for as long as you need me to."

A rush of euphoria made Keegan light-headed, and he swayed for a minute.

"Are you okay to drive? I can call Seth and Rueben to come over and pick up your truck."

Keegan shook his head. "I'm fine. I think maybe your words gave me a mini orgasm or something."

Kerry's lips curved into a wicked smile, and he shook his head. "Little lamb, there will be no thinking involved. You'll know when I give you an orgasm, and there won't be anything miniature about it."

Keegan needed to brace his hand against the truck door. "Go now before we get in trouble."

Kerry laughed before he pressed a quick kiss to Keegan's forehead. "Drive carefully."

Keegan climbed into the cab and locked his door. He waited for Kerry to get into his truck before he started the engine and eased out of the parking spot. As promised, Kerry followed him at a safe distance. His presence was there but not looming or threatening. Keegan didn't replay their conversation or relive anything that had happened. He sure as hell didn't let his imagination run wild on what could happen once they reached Kerry's house. Keegan kept his thoughts on the drive and his senses on high alert while navigating the winding mountain road. He breathed a sigh of relief once he pulled into Kerry's driveway, but the reprieve only lasted until Kerry parked beside him. Keegan had wanted this for so long, and now he feared he might blow it. His thoughts whirled, and he kind of zoned out until a knock sounded on the driver's side window. Keegan blinked Kerry's worried face into focus and smiled. He'd rather take a swing and miss than wonder forever what could've happened if he'd just been brave enough. Keegan killed the engine and got out of the truck.

"Are you—"

Keegan pressed his lips to Kerry's, preventing him from asking him one more time if he was sure about something. He didn't linger long and smiled at the big man's bemused expression.

"I was going to ask if you're hungry, but okay," Kerry said.

Keegan's eyes widened, and heat spread across his chest, neck, and face. "I'm an idiot. I thought you were worried I'd changed my—"

It was Kerry's turn to cut him off with a kiss. He added a hint of tongue against Keegan's lips before retreating. "You were right. I was going to ask if you'd changed your mind. I shouldn't have teased you."

"We won't get much talking done if we're constantly tiptoeing around each other," Keegan said. "Let's agree here and now that I will tell you if something is bothering me or doesn't feel right. You won't need to guess, second-guess, and double-check all the time."

"Fine," Kerry said before adding a caveat. "As long as you know that you always have a choice. When you're ready to explore intimacy, I will never take your consent for granted."

Keegan's yearning for the man just increased tenfold. "Thank you."

Kerry gestured his head toward the house, a stunning two-story log cabin nestled amidst dense trees. The stark black roof, window trim, and porch gave the home a modern feel. The combination of the dark building materials might've looked ominous if not for the soft gray stones in the chimney and the surrounding lush green landscape. The windows along the front of the home were tall and wide to let maximum sunlight into the rooms, and the upper-story windows featured curved arches at the top, breaking up the masculine vibe with a touch of whimsy. The house matched the man—big, imposing, but with surprising touches of tenderness. "Let's take this inside. I want you to meet Betty."

Disappointment washed over Keegan as he fell into step with Kerry. He'd really hoped they'd be alone. "Who's Betty?"

"My cat."

A few minutes later, Keegan's eyes widened when a massive calico beast rose from the back of the leather sofa and stretched its long, sleek body. Keegan pointed and said, "That's not a cat."

Kerry chuckled before making the universal clicking noise with his tongue that cats seem to recognize. Just one and the enormous beast leaped to the ground and prowled toward them. "This is my Betty."

Keegan was too mesmerized by her magnificence to be afraid. His mother had never permitted pets, and his only interactions were with the felines on the ranch. Those pampered pets looked nothing like Betty. She reached the men and wove around Kerry's legs, purring her greeting. This he was familiar with. "What kind of cat is Betty?"

"She's a Maine coon," Kerry replied. He slapped his hands against his thighs, and the cat stood on her back haunches and stretched up to rest her front paws on his stomach. Kerry scratched her ears vigorously and made some sort of cooing noise at her. "She's just a big baby house cat," he told Keegan. "Nothing to fear from my girl." The cat turned her brilliant orange eyes on Keegan and studied him until Kerry hit a delightful spot. Betty closed her eyes and purred louder, leaning into the touch.

Keegan had never been more envious of anything or anyone as he was Betty just then. "She's magnificent." The cat's eyes opened wide, as if she'd forgotten all about his intrusion. He couldn't blame her. She dropped back on all fours and closed the short distance between them. Keegan leaned forward a little and extended his hand so she could sniff him, though he didn't know if that was proper protocol. Betty angled her head and rubbed her cheek against his outstretched fingers. Her fur was as silky as it looked. "Wow," Keegan gushed. "Your eyes are the same color as your orange spots. I wouldn't believe you are real if I wasn't touching you."

Kerry made a humming sound and pulled Keegan's attention away from the cat. "I feel the same way about you."

Keegan straightened and dropped his hand to his side. "But you're not touching me." The flirty response had rolled right off his tongue, and his chest swelled with pride when Kerry's nostrils flared.

"Are you hungry?"

Meow.

"Not you, little lady. You're always ready to eat. How about you?" Kerry asked.

Keegan arched a brow. "Hungry for what?"

Kerry chuckled and ran a hand through his waves. The gesture brought Keegan's attention to the rolled-up sleeves that showed off powerful forearms. The stark white fabric made Kerry's tattoos stand out and reminded Keegan of the artwork hidden under the shirt. The urge to trace the intricate dark lines returned with vigor, and Kerry's reactions spurred him on to be even bolder.

"Conversation?" Keegan hedged. "Companionship? Kissing? Maybe some exploratory touching?"

"Dinner." Kerry's voice sounded as gravelly as his driveway. "Have you eaten? I have a ton of leftovers from last night."

Had that family dinner fiasco really been just yesterday? The reminder killed Keegan's flirty mood. A dozen apologies flittered through his head, and he needed to voice at least one of them to ease his conscience. "About dinner last night. I am really sorry—"

Kerry cupped his neck and silenced his apology with a quick kiss. "Don't be sorry for standing up for yourself. I'm the one who needs to apologize. I needled you out of petty jealousy, and I'm sorry."

"But I ran you out of your mother's house," Keegan protested. "I am horrified by my behavior. I projected all my fears and insecurities onto you. And maybe I was acting desperately and stupidly because the red flags with Danny were there. He was moving too fast and saying all the right things, so I ignored the warnings in my head that he was too good to be true."

Kerry shook his head. "I didn't leave because of anything you did or said. I was running from my feelings for you." He sighed heavily and said, "And if I had been completely honest with you on Saturday night, you wouldn't have met Danny."

Keegan cocked his head to the side. "Why do you say that?"

Kerry closed the distance between them but was careful not to crowd Keegan. "Because you would've come home with me instead of going to the pizza place with Nate."

Keegan wanted to tease Kerry about his arrogant assumptions, but all he managed was a breathy "Oh."

Kerry scrunched his handsome face into a dark scowl. "And speaking of Nate, I'm going to have a talk with him about the friends he keeps."

Keegan settled his hand on Kerry's chest. "This isn't Nate's fault. He met Danny the same night I did. He isn't responsible for a friend of a friend's behavior."

"Danny has potential predator written all over him."

Keegan shuddered to think what might've happened. He'd planned to kick Danny in the balls and use the skills Owen had taught him to defend himself, but what if Danny had been armed with a date rape drug? He could've had a weapon on him that Keegan hadn't known about. The encounter could've gone a dozen different ways, and he was so grateful for the outcome.

"Thank you for following me." Keegan rubbed his hand over Kerry's dress shirt. "How did you end up in the position to rescue me? You and Sven talked over one another back at the bar, and I only picked up bits and pieces. I'm dying to know the full story." There was no doubt he'd get the most accurate version from Kerry, though he had every intention of getting Sven's side for pure entertainment value once he could look back on the night without cringing.

"Let me feed you first, then I'll tell you everything you want to know," Kerry said.

"Tell me while you feed me so we don't get distracted by other things."

Kerry arched a brow. "Other things?"

"The real things we're both hungry for. The kissing and touching." Keegan had thought he was ready for more, but a single date with Danny had him questioning so much. Not his sexuality, at least. He was primed and ready to embrace that, so why had he frozen up when Danny dialed up the heat on his flirtations? He'd been charmed by him when all they'd done was talk or text, but that had all changed the moment Danny laid a hand on him. And that was before Danny became aggressive. What had gone wrong?

Kerry groaned and tugged Keegan through the open floor plan to the kitchen at the back of the house. "I'm trying to be good."

And Keegan had his answer. The in-person date forced him to acknowledge that Danny wasn't the man he wanted. Flirting was one thing, but he hadn't wanted anything deeper with the guy, not even a kiss. It was Kerry or bust for him, which meant Keegan had a big decision to make. He could tiptoe around and hope things worked out, or he could fight for what he wanted. Surviving versus thriving. Yeah, there was no real choice to make. "Who the hell asked you to do that?" Keegan teased.

"I demand it of myself." Kerry stopped next to the kitchen island and turned to face him. "This is too important for me to fuck up."

Keegan threatened to melt right there. "Will you tell me one thing right now?"

"Anything."

"Back in the bathroom, I said that you must think I'm desperate and dumb. You replied that you didn't think either of those things, but Sven barged into the room before you could say what you think of me. That exchange felt like it was gearing up to be the most honest conversation we'd ever had, and we didn't get to finish it."

Kerry slid his arms around Keegan's waist and tugged him into his powerful embrace. "I was going to say I think you're beautiful and perfect and so fucking brave. Sometimes I think you're too good for this twisted world. That I could cause you a moment of hurt fucking kills me, Kee. You make me want…things. Things I never considered for myself. You terrify me."

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Kerry lowered his head and nuzzled his nose at Keegan's temple. "Losing my sister to a murderer and my father to grief didn't kill me. It set me back a lot, but I built a fortress around my heart and moved forward as best I could. And then you came along and…"

Keegan tilted his head back and stared into those dark, bottomless eyes. "Fed snacks to your dragon and sneaked past your defenses." He cocked his head to the side and considered. "I at least crossed the crocodile-infested moat, but I don't think I've cleared the drawbridge."

Kerry chuckled. "You've battered my portcullis until it's a misshapen hunk of metal."

"How?" The mere idea was laughable.

"By breathing."

Keegan snorted. "If it were that easy, some young buck would've come along and stolen your heart a long time ago."

"It took the right guy," Kerry said.

"Feels like we're venturing way off topic," Keegan teased.

"Or maybe hearing that I think you're extremely rare and precious makes you uncomfortable."

"A diamond of the first water?" Keegan asked, though he didn't know where he'd heard that reference. The ranch was on a Bridgerton and Regency-era kick, so that was probably his source of reference.

Kerry placed his hand under Keegan's chin and notched it higher so they were staring into one another's eyes again. The intensity in Kerry's expression made Keegan's pulse leap. Damn, this guy really knew how to wreak havoc on his nervous system. "We're really running the gamut of historical references."

"And getting further off topic." Keegan slid a hand up Kerry's neck and curled a silky lock of hair around his finger. "Let's agree about a few things to make both our lives easier."

"Okay. You go first."

"We're intensely attracted to one another," Keegan said.

Kerry's hands inched lower until his fingertips brushed the upper swells of Keegan's ass cheeks. "Abso-fucking-lutely."

"Your turn," Keegan prodded.

Kerry remained silent long enough for Keegan's nerve to waver. But then he raised a hand and traced the curve of Keegan's face with a finger. "We both want to explore these feelings to see where it can take us."

Keegan silently urged himself to remain calm and cool. Don't blow it now, Kee. But being bold and honest was what had finally led to this moment. Keegan placed his hand over Kerry's heart. "Let me in. At least unlock the door and give me a chance to walk through it."

Kerry's response was a yielding moan, followed by an impassioned kiss that rocked Keegan to his core. The first press of lips ignited a spark in his belly that turned into an inferno when Kerry slipped his tongue into Keegan's mouth. He'd been kissed before, but nothing had ever felt like this. Kerry licked into his mouth, teasing and sucking on Keegan's tongue and eliciting the neediest moans that only seemed to add gasoline to the fire burning in his veins. The fear he'd felt with Danny was nowhere in sight. Instead of clamoring to get away from Kerry's touch, Keegan had to restrain himself from climbing him like a tree.

Maybe Kerry sensed his need because the next thing Keegan knew, his feet were off the ground, and his ass landed on the kitchen island. Kerry cradled Keegan's head with one large hand and rested the other on Keegan's thigh. Parting his legs and making room for Kerry seemed as natural as breathing, and fuck, they notched together so perfectly. Desire pooled in Keegan's core, spreading out until every pore and hair follicle was on fire for the man between his legs. Kerry moved his hand from Keegan's thigh to his ass, scooting him closer until they were groin to groin, hard and aching for one another.

Keegan wasn't sure where to put his hands since he'd told Kerry sex was off the menu for the moment. He didn't want to be the tease Danny had accused him of being. The thought dampened the moment a little, and Kerry must've heard the hitch in his breath. He eased back and searched Keegan's gaze.

"Too much, too fast?" Kerry asked.

Keegan bit his bottom lip and shook his head. When he didn't answer right away, Kerry reached out and gently rescued the abused flesh from his teeth. "I…um…didn't want to put out mixed signals. And…"

Kerry's eyes darkened with something like malice, but Keegan knew it wasn't directed at him. "I'm nothing like that asshole. If you ever want me to stop, I'm stopping. Period. And for the record, a person may change their mind at any time. Maybe you green-light me right up through penetration but decide it's too much. No means no. Stop means stop. I will be your safe place, Kee."

Relief flooded Keegan's system, and tears filled his eyes. "But what about your pleasure? I feel how hard you are. I don't want you aching and miserable."

Kerry brushed away the few tears that escaped Keegan's eyes. Then he raised his right hand. "I've been making do with my bestie since we met. We can get by for as long as you need."

Delicious images of Kerry pleasuring himself sprang to mind, and Keegan couldn't contain his moan. "Damn, that's hot."

Kerry nuzzled his nose against Keegan's neck. "I'll let you watch anytime you want."

Keegan tried to scoot off the island, but Kerry stopped him with a dark chuckle. "Food and talking first."

"We are talking," Keegan said. He reached over and snagged a shiny red apple from the fruit bowl. He crunched into it and offered it to Kerry for a bite, but he pressed his tongue inside Keegan's mouth and stole his bite instead. Dark eyes crackled with smug pride as Kerry chewed and swallowed the apple.

Kerry held the fruit up to Keegan's mouth, but he wanted to taste the apple on Kerry's lips. Keegan cupped his neck and pulled him down for another deep kiss. The sweet, crisp fruit juice made Keegan's mouth water and his hunger grow. The apple fell to the island and rolled to the floor. Keegan and Kerry simultaneously reached for each other, their hands shifting, seeking, and exploring over their clothes.

Kerry eased his mouth free, then immediately kissed a path down Keegan's neck toward his collarbone. Keegan angled his head back to give him access and grabbed a fistful of Kerry's hair. It would be so easy to lie back on the island and surrender to the feeling surging inside him, and he was mere seconds away from doing that when Kerry abruptly pulled back.

"Huh-uh," Kerry said. "I promised to feed you, and I said we'd talk."

"I had fruit for dinner, and there's nothing else we need to discuss right now." Keegan pointed to Kerry and said, "You want this." Then he pointed at himself. "And I want this. That's all we need right now."

Kerry's stomach growled pitifully in rebuttal. And if he was honest, Keegan would admit he was hungry too. Kerry stepped back between Keegan's thighs and captured his lips for a sweet but too-short kiss. "Let me feed you."

Keegan pursed his lips like he was mulling it over. Then he straightened up and smiled wickedly. "Fine, but I want the show you promised me."

"The show?"

Keegan made a fist but didn't have to gesture crudely for Kerry to get the point. "You know the one."

A dark blush swept over Kerry's tanned cheeks. "I'll give you the best show you've ever seen." It was Keegan's turn to blush, and Kerry smiled at his reaction. "Don't go anywhere. I might need kisses to tide me over until after we eat."

"Maybe for your opening act, you can tell me just how you and Sven came to be at the bar tonight," Keegan said.

As Kerry pulled leftovers from the refrigerator, he told Keegan about the conversation he had with Sven at his truck the previous night. "I didn't mean to imply he should actually follow you."

"He didn't misunderstand what you said," Keegan said.

"I'm trying to be gracious," Kerry replied before explaining Sven's frantic text from the bar. "I didn't know he'd dressed down, and I almost didn't recognize him in that getup." While the chicken and stuffing casserole reheated in the microwave, Kerry returned to the island to snag a few kisses. When the appliance beeped, Kerry captured one last kiss before returning to his task. The chicken came out, and the potatoes went in. "Do you want vegetables too?"

Keegan shook his head. "I'm sure Sven didn't expect you to be dressed up either," he said. "You look so handsome, but you always do, no matter what you're wearing." Keegan thought about Kerry wearing nothing but a pair of gym shorts, and it wasn't hard to picture him in boxers…or nothing at all.

"I wanted to look presentable when meeting with Vinny about the lawsuit. Then I threw myself into work and didn't make time to change."

"But did you eat?" Keegan asked.

"The crew brought me lunch, but I worked through dinner. I've procrastinated on paperwork for too long and needed to dig myself out of the hole. I made a big dent today, and I feel productive." Kerry stepped between Keegan's thighs and cupped his face. "Not as good as this makes me feel, though."

"Thank you for riding to the rescue," Keegan said.

Kerry brushed back the hair from Keegan's forehead and traced the shell of his ear. "I'll always be there for you. No matter what."

The microwave dinged, and Keegan was ready to forget all about food until he remembered the way Kerry's stomach had growled.

Kerry retrieved the mashed potatoes, gave it a vigorous stir, and looked down into the bowl. "Maybe I should reheat these a little longer."

"I'd eat them frozen if it means your shirt comes off faster."

Kerry's head snapped up, and a wicked smile spread across his handsome face. "Yeah?" He set the bowl on the counter and went to work on his shirt buttons. "You can gawk while I heat them up some more." Kerry peeled the shirt off and tossed it on the island but remained out of touching range.

Keegan watched the play of muscles under that gorgeous, inked skin as Kerry put the dish back in the microwave and shut the door. Either it took more muscles than he realized to push buttons on an appliance, or Kerry was flexing for show. Keegan just knew he wanted to touch that warm skin. "Come over here."

Kerry looked over his shoulder, a hint of a wicked smile curving his lips. "Huh-uh. I'll burn the potatoes."

"Then they likely didn't need to go back in the microwave," Keegan said. "Come over here." When Kerry didn't make a move to comply, Keegan pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it on the island.

Ding. "Dinner's ready."

Kerry made no move to open the microwave. He stalked the short distance between them and gathered Keegan in his arms. Kerry's body heat enveloped him as his kiss devoured Keegan's mouth. Their hands moved again, sliding over bare skin and taut muscles. Keegan learned the sharp curve of Kerry's shoulder blades and the smooth flesh between them. He traced the lines of ink he couldn't see and learned the surprising places that made Kerry gasp, like the sensitive skin under his armpits or the area just under his rib cage. Keegan wanted to move his hands around to learn the curve of Kerry's chest, but he didn't want to draw away from him to have room for exploration. Damn, he could really get used to having Kerry's body against his, over his, and hopefully inside his soon.

As if the universe had plans to fuck him over, a phone rang shrilly from the vicinity of Kerry's pants.

A savage growl erupted from Kerry's lips when he broke their kiss. "No, no, no." He took a few breaths while the phone rang a second and third time. Kerry lifted the phone from his pocket and accepted the call. "Hart." His gruff voice betrayed his displeasure, and Keegan felt sorry for the person on the other end of the connection. "Holy shit, Curtis." Kerry stepped away from Keegan and headed out of the room. "I need to change clothes, but I'll be there as soon as possible." Kerry disappeared out of sight, but Keegan could easily hear his end of the conversation as Kerry gathered more information on his way upstairs. "I'm only twenty minutes away." Kerry continued discussing the equipment and tools he wanted on site.

Keegan grabbed his shirt and pulled it on over his head, and then he returned the leftovers to the refrigerator. Kerry returned to the kitchen by the time he finished, and he looked at Keegan with genuine regret. "Maybe the universe is telling us something," Keegan said.

"The universe is telling us that semitruck drivers shouldn't drink their weight in beer and then get behind the wheel of a deadly weapon," Kerry said. A wry expression formed on his handsome face. "Bet good ole Frank wishes he hadn't sent me that email this afternoon."

"Sounds like an interesting story."

"And I'll tell you all about it later." Kerry snagged Keegan around the waist and pulled him in close for a quick kiss. "You and I are just getting started. I'll call you later if I finish the job at a decent time."

"Bye, Betty," Keegan called out. "It was nice meeting you." She cracked open one eye but otherwise didn't acknowledge him. "She hates me."

Kerry chuckled. "Betty's crazy about you. She just might not know it yet." He walked Keegan to his truck and kissed him one last time. "Be careful going home."

"You be careful too." Keegan got in his truck but poked his head back out and hollered, "And make sure you eat something."

He waited for Kerry to back out first before following. When Kerry reached the road, he turned on the emergency light bar on top of his truck. Keegan followed at a slower pace, and it wasn't long before Kerry's truck disappeared. He hoped the interruption wasn't an omen of things to come.