Page 67 of Broken Wheels

Something in his voice rang alarm bells.

“Hey, what’s that face for?”

Doc smiled. “Nothing important. As for lunch, do you know how to make a grilled cheese? I’ve tried on multiple occasions and always end up setting off the smoke detector because I forget about it.” He licked his lips. “I haven’t had a good one in way too long.”

“I’ll make one of the best you’ve ever had,” Dix vowed, turning and striding toward the kitchen, determined to make Doc know he was cared for.

Except he was starting to realize cared for didn’t scratch the surface of what Dix felt.

Josh watched Dixon walk away, his chest tight.

He’s here because I’m his client. Bottom line. That’s why he watches out for me.

Josh gave himself a hard mental kick. If all his neurotic displays didn’t turn Dixon off, that would be nothing short of a miracle. Hell, Dixon would be on the fast-track to becoming a saint.

I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?

He’d told Dixon he wanted to see where this went, but for the first time, he realized that might indicate an expiration date. Because once they discovered who was behind this, there was the possibility they—him and Dixon—would be through. Josh had never been in a relationship before. He’d never had sex before. And now, being with Dixon had opened him up to dream of all the things he hadn’t realized he wanted. The weirdest dream? They could get a puppy together. Or a kitty. Michael had once asked Josh if he had pets, and he told him he couldn’t, because there was always the probability he’d forget, and then six months later, there’d be an animal skeleton somewhere in his house.

But with Dixon, maybe it was something they could discuss.

You’re thinking of a future. That’s bold of you.

Josh had never thought of anything beyond getting to his lab. He’d never thought that spending time with a person could be satisfying—and that wasn’t even about the sex. Sitting down and talking to Dixon was almost as good. Not quite, but almost.

Still, I should know better than to get attached, right?

Josh was doing his best to cling to this slice of normalcy, where not everything revolved around facts and figures or making new discoveries or… anything else. But he finally understood what Michael and Gary had found in each other, and he wanted that, only with a lot less pain and death involved. Josh could almost see the life that awaited him, just over the horizon, a life that called to him, but with every step he took toward it, that dream life seemed to move away at least two.

It was maddening.

A clink zapped him into the moment, and he glanced down to see what Dixon had brought him. Warmth spread through his chest. On the plate was one of the most amazing-looking grilled cheeses Josh had ever seen. Golden brown to near perfection, cheese oozing out of the side, and on the plate were also several slices of melon.

“This is a thing of beauty,” he pronounced.

Dixon chuckled. “It’s a grilled cheese, not a work of art.”

Josh picked up the sandwich and took a bite. He loved how the cheese flowed into his mouth, almost, but not quite, burning his tongue. He hummed happily, then reluctantly swallowed the deliciousness.

“Art takes many forms. Cooking is just one of them. And I, my good man, am a most appreciative customer.”

Dixon snorted. “You’re a nut. Eat your sandwich, and then we’ll get back to work.”

“We?” Josh asked between bites.

“Yeah. I’m going to need you to give me something to do to help you, even if it’s just keeping your coffee filled.” He put his hands on the table and leaned in. “Lemme help you, Doc.”

Josh was used to working alone. Maybe that was the problem. Two sets of eyes would be more likely to catch something one person might overlook. “You know none of this will be pleasant, right?”

Dixon smiled, and cold trickled through Josh. With his easygoing and affable manner, it wasn’t difficult to forget Dixon had seen combat. Had killed people. Had already delved into the darkness that Josh was having problems comprehending.

“Consider me warned.” Dixon pointed to the plate. “Now finish that.”

“Yes, sir.” Josh resumed his task, pausing now and then to eat more of his delicious sandwich. Only this time, Dixon sat next to him, his gaze locked on the screen as Josh continued to read and make notes.

He had to admit, that felt good.

Josh swallowed the last mouthful. “The tricky part will be trying to find names to go with all these initials.” He went to move the page, but Dixon stopped him.

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