Page 91 of Broken Wheels

Josh smiled. “Yeah. Since meeting you….” He chuckled. “Okay, since I remembered who you were, you’ve been there for me. You did a much better job of taking care of me than I did. I know I’m making you sound more like a caregiver than a lover, but this is all new for me, and I hope you understand what I’m saying.”

“Yeah, I get it.” Dixon stroked his hair.

“The time I’ve been in your place has been like a dream come true. Most nights I slept, and that’s a pretty big deal in my book. That night we watched a movie, I didn’t drift off during it because you were beside me, your hand on my knee. Everything you’ve done has kept me in the moment, but now I want something for my future too.”

“You like my place?”

Josh sighed. “I used to think Grandma’s place was where I needed to be, but I think I could be happy in yours too—as long as you were there.”

“Then why don’t we make this situation permanent? Why don’t you move in with me? You know Gary, Michael, and I are not gonna let you out of our sight even for a minute until this thing is resolved, so you’re going to be at CrossBow until then anyway.”

Josh knew that. The family he’d begun cobbling together would want him safe. But making things permanent? He wanted to say yes, he truly did. But Dixon could have been killed protecting Josh. Was it fair to bring trouble like that to his door?

“Can I think about it?”

Dixon gave the tiniest flinch before replying. “Of course.”

I’m not saying no. But there are things I need to do first before we take that step.

Josh intended to figure this mystery out. He would unmask the person or persons who were screwing over his life, because now he wanted to start a new one with Dixon.

And heaven help any son of a bitch who gets in my way.

Chapter 27

For maybe the hundredth time since this nightmare had begun, Dix silently thanked his bosses for being so freaking awesome. Michael had told him not to worry about work—Doc was his priority. Three days since his surgery, Doc was still sleeping a lot, but at least he wasn’t in pain. Dix had spoken with his nurse, Amber, who’d told him that situation would change once he was off the IV painkillers. Apparently, the oral painkillers sucked.

Sleep while you can, baby.

Chalmers had stopped by twice, the second time with a huge bunch of flowers and a box of chocolate chip cookies that smelled amazing. The first occasion, after ten minutes of awkward silence, Dix had decided Doc was right. He needed to be the bigger man, especially since he was the one who’d flown off the handle. Not that it wasn’t deserved, but whatever. He’d apologized to Chalmers for trying to lay him out, and Chalmers accepted the apology. In exchange he’d provided what little information they’d discovered about the shooting.

Dix was saving all his rage for when they found that bastard.

“Dixon?” Doc was peering at him, blinking. “You’re still here?”

Dix chuckled. “Now, where else would I be?” He pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, taking Doc’s cool hand in his.

“I’m taking far too many naps,” Doc grumbled.

“Bullshit. Sleep is your body’s way of healing itself.”

Doc frowned. “Have the feds gotten any nearer to finding out who shot me?”

He shook his head. “They examined the bullet and concluded it was fired from a small bore, high-velocity, military-type rifle.” Doc shivered, and Dix stroked his hand. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

“Whoever he was, he botched the job. So he’ll be back, right?”

Dix got up and leaned over until his face was barely an inch from Doc’s. “And if he does come here, he’s not gonna get anywhere near you, Doc. I promise. You’ve got the best protection Gary and Michael could arrange.”

Doc gave a sheepish smile. “But that’s you. Have they sent anyone else?”

“You’re good for my ego.” Dix kissed him on the lips. “Relax, okay? We’ve got this. If that son of a bitch tries to get to you, two things are gonna happen. One, he’s gonna run into a brick wall of resistance from our guys.” Another light kiss.

“You said two things. What’s the second?”

Dix grinned. “Two, he’s gonna wish he was never born.”

“Can’t wait to get out of here so I can kiss you properly,” Doc muttered.

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