Page 2 of Clear Blue Sky

Maverick raised his hands. “Why don’t you take the day? Phoenix and I can handle things.”

“Whatever happened to hiring a better management team so we could spend time hiking, fishing, and other activities?”

“That will happen when we learn not to be such control freaks.”

Nelson glanced toward the deck of Blue Moon. A few patrons sat outside, enjoying the sunshine. They had heaters for those who thought it was too cold, but most were locals, and this temperature was considered shorts and T-shirt weather. He’d come to this little piece of paradise because he didn’t want to have the constant reminder of the death that had surrounded his last mission. It was bad enough it visited him every time he closed his eyes. He didn’t need it during his waking hours. But to run and hide from Marcus and his crew would be cowardice.

He wouldn’t do that.

Not today.

“I’ll be fine,” Nelson said. “Besides, it’s not like we’re running a hotel. They will eat their meal and leave. No worries.”

“Just don’t get into it with them, even if they start.”

“What makes you think I would? We have a business to run, and I would never do anything to jeopardize what we’ve started.” Nelson held his brother’s stare, daring him to push his buttons.

“Because I know you and if they come at you, you’re not the kind of man to back down.” Maverick held up his hand. “For the record, I wouldn’t either and remember, I’ve got your six, so text me or if I see them chatting you up, I’ll come running.”

“I definitely shouldn’t be alone with them.” Nelson strolled up the dock. He’d once let his temper get the better of him and threw a punch at Marcus.

But he deserved it.

However, Nelson knew he needed to keep his emotions in check. It wouldn’t bring his team back. Or the SEALs he’d been tasked to rescue.

Maverick squeezed his shoulder as they meandered down the dock. “Brandi’s here.”

A smile tugged at his lips when a certain female came into view. He hadn’t seen as much of Brandi Grant during the winter months, and he hated to admit it, but when she wasn’t in the area, or in his bed, he missed her. A lot. But now that her brother’s wife had given birth to a precious baby girl a couple of weeks ago, she mentioned she wanted to come up as often as possible to see her niece. As in every weekend.

Today, she was hosting a meeting at Blue Moon with Delaney Burdette, the wife of an ex-New York State trooper who now worked for a local private eye firm. Delaney also happened to be one of Brandi’s authors. He’d ensured she had the best table in the house and spotted them a nice bottle of champagne as he knew they were celebrating a new book deal.

The last few times they’d seen each other, Brandi only had a few hours to spare, and the moment they saw each other, they didn’t bother with small talk. They went straight to the bedroom. His physical attraction to her was intense and often overwhelmed his ability to think straight. But he wanted more and this weekend he hoped they could at least spend one full night together. Maybe engage in some light conversation, something they didn’t often do. However, he wanted to get to know her better. It was scary territory for him, but it was time to move forward with his life.

They were two ships, sharing an occasionally really good sexual encounter. He liked the freedom that allowed and so did she; however, seeing her again, his heart ached for something a little more intimate.

His mind craved intellectual stimulation.

And his soul desired a connection.

His reality dictated that he’d forever be single. The dark cloud that hung over his head was going to dump a thunderstorm, and it hovered a hundred feet away.

“What’s really going on with the two of you?” Maverick asked.

“Nothing serious, that’s for sure.” Nelson shrugged.

“But it’s something.”

Nelson didn’t feel comfortable discussing his love life with anyone, including his brothers. He considered himself a private man in that department. He hadn’t been in a real relationship in ten years, and that one had ended badly. He’d never met a woman who rocked his world so much that he cared to change his ways. He liked sleeping in the middle of the bed. He enjoyed being a selfish man. Doing what he wanted, when he wanted. The idea of bending for someone hadn’t been all that appealing.

Last year, when he first met Brandi, she came and went like the rising tides. She’d text him when she was heading up to visit her brother and they’d find a few hours together. The sex was hot. But that’s all it was. There were no lingering emotions.

There certainly wasn’t any guilt.

Or at least that’s what he told himself.

But things had slowed in the winter months, and that bothered him in ways he hadn’t expected.

He'd felt alone during the six weeks he hadn’t seen her right after the holidays. He didn’t like that feeling and seeing her again made him never want to experience the emotions he’d been avoiding. The thoughts he’d been entertaining about having one exclusive person in his life were unwelcome, and yet he couldn’t rid himself of them.

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