Page 4 of Clear Blue Sky

He wanted to take his time, but he knew better than to keep Marcus and his crew waiting. Besides, Nelson wanted to get this over with. He made his way down the stairs, through the kitchen, and into the main bar area where Brandi was the first thing his eyes landed on.

Her wavy red hair bounced over her shoulders. When their gazes locked, she smiled and waved.

He nodded, returning the gesture as he strolled toward Marcus, his mood suddenly cooled. The memories of two years ago filled his mind, heart, and soul like the black plague. “Hello, Marcus,” he managed to choke out. The name left a bitter taste on his tongue. No amount of mouthwash would be able to erase that flavor. “Josh, Chuck, and Tyler. Welcome to Blue Moon. I hope you enjoyed your meal. I told your server that it’s on the house.”

Tyler arched a brow. “That’s mighty big of you.”

“Considering the last time we ran into each other and the way I behaved, it’s the least I can do.” Nelson would never apologize for what he did, but he could act as if he had an ounce of remorse.

“Thank you,” Marcus said, rubbing his jaw.

“We had no idea this was your place when we walked in.” Tyler lifted his beer and took a hearty swig.

Bullshit. Marcus had an ax to grind and if Nelson had been in his shoes two years ago, he would have also wanted answers about his brother-in-law’s death; however, he wouldn’t have gone about it in such an aggressive manner. He would have gone through proper channels and if he hadn’t, he sure as shit wouldn’t have spread lies and rumors.

There were so many things that had gone wrong during Operation Moon and in the beginning, Nelson wanted to abort the mission. The weather had been a factor. The intel had been shit. Not to mention the compound where the SEALs were being held captive had more security than originally reported.

But Nelson and his team had a job to do and orders to follow. After making a few adjustments, he was given a directive to go in. He was told there was backup in the area and would be there shortly.

He trusted that information.

Only, Marcus and his team didn’t enter the fight until it was too late.

“What brings you to the area?” Nelson decided small talk was the only way he would get through this insanity.

Chuck lifted his hand and wiggled his fingers. “I’m getting married next month so this is somewhat of a bachelor party.”

“Congratulations.” Nelson braced himself for a missile. This had to be the longest he’d chatted with Marcus and his sister hadn’t been brought up. He knew the longer he stood at the table, the more likely that subject would come up.

A fucking goddamned miracle it hadn’t already.

“Where’s Joe and Tony?” Nelson asked.

“We aren’t on the same team anymore,” Chuck said.

“I asked them to come, but they had other family obligations.” Marcus shrugged. “We’re staying at a place called The Heritage Inn. Do you know it?”

Oh yeah. He knew it. It was owned by a man named Reese McGinn and his wife Patty. Reese was an ex-Marine before he worked as a state trooper, only to retire and open his boutique hotel and resort. Nelson made a mental note to text Reese. “You’ll enjoy it there. The owner is a friend of mine.” Nothing like acting like a dog pissing on his territory and enjoying it.

“Good to know,” Josh said.

“How long will you be staying in Lake George?” The only reason Nelson wanted to know was so that he could make sure he stayed as far away from anything these four men did. If he continued to run into these assholes, the more likely the past would be brought up, and then finger-pointing would happen, and fists would start flying.

Nelson understood thathismission failed, andhefailed his men. It wasn’t the first time. It also wasn’t the first time he’d lost good men. In his line of work, these things happened. It didn’t make it okay, and it sure as shit didn’t make it easy to deal with. He’d seen his fair share of military shrinks. He had no problem opening up to them about his emotional scars—even those that included Roxy. They were real and the only way to move forward in his life, was to deal with his demons.

But this one had destroyed his ability to see past the fire.

“We’re here for nine days,” Chuck said.

“Well, I hope you enjoy your stay.” Nelson decided that was enough. Why tempt fate. He smiled, turned on his heel, and headed back toward the kitchen.

“Hey. Nelson, wait up for a second.” Marcus curled his fingers around Nelson’s biceps.

He jerked his arm free. As he turned, he mentally prepared for a fight.

Marcus raised his hands and took a step back. “Jesus, man. You’re still as jumpy as ever.”

Nelson relaxed his stance. “You should know better than to come up behind me like that. I wouldn’t do that to you. Not with our history.”

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