Page 5 of Clear Blue Sky

“Fair enough,” Marcus said. “Look. I just thought maybe you might want to join us for dinner. Or maybe fishing. I’d like nothing more than to put all that bullshit behind us.”

No fucking way. Marcus didn’t want to invite him to hang out like nothing had ever happened. He had an agenda. Marcus had point-blank called Nelson incompetent and ripped him a new asshole in front of a review board. He’d even had the balls to suggest that Nelson had put the brakes on Marcus’ team coming in.

That didn’t happen.

But it had been thebaby killercomment that still stuck out in his mind, only because Roxy had agreed. She always took her brother’s side. Blind loyalty.

She burned Nelson in the worst way. He could forgive her for what she’d done, but he’d never forget.

“I appreciate the offer. I’m even willing to put it behind us and forget about it. But we’re not each other’s people and we both know it.”

“I’m extending an olive branch. I wish you would accept it.”

“I bought you lunch. You’re welcome in my establishment anytime.” Every muscle in his body tensed. “But I’m swamped here, and you and I have always been oil and water. The past always rears its ugly head. It’s not a good idea. Enjoy your time with your buddies.”

“I’m really surprised you haven’t asked about my sister and how she’s doing.”

Well, fuck. There it was. Nelson sucked in a deep breath. “Are you itching for a fight?”

“Two years is a long time,” Marcus said with a somber tone. “We were both hurting. Seth was one of my closest friends and my sister’s husband. It’s safe to say none of us were thinking clearly.”

Shit. The last thing Nelson wanted to do was stand in the middle of his own restaurant and revisit the past. He could barely do that with the two people who mattered most in his life, so why the hell would he do that with the man who had helped destroy his career, even if Marcus had saved his life.

“But we both failed to see that you lost something too that day,” Marcus said. “We were both so stricken with grief that we couldn’t see past our own noses. I know I said a lot of shit that I shouldn’t have and I’m sorry. I know Roxy is too.” He smiled. “She’s seeing someone. A doctor. It’s serious and I wouldn’t be surprised if they get married soon.”

“I’ve only ever wanted her to be happy.” Nelson felt as though he’d entered some alternate universe because Marcus didn’t apologize to anyone. He was an arrogant prick who thought his shit didn’t stink. This was a setup for something, only Nelson didn’t know what.

“If you change your mind about hanging out, here’s my number.” He held out a card, glancing over his shoulder. “I’ve got to run. I’ve got a business meeting with my editor.”

“Editor?” Nelson’s heart dropped to his toes like a brick hitting the pavement. “What do you need an editor for?”

“My second career.” Marcus smiled like a big kid. “I left the military six months ago when I got married.” He raised his hand and pointed to a wedding ring.

“Wow. I never thought I’d see the day you’d walk away from the Army.”

“Neither did I, but when I got the book deal, it was a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be a novelist. Besides, Sally didn’t handle the deployments well and now that she’s pregnant, I want to be present.”

“You’re going to be a father. Shit. A lot has happened in two years.” Nelson did his best to be charming. He plastered a fake smile on his face. A sliver a guilt filled his heart. He wasn’t a cold man. He should be happy for anyone who was in the midst of starting a family. However, there was something fundamentally untrustworthy about Marcus. Everything he did was to serve himself. But who was Nelson to deprive the man of enjoying the kind of happiness a family brought?

People did change, but he didn’t believe Marcus was that kind of person.

“Sally has really changed me. She’s the one who helped me see that maybe I was little too harsh on you.”

“Thanks for that,” Nelson said. “So tell me, what’s your book about?” He wanted to text Brandi and warn her all about Marcus, but what could he honestly say?

“It’s a military thriller.”

Nelson swallowed. There were so many rules about men and women in the armed forces writing about their experiences. It would have to be so fictionalized that there was no way anyone could attach his missions to his books. Of course, lots of ex-military wrote novels, so it wasn’t impossible. “What publisher?” As if he didn’t know.

“Grant Publishing.” Marcus jerked his thumb in the direction of Brandi. “I’m hoping to work with them. The woman who is taking the meeting is reading my novel and so far, she’s loving it. I’m lucky I mentioned I’d be here. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say.”

Nelson’s stomach soured. There was no way Brandi could have known the history and even if she did, this was a business deal. It had nothing to do with him and everything to do with her making the right decision for her publishing line. “Good luck.” He stretched out his arm and shook Marcus’ hand.

He watched Marcus saunter back to his buddies while he pulled out his cell and made a beeline for the parking lot. He decided Maverick was right. It was best if he took the day off.

* * *

Every time Brandi made it to her brother’s house off Cleverdale in Lake George, she wanted to move. The picturesque mountains and the crystal-blue waters called to her in ways New York City hadn’t.

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