It was nice to hear Julian wasn’t taken. Beckett decided a long time ago if Julian spent so much time at work, he probably didn’t have someone significant waiting for him at home. Still, Beckett also knew firsthand how lonely living without someone could be and decided to say it aloud. “Sounds lonely.”
“Woofer is here,” Julian said cheekily and reached for a leash Beckett hadn’t seen before. Beckett wouldn’t let himself be sidetracked no matter how much it sounded like Julian would rather be with the dog than him.
“Is he an emotional support animal?”
Julian slowly lifted his head to glance at Beckett even as he remained bent over to work the leash’s clasp onto the dog’s collar.
A rare moment of unguarded honesty tumbled from Julian’s lips. “Is that your first thought when you see Woofer? I chose him because I didn’t think he’d tip people off, but he’s truly been awful. He’s an emotional stress animal.”
He looked down at the beautiful German shepherd, sitting on his hind legs close to Julian with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. The dog looked as if he might be a bit of a mischief-maker if left unattended. The missing pieces of Julian’s life connected in new ways. The abuse Beckett had suspected became the forefront of his thoughts. It all began to make sense.
His heart gave an ache for a different reason now.
“How about some coffee?” Beckett blurted. “The strip has a couple of places I’ve seen going back and forth between the base and Reservations.”
“Are you military?” Julian asked, his brow lifting in question as he stood, leash in hand. “I didn’t pick that up from you.”
Julian would know that answer from his application had he cared enough to take a look. If given the chance, he would have memorized every part of Julian’s life.
“Briefly. Right out of high school, but my company has a contract with the naval base here. I’ve spent a lot of time in Coronado. That’s how I found Reservations.”
Beckett’s nerves were beginning to get the best of him. The fleeting buzz of his earlier beers was wearing off, his courage evaporating with them. His palms were sweaty, and he rubbed them down his pants as he balled his fists then tucked them in his pockets.
“How about that coffee or even a quick bite to eat? You didn’t touch your salad out there?”
Julian let out a huff and crossed his arms over his chest. He kept that speculative arch of the brow as if he tried to figure out Beckett’s angle. Beckett was helpless to do more than wait for whatever might come next. Julian always kept him guessing. What he could see clearly were those haunting eyes turning icy and calculating.
“What do you want from me, St. Clair?”
Beckett didn’t hesitate. “I’d like to get to know you better.”
“Why?” Julian asked curtly as if it were the most absurd thought.
“I’m attracted—”
Julian cut him off from finishing his sentence. “I told you, I’m not interested in dating or fucking. How does that fit into your attraction?”
Beckett kept his focus on finishing what he planned to say. “…to you. I want to get to know you better.” He forced himself to continue into the uncomfortable territory of his disclosure. “I haven’t been out all that long, and I’ve never met anyone like you. Have a drink with me somewhere outside of here. No pressure or expectation for anything more.”
Julian stared at him for several long seconds, eyeing him with a critically arched brow as though in deep speculation. He was beautiful, such a stunning man. Julian took Beckett’s breath, causing him to lower his gaze if he had any hope to appear convincing. He’d ruin the little bit of ground he’d manage to gain if Julian sensed the longing inside him.
“Can I pet him?” Beckett asked, changing the subject. He stepped forward with his hand extended but waited for Julian’s permission. Woofer started a low-level whine, wanting the touch, but waiting for Julian to agree.
“Might as well. He’s the worst emotional support animal on the planet.”
Beckett reached for Woofer, who bent his head into his touch. “German shepherds usually shed pretty badly. He doesn’t appear to.”
“Yeah, he does. Don’t get too close. Woofer’s missed his deshedding appointment.” Julian grabbed his suit coat off the back of the chair. “And wherever you’re taking me, he needs to be able to come along with us. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all,” Beckett said, relieved that he’d somehow talked Julian into going.
“Don’t get a big head. Everyone could use a new friend.” Julian nodded toward the door behind Beckett. “Turn to the right and go down that hall. It leads to an outside door. You can get us an Uber.”
“It’s only a mile or so down the road,” Beckett said, hoping if they walked, he’d keep Julian with him a little longer.