Speed King (Men of Action 1)

“Tattoos are personal for their own reasons. Mine all have importance. The first date in my sequence is a day I’ll never forget because it’s the day I met you.”

A soft shine pools in her eyes, and she sets down her wine, sliding her hand under my shirt and lifting the material. The pads of her fingers trace the date inked directly over my heart. “I love that.”

My skins prickles with each swirl over the numbers as she stares as if it’s the most important thing in the world.

“Achilles?” My name comes out faint and raspy, making me wonder if she’s close to crying.

“What, baby?”

“Since you like to haul me around, I suggest you carry me outside before I wrestle you to the ground and put all my effort into slaughtering your self-restraint on the kitchen floor.”

“I can do that.” I scoot her forward and she falls into me, kissing the skin on my chest before releasing my shirt.

“She’s pretty special.” Ford takes a swing of his beer, watching me closely.

I move my gaze to Harley, who’s sitting across from Talon by the fire pit, moving her hands in the air as she tells him something that has a relaxed grin on his face. “If that’s how you want to put it.”

“How would you put it?”

“I’m not going there. You know what she means to me.”

“She seemed pretty excited about us applying to SWAT.”

“She’s not only a cop’s daughter; she also wants me to be happy. Same with the three of you.”

“Talon told me what Hal said last week.”

I sigh, bringing my attention back to him. “Are we shooting the shit after dinner, or are we pussyfooting around something?”

“Both. I want you to know none of us will think any differently if you change your mind.”

I swallow half my beer in one gulp. “We’re in this together. I’m not changing my mind.”

“This Reserve thing may be hard on your relationship, especially with the deal we made. I’m guessing you haven’t told her about that yet.”

“I’m working on it. We’ve had a lot to talk about. She knows we have drills the weekend after next. Since I can’t give her details of our commitment, I can’t exactly tell her what we signed up for. Besides, it’s a long shot we’re going back over there.”

“Man, you love her, and that’s a good thing. If the time comes and we get called back, I’ll do whatever I can to take your place. Don’t put her—”

“Stop. Don’t finish that sentence.” My bottle slams loud enough for Talon’s eyes to slice my way. “We’re a team. Harley is in my life, but that doesn’t change the man I am. Never forget that.”

“The offer stands. We got your six.”

“Do you want me to fuck you up with my girlfriend twenty feet away?” I glare at him.

He stares at me a beat, then finishes his beer, tosses it in the trash, and reaches in the fridge for three more, passing me the bottle of wine. “Nah, we’re done shooting the shit. Time to go see if Talon has stolen your woman.”

“Not a fucking chance.” I follow him to the seating area, and she flashes me a smile. “Hand me your glass, babe.”

I fill her up, setting the bottle on the ground and sliding in behind her. She shivers, scooting closer and laying her head on my shoulder. “Did you forget to mention something, Achilles?”

“Can you be more specific?”

“Talon told me about the party next weekend.”

I’m not sure I’d call it a party, considering all three of the guys’ parents are descending upon us. Talon and Major’s parents had made reservations at a hotel, but when Celia Whitman found out, she stepped into high gear, insisting everyone stay here. Last I heard, she and Doug were flying in Thursday night so she could spend Friday stocking the house for what she referred to as a celebration.

“I had other things on my mind when we got here.” My lips brush her earlobe.

Talon coughs and Ford openly chuckles.

“But since the subject came up, I want you to invite Rich and Amanda for Saturday night.”

Ford nods in agreement.

“Jewls is welcome as well,” Major adds.

“She’ll love it.”

“Tell her to pack a bag. She can stay.”

“Oh, no. We’ll go home. It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to stay. This is a family weekend.”

The carefree mood in the air instantly crisps, and my head pops up at the same time the guys hit their feet. Harley scoots back, looking between us. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, gonna let Ace handle this.” Talon flicks his fingers as he walks away.

“I’ll come back in an hour to handle the fire,” Ford offers before heading toward the house.

“Appreciate it,” I call, taking her wine and putting it on the side table next to my beer.

“Did I say something?” She stares after them.