Promises Part 3 (Bounty Hunters 3)

“Shit, Brian,” Ford huffed, then signed the rest of what he had to say, because speaking the words out loud would be too devastating to his macho pride. “I’m afraid of him.”

Dana

Dana grabbed a small hand cart, then checked his list. It wasn’t too bad, he should be able to get in and get out of the crowded store in, oh, about two hours. Shopping and running errands wasn’t his favorite thing to do, but at least it kept his mind occupied. He’d had a peaceful night’s sleep with Jess being out of town, but it’d taken him a while to finally fall asleep. His thoughts were filled with Ford.

Dana walked towards the produce section first, then decided he’d work his way over to the frozen food. After two repeats down the same freaking aisle, being practically fondled in the meat department, and his hip almost dislocated by a lady operating a scooter, he was finally able to say he was almost done. Last was his deli meat. When all else failed and he was too tired to cook –or even go through a drive-thru – a turkey and cheese sandwich worked in a pinch. Dana was standing in the lengthy line – four people was too long – waiting on his number to be called. He tried to think of what else he needed to do before he went home, but his thoughts kept straying. Of course. It’s either zero or a hundred for me. He’d accepted his attraction to his partner, no longer able to fight it, now he was all the way in left field. Ford consuming his thoughts every free moment.

Dana wasn’t a man who was easy to sneak up on, even at his worst, and with the current bounty they were working on, they were all supposed to be on high alert. So when his bicep was clasped from behind and a strong presence towered over his back, Dana barely flinched, his hand automatically whipping back under his jean coat.

“Easy, shooter. You gonna draw in a store full of people?”

Dana’s eyes widened, then slid half closed as he felt Ford lean in closer to his ear. His dark, voice superseding any and everyone around them. “How did I get the drop on you?”

“You didn’t,” Dana grunted through his slightly parted lips. He turned around to look at Ford and almost swallowed his tongue. It was rare he saw him outside of work hours. He and Brian hung out, but Ford consistently declined. He looked different without all the black and leather. Dana wanted to inch in closer and engulf himself in the obscenely masculine scent coming from the big SEAL. He didn’t smell like cologne, he just smelled like man. Ford looked open, despite the hard look on his handsome face. Dana loved that look. A look of seriousness, maturity and focus at all times.

“What are you doing here?” Ford asked.

“I’m playing a scavenger hunt.” Dana barked a quick laugh when Ford tightened his jaw. “What do you think I’m doing here?”

Ford leaned in, his intense eyes blazing. “Is everything a joke to you?”

Dana glared right back. “No.”

The line had moved on but they were still standing there staring hard when Brian came up looking incredulously between the two of them.

“For real? Here. Now?” Brian shook his head at them, then walked away, his hand-basket still practically empty. But Dana saw the economy size pack of Magnums in there.

“I wasn’t trying to goad you, man. Looks like we’re both getting chores done before we have to go in tomorrow.”

Ford was looking all over Dana’s face like he’d never seen him before. Those hot eyes smoldering all over his skin. What is he doing? Choosing not to piss Ford off more by asking if he had an eye problem, instead he asked, “So what else is on the agenda for today?”

“A couple more things. Then I’m watching the game with Brian tonight.”

Dana raised his brows, like he’d just remembered. “Shit, the game. I forgot. I’m definitely watching that. I might go to a sports bar or something… or just stay at the crib and watch it alone.”

Ford looked like he was waging an internal battle in his head. His forehead creased with concentration and his mouth opened, but nothing came out. Luckily for him Dana’s number was called and he turned to quickly place his order. When he was finished, he thought he’d turn around and find Ford gone, but he was still there, looking… fixated.

Dana didn’t speak anymore. He’d thrown a line out there but didn’t get a bite. The deli clerk gave him his order, terminating his reason to stand there in Ford’s company any longer. “I’ll, umm. I guess, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dana forced a smile and started to walk away when he heard Ford clear his throat.