Page 54 of Raven's Hunt
“Maybe. Or maybe, she’s hoping you’ll notice her. Which, based on how you’re looking at me as if you want to throttle me for asking you about her, you already have.”
Dalton gestured to Buck’s mug. “Just drink your damn coffee.”
“Deflection. Nice. And for what it’s worth, I think she’s great, and you should definitely ask her out.”
Dalton stared at Buck over the rim of the mug. “As you pointed out, I have issues. Hell, you just asked me if I was spiraling. Does that sound like the kind of man who’s dating material, let alone relationship material?”
Buck met Dalton’s intense gaze. “Have you stopped to consider that maybe she’s exactly who you need to help with all that?”
“Or, maybe I should deal with it before I put her in a potentially dangerous situation.”
“You’re not dangerous. If anything, she’d never be safer than when she was with you.”
“Until I fall asleep.”
Buck paused. Dalton had crashed in Buck’s RV more than a few times while they’d been watching out for Nick and Sloane, and Dalton had woken, once, from a nightmare. He’d stormed out of the room, eyes dark, muscles primed, gotten Buck in a choke hold before Buck had finally jolted him out of the delusion — gotten him to stand down.”
Buck thumbed the handle. “You’re… intense when you’re in the midst of a flashback. I won’t deny it. But I knew you wouldn’t hurt me. Not really. And Avery doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who frightens easily. She knows the broad strokes — that you were held. That Nick finally got you out. And I know there’s way more to the story. Pieces you won’t talk about. But none of that has scared her off, yet. Might be worth giving it a shot.”
Dalton stared for another minute before breaking eye contact. “We’re not talking about screaming and bolting awake. I could have killed you.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Not for lack of trying.”
“Dalton. Eric. No one expects you to walk out of five years’ worth of torture and not have the kind of scars that go soul deep. But I thought you’d survived all that so you could have a second chance? Doesn’t that include love?”
Dalton rolled his shoulders, looking as if his skin didn’t quite fit.
Buck sighed, pushing to his feet. “I’m not trying to pry.”
“Sure, you are.”
“Are you saying you don’t have feelings for her?” He waited, but Dalton just sat there. “Just, keep an open mind. It took meeting Tierney, having Chase and the others save my ass, before the voices quieted long enough for me to pull myself together — give myself permission to move on. All I’m saying is, I think she’d be good for you. And I think you’ve got way more to offer than you give yourself credit for.” He held up his mug. “I’ll grab a cup for Tier. Take her some food before we head in.”
Dalton waited until Buck had grabbed the stuff, headed for the room before clearing his throat. “If you two need a day…”
Buck stopped, glanced at him over his shoulder. “Thanks, but this thing with Pike and whoever sold out her team is eating at her. I think she’d prefer to get an update in person, even if there’s nothing new.” He grinned. “Thanks for everything. Not sure what I’d do without you, brother.”
Dalton nodded, though, Buck had obviously struck a nerve. Proof the guy cared far more than he was letting on. Buck just needed to find a way to crack that stubborn exterior. Which all had to wait until after they’d uncovered who’d set up Tierney’s team for that ambush.
Until she was finally free.
Chapter Seventeen
Gray skies hid the afternoon sun, the promise of rain hanging in the air as Tierney jumped out of Buck’s truck, headed for the main office. It had been five days since Pike’s death, and the uneasy quiet scratched at her resolve.
Buck held open the door, palming the small of her back as he ushered her inside, the casual contact grounding the jumpy roll of her stomach. She still couldn’t believe she’d taken that leap — moved beyond friends. But she had to admit, it felt right. Like a puzzle piece that just slid into place. No fanfare. No fuss, just the perfect fit.
She walked into the main room, handing out the coffee order they’d picked up at the local café. A job Wade usually undertook, but the man was running late, and Buck’s teammates needed the caffeine fix to keep pushing through.
Sloane thanked Tierney, moaning as she took a long sip. “Jesus, where has this been all my life? I think I’m in love.”
Nick frowned as he grabbed his own cup. “I’m literally standing right here.”
Sloane looked over at him, batted her eyelashes. “I know.”
Nick shook his head, nudging Buck. “See? That’s what life’s like with an operative. And Tierney’s MI6. I suggest you sleep in Kevlar.”
