And Brantley had allowed everyone to think the alpha male was straight because that was the assumption. He stuck to the story that he wasn’t interested in a relationship and kept his intimate encounters on the down low so as not to raise unnecessary questions. And because of that, he hadn’t been able to be himself. Not entirely, at least. So this was refreshing.
They arrived at the restaurant roughly twenty minutes later. It was busy, which was par for the course on a Friday night, and Brantley had to wonder if Reese would be able to bypass the line here, too.
He got his answer a few minutes later when he was following Reese to the bar, peanut shells crunching beneath his boots while a variety of wild animal heads stared down on them as they walked. It was your typical Texas steakhouse, he figured.
Sliding onto a stool on the far side of the room, he made sure his back was to the wall. He’d already identified all the exits as had been beat into him over the years. Even if there weren’t any tangos lurking, Brantley was still not taking any chances. His self-preservation instinct would no longer allow it.
The bartender ran by, muttering that he’d be right with them. There was a couple sitting across from them, on the opposite side of the bar. Not far from there, a trio of guys who were paying attention to one of the half-dozen televisions mounted on the wall. Around them were two- and four-tops filled with customers who were getting their Friday night dinner on and harried waitresses moving to and fro.
He glanced over to see Reese skimming the menu as though he had no idea what he wanted. If Brantley was right, the guy had his favorites planned out already and this was just his way of easing into conversation.
Brantley decided to kick it off. “I know your brother.”
“Figured you did.” Reese smirked. “Any chance you dated him in high school?”
Well, that explained why Reese was so chill on hanging out with a gay man. His brother was clearly out to his family and Reese was evidently cool with it.
“Nope. More like casual acquaintances. Didn’t even realize he was gay. We graduated together.”
A waitress started past them but drew up short, offering to get them drinks. When they both answered with beer, she moved around behind the bar and took care of the order.
“Yep. He was out of high school when I went in.” Reese nodded to the waitress. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
Brantley took his beer, watched the woman as she tried to get Reese’s attention before she finally gave up and wandered off.
“Z’s up in Dallas now,” Reese explained. “Works for Sniper 1 Security. Married Ryan Trexler a few years back.”
“Everyone’s gettin’ married these days,” he said absently. “Never in my life did I expect my cousins to settle down. Especially not Curtis’s boys.”
Reese chuckled. “Now they’ve got a couple dozen rug rats between ’em, too. What about you? Got any nieces or nephews?”
“My oldest sister Sadie’s got two girls. Tori’s got one boy. The rest of ’em are single. Well, except for Cal. He just got engaged.”
“I heard that. I remember Cal, but he was a couple of years ahead of me. I’ve talked to him a few times since I’ve been back, though. He’s been with April a long time, huh?”
“Few years now.”
The bartender stopped by, looking downright frustrated that he had to take the time to jot down their orders. Because he was in such a hurry, Brantley took his sweet time. Reese opted for top sirloin, medium rare, with double mashed potatoes. Because he was trying to be cognizant of how much junk he ate, Brantley opted for chicken breast and a side salad. The bartender talked him into applesauce as a side, so he figured why the hell not.
“He was flirtin’ with you.”
Brantley took a swig of his beer, cut his gaze to Reese’s. “No, he was tryin’ to gauge our relationship.”
“Our?” Reese’s eyes widened. “As in you and me?”
“Yup.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he knows you’re spoken for.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Reese took a long pull on his beer. “So, what’re you up to now that you’re back for good?”
That was the question that seemed to be on everyone’s mind. They wanted to know what Brantley’s intentions were and he almost considered lying but then figured it would be pointless. He detected only sincere curiosity on Reese’s part, so he answered with, “No idea.”
“You’re gonna get bored.”
“Sounds like you’re speakin’ from experience.”
“Oh, I am. I’ve been back a few years now and it takes a lot to keep my mind at ease.”
“What about Walker Demo? What do they have you doin’?”
“Right now, I’m runnin’ the place.”
“It’s not enough?”
Reese picked at the label on his beer, glanced at Brantley. “Between you and me, no.”
