“What confusion might that be?” Brantley asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“You and me. Whatever this is … I don’t want people to start thinkin’ one thing only to learn it’s not that.”
Honestly, Reese wasn’t sure what he expected Brantley to say, but the understanding nod was not on the list. It was as though Brantley was expecting to be the guinea pig and he was on board with whatever Reese said. Probably should’ve been a relief, but it wasn’t. As much as Reese wanted to think like that, he couldn’t. He had no idea how to identify or label whatever was going on in his head, but it was more than some experiment.
“Hear you loud and clear,” Brantley said, turning away from him. “I’ll make sure JJ keeps it to herself.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Reese countered, stepping forward.
Brantley turned back around, seemed to want to say something but refrained and said in lieu, “I’m not here to put pressure on you, Reese. You wanna use me for your own entertainment”—he raised his hands, motioned to himself—“feel free. I’m more than willing.”
As much as he wanted to get into a heated argument over what this was or was not, Reese knew now wasn’t the time. For one, he fucking had no clue what the hell was going on here. But more importantly, they had a five-year-old girl who was missing. They should be focusing on the mission, not trying to figure out which direction Reese’s sexual orientation flag was flying.
“Then we should go hear JJ out,” Reese told him. “Figure out what this woman’s fascination with the beach has to do with anything.”
Another lift of Brantley’s chin, a clear sign he was surprised by the quick shift in topic. Reese figured the man wasn’t exactly happy about it, but like usual, he was willing to go with the flow.
And that was something they’d have to discuss in the future, too.
Along with the rest of … whatever the fuck this was.
Chapter Thirteen
“Well?” Travis asked his husband when he stepped into their home office and found Gage sitting at the desk, his head in his hands.
“Haven’t heard back. Still waitin’ for them to get the message to Mr. Prince. They’ve confirmed that, yes, he is onboard the ship, but they haven’t yet located him,” he grumbled as he lifted his head.
Travis’s gut clenched when he saw how bloodshot his husband’s eyes were. He doubted his were any better, but it pained him to see the man hurting like this. But as much as he wanted to shoulder all the weight, to alleviate Kylie’s and Gage’s agony, he knew it wasn’t possible. The only thing that would give them any peace was for them to find Kate and bring her home.
“What about you?” Gage asked. “Did you—”
His words were cut off by the doorbell chiming loudly.
Gage was instantly on his feet, eyes squinting as though he could see who it was that way.
Travis pivoted and headed for the door. Figuring it was the sheriff stopping by to tell them they hadn’t been able to find anything yet—because that was what everybody was fucking telling them—he jerked it open only to come face-to-face with a couple of familiar faces from his past.
Standing on his front porch were Luke McCoy and Luke’s husband, Cole Ackerley. Their expressions mirrored the somber mood that had settled over the house.
“Travis,” Luke greeted, holding out his hand.
Travis took the proffered hand, but rather than shake, he jerked Luke forward for a hug. Some back slapping ensued, and Travis could feel the comfort the man was attempting to offer.
“What brings you here?” he asked, stepping back and allowing them into the house.
“We heard what was going on,” Luke replied. “Figured we’d come down, see if we can help.”
Travis exhaled heavily. “I wish I could say there was somethin’ you could do, but the police are doin’ all they can. Plus my cousin’s chasin’ down a few leads.”
Luke’s steady gaze remained on his face. “I was thinking more along the lines of the resort. Thought maybe we could offer our assistance in running it for the time being. Relieving you and your brothers so you can take care of the more important things.”
Travis thrust a hand through his hair. “Honest to God, I haven’t thought twice about the resort.”
As far as he was concerned, the place could go up in flames and it wouldn’t make a damn difference to him. Right now, the only thing Travis could focus on was his missing daughter.
“Hence the reason we’re here. Just to offer a helping hand.”
Peering over his shoulder at Gage, he saw the relief there. If he had to guess, Gage was attempting to keep everything in balance even if it was tearing him apart inside.
“I’m not gonna refuse the offer,” Travis told Luke.
