Page 75 of Lethal Sins

Maybe it was time to wet his own hook. The thought both terrified and exhilarated him, much like the woman who’d stolen his heart without even trying.

Cody stared at the velvet box in Tai’s hand. Could he actually grasp at a bright new future? A life with Paige? The possibility both electrified and terrified him, setting his nerves alight with conflicting emotions.

His fingers tightened on the edge of the sink, knuckles bleaching bone-white. The fear of dragging her deeper into the abyss of danger warred with the soul-deep ache of wanting her in his life. He’d spent so long pushing people away, keeping them safe by maintaining a careful distance. But now ...

“You like her, right?” Bridger asked, his tone as serious as a judge’s gavel. “I meanreallylike her.”

“Yes. Sure. I mean, absolutely. It’s not that ...” Cody fumbled for words, feeling like a teenager again.

“Paige has faced down danger since the day we met,” Tai added, his usually jovial face uncharacteristically solemn. “You don’t need to protect her.”

Cody wasn’t so sure about that. The remnants of the Consortium, whatever sinister name they now operated under, would likely hunt down her and her entire team anyway. But they’d want him worse, like sharks scenting blood in the water.

Bridger wrapped an arm around his shoulders, the gesture both comforting and grounding. “Here’s the thing. Either you want to build a life with Paige, or you don’t. The rest of thisgarbage can’t factor into your decision. There’s already way too much evil in this world. Don’t let them steal this from you, too.”

“But if you’re not sure you’re ready to be a one-woman man, you should walk away now,” Tai said, his eyes glinting with protective steel.

“Or run,” Bridger added, his tone brooking no argument. “Because if you’re toying with our girl ...”

“I think I need to talk to her,” Cody said, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking the words too loudly might shatter the fragile hope building in his chest.

Tai’s face split into a grin as bright as a Texas sunrise. “Now you’re talking! But listen, buddy, you’re gonna have to go big here.”

A slap on the back nearly sent Cody stumbling. “Trust me. I’ll hook you up. I know from big.”

“Thanks,” Cody managed, a potent cocktail of gratitude and apprehension churning in his gut. He was grateful for the support, but Tai’s idea of ‘big’ was slightly terrifying, like staring down the barrel of an unpredictable weapon.

Bridger chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t look so scared. It can’t be worse than defusing a bomb, right?”

Yeah, it could. This wasn’t just about his life anymore. It was about Paige’s too. About their future, stretching out before them like an uncharted wilderness.

He closed his eyes, trying to center himself in the eye of the emotional storm. In the end, he’d have to lean into his faith. The Lord would guide him in the right direction, illuminating the path ahead. The Lord would make things right. All he had to do was summon the courage to follow his heart’s true north.

Cody took a deep breath, the mingled scents of dish soap and friendship grounding him in the moment. He opened his eyes, meeting the supportive gazes of his new friends, seeing in them a reflection of the man he could become.

“Alright,” he said, squaring his shoulders like a soldier preparing for battle. “I’m in. Whatever you’ve got planned, Tai, I’m in. But I need to talk to her before we fly out.” If she turned him down, he had no intention of joining the team on the West Coast.

In fact, he’d repack his go bag now. That way, he could melt away into the shadows, dragging his shattered heart with him.

As Tai launched into an enthusiastic explanation of his plan, his words a rapid-fire burst of ideas, Cody’s gaze drifted towards the hallway leading to Paige’s room. His heart raced with a heady mixture of fear and anticipation. He was stepping into unknown territory, more perilous than any mission he’d ever undertaken.

Missions required mental focus. This required laying bare his heart.

But for Paige, it was worth the risk. For a chance at a life with her, he’d face any danger, scale any mountain.

Dishtowel in hand, Bridger leaned close, his breath warm against Cody’s ear. “Don’t worry. Much. Tai hasn’t blown anything up in weeks. This’ll be great.”

Cody ran a shaking hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble beneath his fingers. The only thing likely to blow up was his heart, and he prayed it would be in a shower of joy rather than shrapnel of regret.

49

“I’m almost there,”Paige said as Tai poked his head into her room again. “I think I can get this antidote figured out before we head for the airfield.”

If Tai stopped interrupting her. This had to be the tenth time he’d checked on her in the last hour.

“You need a break,” he insisted, barreling straight toward her. “Check this out.”

She frowned at the VR headset Tai thrust into her hands, her suspicion meter rocketing off the charts. “What’s this about?”

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