Page 98 of Gunner

“You are easily the most gorgeous man here.”

Ben. In civilian clothes, fingers hooked in the loop of his jeans, grinning. From the way he was looking at Gift, tickling her tummy, I knew he was just teasing me, but I didn’t care.

“You made it.”

“You wanted me here, didn’t you?”

I inhaled deeply and looked into his eyes. The depth of emotions in there both left me uneasy and fucking happy. My feelings weren’t one-sided.

That he was here only proved it.

26

BEN

I've been feeling bad about the way I've been treating Ben. He doesn't deserve this. Told Gunner I won't see him for a while. Maybe never again.

Iwas just getting used to seeing Gunner with a baby in his arms when Bay swooped in for his daughter. The way she took one last look at Gunner before diving into her father’s arms was comical. Gunner pretended to be offended that she so easily gave up her infatuation with him, smacking her diapered butt, which set her into gales of laughter. She kicked her little legs and blew him a raspberry while patting Bay’s cheeks.

“Now I know who can babysit when Gerald and I need some free time,” Bay said with a grin. “Hope you get a lot of recruits, Gunner. I’m out. “

“You’re leaving?” I asked. I’d gotten to know him from the case. The others were basically strangers.

“Yup. Gave Ger the morning off to relax, but he’s woken up from his nap. He still worries we’ll corrupt our little angel.”

The thought had crossed my mind, but several kids were running around, and they seemed happy and healthy. The booth where they were getting their faces painted was a huge success. Before, I’d only met men, but today they’d come with their wives, girlfriends, and everything in between.

When Bay walked off, Gunner placed an arm around my waist and pulled me firmly to his side. Caught off guard at his familiarity in the open, I stiffened.

“Relax,” Gunner said. “No one gives a damn about us.”

A quick sweep of the yard revealed the truth of his words. Everyone was minding their own business in one way or another, chatting, drinking, and eating. A DJ kept the place lively, and an enormous man I recognized as one of the Reapers operated a tattoo booth. A group of men were gathered around the parked motorcycles, showing off their rides.

I returned my attention to Gunner. “This is—”

Warm lips pressed against mine in a desperate kiss, like Gunner had been wanting to do that for a while. He rested a hand against my neck, and I moaned. He chuckled and released my lips.

“Gets you every time,” he murmured in my ear.

I groaned. “One day I’ll know your tell too.”

“You’re my tell.”

Now why the hell would he say something like that? Was this what happened when a criminal fell in love? Because his look, which seemed to hold all the energy he’d harnessed for all his misdeeds, was directly aimed at me. I had all his attention. It was scary but also exciting to be wanted this much.

“Are you staying?” he asked.

I nodded. I really shouldn’t, but I was already here. What was the use of pretending anymore?

“Good. I have to mingle, but I won’t be too far. If any of those idiots say anything to you, tell me.”

“Why? I can take care of myself. You’ll never have to worry about me.”

“Shows how much you know. All I do is worry. I’m not used to it, Benjamin. I’m not used to the things you make me feel.”

Gunner walked off, and I watched him go, his words leaving me with a hunger in my gut. He was more open about his feelings than I’d have ever thought he could be. Whether it was all an act, I had no idea, but I could feel myself falling for it.

“Uncle Ben!” Jamie rushed up to me.