Page 164 of California Wild

The scrape of boots on the tile broke through his thoughts.

Jesse didn’t look up.

Didn’t need to.

Only one guy walked like that.

“Navarro.”

Heath’s voice was easy, casual. But Jesse knew him too well—there was always an angle with Carrington.

Jesse kept working. “Carrington.”

Heath dropped onto the bench across from him, watching him too carefully.

Jesse ignored him, checking his optics.

“You actually taking care of your gear for once?” Heath teased, smirking. “What the hell happened to you out there?”

Jesse snorted, flicking the safety selector back and forth. “Guess I finally grew up.”

Heath tilted his head, studying him like a puzzle. “That right?”

Jesse didn’t answer. Just kept moving. Kept his hands busy.

Heath leaned back, folding his arms. “You did good, Navarro. No hiccups. No screw-ups.” His voice was calm, even. “You proved yourself. Even Colson can’t argue that.”

Jesse gritted his teeth.

Colson.

His fucking shadow.

The guy had wanted him gone. Didn’t trust him. Still didn’t.

Didn’t matter that Jesse had executed every part of the mission flawlessly.

Didn’t matter that he hadn’t fucked up once.

To Colson, Jesse was still a risk. A liability.

But Heath?

He’d always had Jesse’s back.

Jesse exhaled, shaking his head. “It wasn’t anything special. Just did what I was supposed to do.”

Heath scoffed. “Cut the humble bullshit. You pulled your weight. More than that.” He hesitated, then leaned forward slightly. “Which is why I’m asking you this now.”

Jesse’s jaw tightened.

He already knew where this was going.

“How are you?” Heath asked, voice lighter than the weight behind it.

Jesse kept his eyes on his gear, adjusting straps that didn’t need adjusting.

Finally, he shrugged. “I’m fine.”

---