Page 80 of The Wounded Warrior

“Don’t look at him.” Matt scooped up some salsa with a chip. “They won’t chance the food since you and Luke are sharing. Try to be casual.”

“Right. Casual. You ever felt like you had a target on your back?”

“Nope. I bet Luke knows what it feels like. You ever thought you drew it on yourself?”

“No. I didn’t start this thing, Matt LeBlanc, but I damn sure intend to finish it.”

“Well, then, I reckon the LeBlancs will have to help.”

“Apparently I can use some assistance.”

“You are kinda…flashy, McConnell. You stand out.”

Luke came back in without the beer bottle, wheeling smoothly up to the table. “Did I miss anything important?” he asked with a smile.

“I think your brother and I just came to an agreement about something.” Maybe.

“Okay.” Luke glanced at Matt. “I just needed to get something done. Someone will be coming by. The water safe?”

Matt nodded once. “Clean as a whistle.”

“Good deal. The bottle is locked in the truck.” Luke had his back to the bar, so he asked, “Bartender run yet?”

“No sir, but he’s sure fixin’ to. You want me to stop him?”

Rory was so caught up in the amazing wonders of the LeBlanc brothers that he couldn’t hardly blink.

“Nah. The folks here will know his name and address.” Luke laughed. “The more he runs, the more guilty he looks.”

“Do you think…? Maybe I should go.”

“You stay, McConnell. If you’re gonna be part of our family you’d best know, you don’t run. Never ever run.” Matt never glanced away from his salsa.

Luke nodded easily. “Balls to the wall, Rory. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Rory laughed, because that was a Navy SEAL saying he actually knew from movies. Luke had a thousand of them.

“Right. Sorry, I forgot to be super macho for a second, but I’m on it now.”

Matt laughed now, the sound bright, almost merry. And Luke said Matt had the nerve to call him an adrenaline junkie.

“Here you go.” The waitress brought their food, handing out super-hot plates. She blinked at Rory. “You want another beer? Jim had to go home, but I’m old enough to serve.”

“Can you bring it with the cap still on, hon?” Matt asked. “He’s particular.”

Luke nodded. “He’s a fancy-assed lawyer.”

“That’s me. Fancy-assed, particular lawyer.” He didn’t roll his eyes. Much.

She giggled and left them, bringing back a new beer and more salsa. “Y’all holler if you need anything else.”

“Man, she’s gonna be sad when the sheriff’s office sends someone,” Luke murmured. “Mmm. Nachos.”

He wasn’t sure he could eat, but he’d be damned if he pussied out with Luke and Matt watching him. Brazen it out. The story of his life.

Besides, the nachos were really good. The chimi came out in one piece, too, and they split it to two plates, so he felt relatively safe.

Before long they were chatting away like monkeys, then a long shadow crossed them. “Can I join y’all?”

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