Page 30 of Heart in Waiting
Reese left his side and went right over to Carter and Olivia and tapped her brother on his shoulder. Carter turned toward her and frowned. Dane couldn’t hear what Reese said to him, but from the look on his face, it didn’t make him too happy. That particular scowl of his had scared a lot of people in the past. Carter glanced past Reese at Carter. Then he walked over to his partner. Reese stayed behind with Olivia.
“How long were you two watching us?”
“Long enough,” Dane replied. “Are you going to join us at the table for dinner?”
“Yeah.” Carter shoved his hands into his pockets. “What’s happening between me and Olivia...”
“Is your business,” Dane interrupted him. “I don’t need to know anything else.”
Carter nodded. “I’d expect you to say something like that. Men like us don’t do serious relationships.” He glanced over at Olivia. “With her, I want more though.”
Dane understood. He didn’t want to, but he did. He’d do anything for Reese, but he’d never told Carter how he felt about his little sister. He wasn’t sure how his friend would react to that bit of news. One day he’d open that vein and hope his friend didn’t beat him bloody. Carter was protective of his sisters—more so after Nolan had entered the picture.
“Then don’t let her go,” Dane said. “But don’t lose your head either. At least keep it together until after we catch Nolan. Neither one of us can afford to make a mistake.”
“Understood,” Carter said. “I won’t let my interest become a distraction.”
“Some distractions are hard to avoid.” Dane looked over at Reese. She was his biggest one. He and Carter had that much in common. He turned and met his partner’s gaze. “Hopefully they don’t prove hazardous.”
He hated the situation they were in. Nolan could be anywhere, and they still had nothing to go on. He wanted his brother found and locked up. Reese shouldn’t fear for her life. Dane had always wanted to keep her safe, and this whole situation was driving him crazy.
“Don’t stress about things we can’t plan for,” Carter said calmly. “We will find Nolan.”
“I know we will,” Dane replied. His voice had a harsh edge to it. “I hope it isn’t too late when we do.”
Dane trusted Carter to do the right thing. He was a good man and had been by his side for a long time. There wasn’t anyone else he trusted more. Olivia seemed to make him happy, and Dane wished them nothing but the best. Reese was Dane’s main concern, and he would make sure no one ever hurt her. Carter would do his part. There wasn’t any doubt of that, but Dane believed in being prepared. He had to consider the possibility he might be on his own protecting Reese.
“I refuse to believe Nolan will win.”
“Me either,” Dane said. “But, tonight, we are going to face a different kind of evil—your mother.”
Carter groaned. “Don’t remind me. I suppose we should retrieve Reese and Olivia and head to our table.”
“Unfortunately, we do,” Dane replied cynically. “But at least we know your mother won’t kill us.”
“Not for lack of trying,” Carter muttered under his breath. “If words were fatal, we’d all have been a bloody mess a long time ago.”
Truer words had never been spoken... “Come on,” Dane patted him on the back. They both had a lot on their plate, but there was still hope. Nolan was still in hiding. When he made his move, they’d be ready for him. “Let’s escort the ladies to dinner. Hopefully it won’t last too long, and we can perhaps enjoy a bit of dancing and general revelry at a safe distance from the bitch queen.”
Carter laughed and followed him as they headed toward Reese and Olivia. The evening would be a good one. Dane would try his best to make sure no one hurt Reese and that she enjoyed the benefit. The rest of it could wait until they had more information.
