Shooting Star by Carol Lynne Read Free Book Online Page B

just entering the restaurant. Brac recognised the two men and boy from the pictures Kit had shown him.
    “I’ll go over and cuddle Joey while the two of you talk.” He stood and kissed Kit. “Order me a medium-rare fillet with fries.”
    “Love you,” Kit whispered against Hawk’s mouth after he kissed her again.
    “Love you,” Hawk returned.
    Kit watched Hawk cross the restaurant with a smile on her face. The simple gesture made Brac feel even worse. Maybe he wanted love so badly he was willing to settle for a man like Jessup who carried around a shitload of problems like a goddamn shield.
    “Have you slept with him?” Kit asked.
    “Hawk? Hell no!”
    Kit slapped Brac’s arm. “I wasn’t talking about Hawk.” She turned her gaze towards the man who was blowing raspberries on the small boy’s stomach. Stabbing a finger in Hawk’s direction, Kit shook her head. “Hawk would never cheat. Since he’s found Joey, he’s turned into a real family man.”
    Brac grinned. “Don’t sell yourself short. I think you have more to do with Hawk’s change in lifestyle than anyone. After all, even with a son, Hawk could still be fucking anyone who caught his eye.”
    A waiter stepped up to the table. “What can I get ya ?” he asked.
    Brac hadn’t even opened the menu. He ordered a simple steak salad with dressing on the side much to Kit’s chagrin. “And bring me a Michelob with a Jack chaser.”
    While Kit gave the man her and Hawk’s order, Brac watched Hawk. He’d known the man for several years, but the Hawk of today was nothing like the playboy who used to have men and women going in and out of his house at all hours of the day and night. Hawk was proof that love could change a person if they were open to it. That wasn’t to say Brac was in love with Jessup, but dammit , he felt more for the deputy than he’d felt for anyone else.
    “So what’s going on with you and Jessup?” Kit asked.
    Brac looked away from the scene across the room. “I like him, but he’s really screwed up.”
    Kit chuckled as she settled the napkin in her lap. “Aren’t we all at some point in our lives?”
    “Not like Jessup.” He’d already told Kit about Jessup’s time in prison, but not in detail. “I’ve sucked his cock, but haven’t been allowed to hold him.” Brac picked up the salt shaker and sprinkled his cardboard coaster with a few grains as the waiter came back to the table with their drinks. It took him about two seconds to tilt his head back and pour the Jack Daniels down his throat. He handed the shot glass back to the waiter. “Thanks.”
    “Another?” the waiter asked.
    “Nope. One’s my limit.” Brac followed the whisky down with a gulp of his beer before settling the mug onto the coaster. He returned his attention to Kit. She was staring at him with a confused expression. “What?”
    “Why haven’t you held him?” she asked.
    “Because he freaks out. Something to do with the torture he endured.” Brac shrugged. “I thought if I took things slow I’d gain his trust, but he told me on the way over not to expect anything from him.” A bark of laughter erupted from his throat. “Less than an hour after having his cock in my mouth, he told me not to make more of it than what it was.”
    “I think you more than like this guy.”
    Brac took another drink of his beer. “Why would you say that? I’ve given my fair share of blowjobs to guys without expecting anything in return.”
    “Exactly. The fact that you’re hurt over Jessup’s rebuff tells me he’s different than the others.” Kit reached over and threaded her fingers through Brac’s . “Jessup didn’t want me to tell you this, but I think you need to hear it.”
    “What?”
    “The reporters have been gone for days. When I called to see when you were coming back to town, Jessup told me the country air seemed to be good for you. He asked me to just let you be for a few more days.” Kit squeezed Brac’s hand. “Ryan told me