Sin City Uniform 02 - Copping an Attitude by Morticia Knight Read Free Book Online Page B

Progressing.”
    Parker drew his hand back. Brett was right. Even if neither one of them had overtly come out and said anything about advancing their relationship, Parker had certainly never done or said anything to discourage it either.
    “I’m sorry, Brett. You’re right. I can see how it would’ve come across that way to you.”
    Brett grunted. “Came across to me . Right.”
    He dropped his gaze and Parker felt like a first-class piece of shit. There wasn’t a thing Brett had ever done to deserve being unfairly led on.
    “God, Brett, I really am sorry. You’re a great guy—nice, fun, hot as hell. It’s just that I—”
    “Don’t.” Brett grabbed Parker’s wrist. “Really. You don’t have to. I get it.” He finally raised his eyes. “I shouldn’t have assumed. I could’ve talked about things, but I didn’t want to pressure you.” He gave Parker a lopsided smirk. “Maybe I could sense it.”
    “Brett, I—”
    “A hug before I go?”
    “Please stay. We can still grab a bite, maybe catch a film. You don’t have to go.”
    Brett chuckled and shook his head. “Parker, I’m in love with you and you don’t feel that way about me. I can’t ‘hang out’. I’m not mad at you—well, maybe a little—but I really just need to be alone right now.”
    Parker lowered his head. Brett rose from the bed and began to pull his clothes on and get his things together. Feeling like an idiot, Parker got dressed as well. He walked Brett to the door. It seemed as if Brett was about to leave without the hug he’d requested and Parker couldn’t stand it.
    “Hey, come here.”
    Parker wrapped his arm around Brett’s shoulder then pulled him in a tight embrace. He whispered next to his ear.
    “You’re an amazing man, I fucking mean that. I’ve loved the time we’ve spent together.”
    Brett stepped back, giving him a tight smile. He nodded slightly, lingered for a few seconds gazing at Parker, then turned and left. After Parker shut the door, the weight of it all descended on him. His gut was all twisted up. He needed a shower. Maybe a run.
    Shit.
    He couldn’t settle his mind, so he went for the first most logical thing and got into the shower. The heated water soothed his body even if his thoughts were still reeling. After he’d shut off the water and dried up, he headed back into the bedroom to check his cell. If Brett had changed his mind and didn’t want to be alone after all, Parker wanted to be there for him. There was a missed call and Parker checked to see if it was from Brett.
    Beau.
    Parker tapped the phone icon to return the detective’s call.
    “Sorry again, Parker, but I thought of something else. Did that kid mention anything about a young woman at all? One of our sources who thought the name ‘Slade’ sounded familiar said he and this woman would buddy up, cover for each other around Julio. We’re trying to get a name on her because she’s a potential target also.”
    Parker rubbed his forehead in frustration. He was of no help to anyone.
    “I’m sorry, Beau. We honestly spoke no more than a few minutes and I was the one who did most of the talking. He wasn’t feeling very conversational, if you know what I mean.”
    “I figured. I just needed to make sure.”
    Once Parker had disconnected the call, he dropped onto the edge of his bed. His relaxing evening at home had not worked out at all. Once again, he was back to wondering if Slade would be okay. If he was okay. Beau had said they were only at the information gathering stage. So what did that mean if Slade was in danger at that moment? It might be too late before Beau or his associates could find and protect him.
    God damn it.
    He had the sensation that he was about to crawl out of his skin and he couldn’t stay in his apartment one second longer all alone with his troubling thoughts. What he really needed was to get out of there. He grabbed his keys and cell phone before hurrying out of the door.
    Maybe Beau isn’t ready to