Walker thought about that as Mark started the drive home. Was Doyle gay or bi? Why was he giving endless hints instead of coming out with it?
“You seem to be brewing up a storm there,” Mark said.
Walker huffed. “Just something Doyle said to me. It’s okay.”
“Do you need my help?”
“No. I think we’re cool. God, what a day.”
He massaged his temples, feeling the start of a headache brewing.
“Drink the Gatorade,” Mark ordered.
“Yes, sir.”
Walker meant it jokingly, but from the low growl Mark gave, he liked the sir just fine.
He leaned back, closed his eyes and was asleep in minutes.
“Wake up, big guy.”
Walker opened his eyes to see Mark smiling at him.
“Are we home?” He yawned, his jaw clicking. “Ow.” He had to massage his jaw.
“We’re home.” Mark hesitated before he said, “Si came over to check no one had broken in or left us unwelcome devices.”
“Suppose we better check he hasn’t bugged the place,” Walker said, somewhat sourly.
“That’s what I said to him.”
“What did he say?”
“He told me to fuck off.”
Walker grunted. He had the scanning equipment from Jamie. He wasn’t taking anyone’s word for it.
Mark let out a long sigh of relief as he walked in. He kicked off his shoes and hung up his jacket, Walker doing the same. It was late evening, and they’d promised themselves takeout and bed. Walker had arranged his flight for the next day, but he wouldn’t get to Virginia until the following evening which gave him extra time with Mark.
“It’s good to be home,” Mark said.
Walker was simply happy to be with him.
As he walked into the kitchen, he saw a piece of paper on the countertop. He ignored it, expecting it to be a note from Si for Mark. He was far more interested in coffee.
Mark picked it up and chuckled, holding it out to Walker. “This is yours.”
Walker took it to find the parking ticket he’d gotten three days before. Was it only Monday? It felt like a lifetime. “Wait, it’s got paid written on it.”
“If I had a guess, I’d say Si was feeling guilty, so he took care of your ticket.”
“Huh.” Walker was grateful, but he was still pissed off with Si.
Mark took the ticket from him and threw it back on the counter-top, then he stepped up close and personal in Walker’s space. “What say we order two Greg specials and fuck like bunnies while we wait?”
Walker smiled at him, enfolding him in his arms. “You have the best ideas, Mr. Peterson. Is the bar kitchen still open?”
Mark sighed as he laid his head against Walker’s chest. “It is to us. Si told me to call as soon as we get home.”
“You mean he doesn’t already know?”
Mark lifted his head. “You might just be a tiny bit paranoid, Walker.”
Walker raised an eyebrow.
“Fair point,” Mark said, and put his head back down again.
Walker was content to stay there in Mark’s arms. His stomach had other ideas. It growled loudly. Mark chuckled and he pulled out his phone. Walker stayed where he was, arms around Mark as he made the call.
“Yes, we’re here. Two Greg specials. No, no rush. Give me time to fuck my boy.” Walker made a strangled noise and Mark laughed. “If we don’t answer leave it on the porch. No, don’t come in. You don’t need to catch an eyeful. Yes, he’s perfectly proportioned, thanks.”
Walker was going to die of embarrassment. Mark was discussing fucking him with Si Raines. If the ground could open up and swallow him whole that would be just fine.
Mark ended the call and looked up at him. “You know it’s just us, yeah? We don’t mean anything by it.”
“I know that. I’m just not…it’s only been three days.”
He’d gotten a parking ticket and lost his virginity on the same day. Walker rested his burning cheek on Mark’s head.
“I don’t share,” Mark said suddenly. “Just in case you’re worried. It would only be you in my bed.”
Walker was relieved, because he knew he had a faithful heart and he could never be in an open relationship. A thought occurred to him and much as he didn’t want to ask the question, it had to be done.
"If Lukas walked back into your life, what would you say?"
Mark looked up at him, his smile wistful, and Walker's heart sank. Mark took Walker's hand and laid it flat over his heart. "I'd wish him well and walk away. Someone else has got my heart now."
"Someone?"
"Now you're pushing it." The growl in Mark's voice made him shiver but he needed to hear the words.
"Just say it," Walker said. "I need to hear you say it."
"You have my heart, Josiah Walker."
Walker smiled. "And you have all of mine. And it’s just Walker."
“Just Walker, huh?” Mark raised an eyebrow in obvious challenge.
“Or your boy.”
“My boy. I can live with that.”
Mark pulled Walker’s head down to kiss him.
Chapter 17
Three months later
Walker stood at the top of the stoop to Mark’s house not sure whether to knock or bolt. It was an even bet at the moment. Blood pounded in his ears and his palms were so sweaty he had to wipe them on his jeans. He stood for five minutes, not having the courage to knock. Finally, he raised a fist to pound on the door when it suddenly flung open. It was only Mark’s quick reflexes that stopped him getting Walker’s fist in his face.
“Oh Jesus, I’m sorry.” Walker was ready to run away.
“It’s okay, come on in.”
Usually Mark shoved Walker against the wall and kissed him until he forgot his name, but this time Mark stood back, giving him space as he shut the door on the chill night air. Walker faced him not sure what to say. He’d rehearsed his speech all the way from the agency, writing it out on the plane, but now facing Mark, the words drained away and he was left with nothing, unsure what to say.
“Come here,” Mark said and tugged Walker into his arms.
Walker wrapped his arms around Mark and buried his face in Mark’s neck, knowing he was shaking. Mark held him tight, one hand tracing soothing circles on his back.
“It’s all right. It’s all right. You’re here now.”
Walker leaned into Mark’s strength and let him take all the uncertainty and fear he’d been feeling, knowing he could take it. Finally he calmed enough to say, “I’ve left the agency.”
Mark didn’t react, didn’t stiffen, and it was obvious he already knew from the way he hugged Walker closer to him.
“Who told you?”
“Mitch called me.”
Walker should have known that Mitch would have called Mark first, to ensure Mark would be there to take care of him.
“Are you disappointed in me?” he asked, his voice very quiet.
Mark did stiffen at that point. He raised Walker’s chin with one hand, forcing Walker to look into his eyes.