“Diesel?”
“Yes?” Diesel poked his head back through the doorway, looking wary.
“Do you have a laptop I can borrow?”
Diesel’s expression cleared, and he returned shortly with a laptop before leaving him again.
He carried the computer to the table and fired it up, making himself a temporary profile. From there, he started looking at what it would take to get his driver’s license and massage therapy license in the state of Oregon. He was making his own plans.
A half an hour or so later, the chair across from him scraped the floor and Diesel lowered into it. He could tell that Diesel had been outside again because he brought the smell of forest and rain in with him.
When Diesel didn’t say anything, Triton finally looked up from the screen to find the man’s gaze locked on him.
“What?” He bit his lip.
Diesel reached out and carefully placed his muddy cell phone on the table between them.
Shit.
“We’re talking, and you’re not leaving anything out.”
“What do you want to know?”
“For starters, why did Molly bring this to me? Did you lose it or toss it?”
“I tossed it.”
Diesel nodded and held it up. The screen was locked. “Is there something on this?”
He hesitated, but Diesel didn’t say anything, he just kept looking at him until finally, Triton reached over and took the phone and found Clay’s last text.
Diesel’s jaw flexed as he read it.
“I’m going to get a new number.”
“You could have that changed with a phone call.”
“I know.”
“Then why throw your phone away?”
“Because I thought it would be easier to say I lost it than I need a new phone number.”
“You don’t need to lie like that any longer.”
He hung his head, squeezing his hands together. The disappointing tone in Diesel’s voice killed him.
“You’ve learned some bad habits that I’m hoping with time you’ll let go of.”
Triton lifted his head and stared at the soldier. “I lie because it’s embarrassing.” Diesel blurred when his eyes filled, and Triton dashed a hand at his face.
“Boy, I think you lie because that’s what you’re used to. And that right there shows you have self-esteem issues.”
Teeth clenched, Triton bit back his protest and sat very still.
“A man owns his actions. A confident person doesn’t need to lie to cover up issues. You’re young. Hopefully, that will change as you get older.”
Triton lifted a hand to cover his mouth. He’d just proven to Diesel how immature he was by lying. Triton knew in his heart that Diesel would never lie. The age gap seemed far bigger than he’d ever imagined.
Shakily, he dashed at his eyes again. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. You’ll get through it.” Diesel’s strong hand reached and closed over his, bringing his head back up. Flipping his hand, he grasped the rough palm with his.
Will I? He swallowed back the words and then yanked his gaze away from Diesel to stare at Clay’s threatening text.
The screen went dark and he withdrew his hand to hit the button on the cell phone. The screen stayed blank.
“Guess you’ll need a new phone after all. Get your coat.” Diesel’s smirking held a smile.
Triton didn’t argue, he let the smile grow on his lips and jumped from the chair.
The rain had stopped for a bit, but had left the ground muddy. Everything was green, the flowers were bright and colorful, and Triton drew in a deep breath of fresh air.
Climbing inside of Diesel’s SUV, he closed the door. “This SUV is really nice.” He ran his hand over the door handle and the center console between them before buckling his seatbelt.
Diesel gave him an amused smirk and pulled out of the garage and onto the street. “You rode in this the other day to the doctor’s office.”
“I know, I just didn’t get a chance to say it was nice.”
“Thanks. I bought it last year, but I don’t drive it much. I’ve taken it out more with you here than I have all year.”
“Oops?” He gave a cheeky smile.
Diesel snorted.
“Where are we going?”
Diesel took the short street that merged into the local two-lane highway.
“The only phone store around is in Klamath Falls, a few hours away.”
“Is that where the hospital is that I was taken to?” He squeezed his hand tightly on the door.
“No, you were taken to Fern Community on the edge of town, but Fern doesn’t have a cell phone store.” Diesel tossed him a quick glance and Triton tried to smile.
“Oh, okay.”
Diesel stopped the SUV in the gravel on the side of the deserted highway and turned to him.
Triton’s heart thumped and he hugged himself.
“What are you nervous about?”
“I’m not nervous.”
Diesel’s jaw went tight. Triton could see in the older man’s eyes he was disappointed.
“I’m sorry. I’m trying.”
“I know you are. So let’s try this again. What are you nervous about?”
“I’m scared Auto will find me,” he blurted, and then ducked his face into his hands. The long sleeves of the sweatshirt covered his palms and cast, and he rubbed his mouth into the softness. A hand touched the back of his head and then Diesel’s fingers stroked through his hair.
“He won’t get you,” Diesel gruffly reassured him.
Triton settled beneath the firm grip and lifted his head to gaze at Diesel. After a moment longer, Diesel gave one more warm squeeze and then pulled the SUV back onto the highway.
Triton turned sideways and gazed at the big, silent soldier, but Diesel didn’t look in his direction until they reached the city.
Not only a new phone, but they stopped at a clothing store and he picked up several pairs of jeans, shirts, and essentials Diesel insisted on even when he told the soldier he didn’t have enough money.
“I’ll pay you back, I promise.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I will.”
“I believe you.”
A warm feeling swept into his chest and heat traveled into his face before he lowered his eyes.
Diesel believed him.
On the way back home, Diesel pulled into a parking lot in front of a plant and tree nursery.
“Oh!” He clapped his hands, feeling giddy. “Are we buying plants?” He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt this excited.
“I thought we could get some flowers for the front of the house.” Triton saw the smile Diesel was trying to hide, but the man was happy. It showed.
“Yay!”
“Maybe a few more plants for the inside.”
Sliding out of the SUV, he grew giddy when Diesel linked their fingers; the man’s grasp made him feel warm inside. A shiver raced over his skin at the firm, rough grip.
A steady stream of customers wandered through displays packed with plants. He ran the tips of his fingers over a Philodendron and then a bright green fern.
Diesel stopped next to a display of Marigolds and Poppies. “Which ones?”