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“I’ve never—what would I need to do?”
    The lost expression on Jessup’s face told Brac how serious he was. “You’ve never dated?”
    A muscle in Jessup’s jaws flexed. “I’m not really the dating type.”
    Brac studied Jessup for several moments. Why would such a good-looking man not date? “Ever?”
    Jessup bent over and picked up Brac’s fishing pole and tackle. “Even one date requires a certain level of trust that I was never prepared to give.” He started down the path.
    Brac jogged to catch up. “So you’ve never trusted anyone?”
    After passing the fishing pole to Brac , Jessup settled the tackle box in his left hand and reached for Brac’s hand with his right. “I trust Priest, and I’m learning to trust you. I think that’s enough.”
    Brac slowed and tugged on Jessup’s hand until he followed suit. “Priest? Is that the guy you were talking to on the phone a couple days ago?”
    “Yeah.”
    A lump formed in Brac’s throat. He mentally crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. “Is he actually your Priest?”
    Jessup erupted in laughter. It was the first real laugh Brac had heard from the often sullen man. “I take that as a no,” Brac mumbled. He wished he could’ve drawn the laughter out of Jessup without mention of the mysterious Priest.
    “Priest is as far from religious as you can get. His name’s James Evans. They call him Priest because he’s the last person most men see before they die.” Jessup grinned. “He plays on it, too. Tells them to confess their sins while they still have a chance.”
    There was something in Jessup’s eyes that spoke of a great amount of affection for this Priest guy. “He’s a killer?” Brac didn’t know Jessup’s story, but the thought of Jessup trusting Priest over him didn’t sit well. Priest didn’t sit well.
    Jessup released Brac’s hand and narrowed his eyes. “So was I, only we prefer the term soldier.”
    Shit! “Sorry. I didn’t mean…” Fuck! Brac was getting damn tired of the taste of his foot.
    Jessup gave a sharp shake of his head. “Call your friends and have them meet us at The Grizzly Bar,” he ordered in a gruff voice.
    Brac knew he’d screwed up. “I said that out of jealousy more than anything else,” he confessed.
    Jessup started down the path. “No reason to be jealous.”
    Brac waited for Jessup to explain but when nothing else was said, he jogged to catch up. With the easiness they’d shared gone, Brac wondered if he was wasting his time in trying to break down Jessup’s walls. He’d seen the tattoo on Jessup’s forearm. Perhaps if he learned the significance, he’d have a better idea.
    When they reached the deck, Jessup turned and took the pole from Brac and stood it against the house next to his cane pole. He dug into his pocket and removed his cell phone before handing it to Brac . “I’m gonna take a quick shower while you call Kit.”
    Moment gone, Brac nodded. He waited for Jessup to disappear before making the call.
    “Hey,” Kit answered on the third ring. “How’re you doing?”
    “Fine. I was wondering if you and Hawk would be interested in dinner tonight at The Grizzly Bar? ”
    “Yes! I can’t believe your warden is letting you have a night out,” Kit teased.
    “It was my idea. I miss you guys. And Jessup said he hasn’t seen any paparazzi around.”
    “Yeah, I think they gave up. I called Jessup yesterday and asked if I could come out to see you, but he said it would be better if I waited.”
    “You called Jessup?” Brac hadn’t been told his best friend wanted to see him.
    “Yeah. I’ve called him every day. Why?”
    “He didn’t tell me.” Brac hated being kept in the dark. Damn Jessup. “So, can you meet us?”
    “Seven okay? Hawk’s in his office working, but I’m sure he could use a break.”
    “Seven’s fine. It’ll give me a chance to get cleaned up.” And have a discussion with Jessup. How dare he keep him from seeing Kit.
    “Later,” Kit