If I Didn't Know Better (The Callaways #9)(44)

Kent nodded, understanding in his eyes. "It took me awhile to get past that."

"How did you get past it?"

"A lot of sleepless nights and some really bad art."

"You should have called me."

"And whined about the fact that I couldn't sleep? I don't think so. I'm not a pansy ass."

"I wouldn't have thought that. You went through a lot, Kent. It's not at all surprising you'd have to deal with some fallout." Kent had been held hostage for twelve hours before they'd been able to rescue him, and Jeremy knew that he'd suffered a great deal during that time period. He still hated that it had taken them so long to get him out.

"Well, it's over now. I've made peace with my past, and I like living here. I get enough excitement on the job to suit my adrenaline needs, and the rest of the time I sleep well."

"Plus, there's a sexy doctor who gets your motor running," Jeremy said with a laugh.

"There is that," Kent agreed, clinking his glass to Jeremy's. "It's taken me over a year to get a date, though."

"She's making you wait."

"At first, she wouldn't date me because I was a patient, then I was too recent of a patient. Now, she's run out of excuses. I'm planning to see Eva this weekend."

"You and a shrink—not a bad combination."

Kent's face sobered. "I'm not sure about that. I wonder if part of Eva's resistance is based on what I talked to her about when I first came back here. It's not like we talk about what we've done with just anyone. I told her things I wouldn't tell a woman I wanted to date. Maybe it was too much, too heavy."

"I guess you'll find out." He completely understood what Kent was saying. It wasn't just that what they did was classified; it was that it was too painful, too horrible, to share with a civilian. It was easier to compartmentalize, lock those memories away where no one needed to go. It was how they survived. But sometimes, as in Kent's situation, the memories had to be unlocked in order to get past them. He didn't plan on going down that path. "Let's talk about something else. Why don't you buy me another beer?"

"You got it," Kent said, asking for another round from the bartender. "Speaking of beautiful women…"

"Don't go there," he warned.

"Mia is pretty, sexy and blonde, which means she fits all your requirements."

"She's my neighbor and a friend."

"Since when do you have friends who are that hot?"

"Since now," he said. "And I do look for a few more traits in a woman than the superficial ones you just mentioned. But all that aside, let's not forget I have a daughter who is my constant chaperone."

"So you're really not going to see what could happen with Mia?"

"She's leaving in a few weeks. I'm probably going to do the same. What's the point?"

"I don't know—how about a few weeks of great sex?"

"Do I need to mention my chaperone again?"

"That's what babysitters are for."

"Maybe in another life, but not the one I currently have…"

"You only get one life. You can't waste it. Seriously, Jeremy—"

He put up a hand. "No more serious talk. You promised me fun. That's why I came."

"Fine, sorry." He paused. "Here come the guys."

Jeremy stood up as Kent got up to introduce him to Joe Silveira, chief of police and two other officers, Colin Lynch and Jason Marlowe.

"We met earlier," Colin said, giving him a friendly grin. "At the music festival. That was fun, huh?"

"Ashlyn had a good time with your daughters and your nieces," he admitted.

"Let's grab a table," Kent said, and they headed across the room.

"Kent tells me you're in Delta," Joe said.

He sat down next to the chief. "I was. But I messed up my shoulder. My status is uncertain."

"Kent speaks very highly of you. If you're looking to change jobs, I'd be interested in talking further. We have an opening coming up this fall."

"I appreciate that. I'll definitely consider it."

"I hope so. We could use someone like you."

"Really? I never saw myself as a police officer."

"You're protecting a community, making the world a safer place. Isn't that what you've been doing in the Army?"

Joe had a point. "True."

"Angel's Bay has a way of clearing out the cobwebs and showing you what you really want," the chief added. He smiled. "Damn, I'm starting to sound like my wife."

"Charlotte was a good catch. I knew her growing up."

"Believe me, I am very aware of how lucky I am to have her in my life. She's something special."

"Hey, guys, a pool table opened up in the back," Jason said. "Let's go."

He'd just gotten up to follow the others across the bar when Barton came through the front door. As always, he moved quickly, almost as if someone were after him. Jeremy understood that. Walking slow in the places they'd been living in was one of the most dangerous things you could do.