Chapter 22

 

 

Shannon was nervous. There was no website for Minae’s. Neither Peter, nor Paul, knew anything about it. Yeah, he understood it was an exclusive restaurant for the rich and famous.

He’d gone straight to Ryan’s after breakfast and went through the security more thoroughly to make a list of what he needed to upgrade.

Ryan touched his shoulder. “You’re too quiet.”

“Focused on your system,” he said.

“No. This is more. Why are you so nervous?”

Shannon turned to him. “What should I expect at Minae’s?”

“A restaurant with less people paying attention to you than others. Relax. It’s like most restaurants, just more privacy.”

Shannon nodded.

“What is it?” Ryan asked.

“Everyone going to dinner tonight knows about us.”

“Same as last night,” Ryan answered.

“You have a point.”

Ryan took his hands. “Would you rather stay home?”

“I want to go. I want to feel like a part of your world. I’m just not sure I belong.” That was his biggest fear. Ryan could belong anywhere, but Shannon had never truly been sure where he fit in.

Ryan pulled him close. “You belong with me, which means with my friends. I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Exactly what he needed to hear. “All right. You going to drive?”

“Yeah, and we should go, traffic is supposed to be a bear tonight.”

“Should I change?”

Ryan glanced down and lifted a shoulder. “I’m going in this.” Jeans, T-shirt, his typical style at home.

Shannon grinned. “You look good in everything.”

“You thought my sandals were ridiculous.”

“I only find it amusing you would wear them. That’s all.”

“Come on. I’m looking forward to getting you home after dinner.”

“I’m looking forward to the conversation. I want to know how Leona comes up with her stories.”

“She’s quite imaginative.”

Ryan took him through the garage to his Infinity. One more reminder that Ryan King was nothing like he’d first expected.

 

* * * *

 

Ryan couldn’t help worrying about Luke’s reaction. He knew what he said on the phone, about it being no big deal, but that could change with time to think.

The whole point of hiding his sexuality from Luke was to prevent changing their friendship.

What a mess.

“Relax,” Shannon murmured. “I can always get a Lyft home.”

“No, no, that’s not necessary. Shit, have you ever been half in love with someone you knew you couldn’t have, and never told them because you worried it would change everything?”

Shannon nodded. “I doubt it. You two are friends for a reason. You told me how you were there for him while he was recovering from the incident, and how you helped him find Leona. I’m sure that means more to him than your sexuality, or that you had a secret crush for years.”

Ryan glanced at him. “True, but shit. This is different.”

“Is it? Really? Have you done anything a friend wouldn’t? So what if you had a crush, or more? He never had a clue. If he’s smart, which he seems to be, he’ll hold onto the fact you are still the same man he befriended years ago.”

Ryan gripped the wheel tighter. He hadn’t heard from Luke at all, but he hadn’t expected to. And what would Leona think? Then again, she wrote all kinds, so unless she was jealous, which he couldn’t imagine someone that intelligent being, there shouldn’t be an issue.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “After Luke nearly died, Leona has every right to be leery of everyone.”

“But she’s not, is she?”

“Not in the least.”

Shannon took his hand. “I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

He glanced over with an arched brow. “She is beautiful.”

“That’s not why. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Look, I work with beautiful people day in and day out. I don’t care if you find someone attractive as long as you’re in my bed,” Ryan answered.

Shannon grinned. “You’re all I want, Ryan.”

“I can say the same about you. Have I mentioned you’re stunning?”

Shannon shook his head, glancing outside. “You don’t need to say that.”

“Haven’t you noticed the way I look at you?” He glanced over, and the confused look on Shannon’s gorgeous face was priceless. Ryan wanted to kiss him.

“You are gorgeous,” Ryan insisted.

“And you’re a dream come true, Ryan, but I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”

Ryan gripped his hand. “I don’t give a shit what anyone else has said before. You’re the only one who matters. You’re it. No one does it for me like you do.”

“Better than—” He glanced out the window, shutting up.

“Yes, you press every single one of my buttons, even more than Luke ever did.”

Shannon sighed. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“You should. If it bothers you, say it. Even if it’s momentary. I’m not going to be pissed off if you ask. I’d rather talk about it than let it fester.”

“I know better, Ryan. I believe you when you tell me he’s a close friend. I shouldn’t have said it because I immediately regretted the words leaving my mouth. I know I’m who you’re with now.”

“He’s not you.” Ryan pulled in and parked. “You ready?”

“Are you?” Shannon countered, his brow arched.

“Yeah. I got to face him sooner or later.”

Shannon chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose you do.” He climbed out of the car and Ryan hurried to catch up.

Shannon stood there, searching the building and the parking lot.

“What is it?” Ryan asked.

“This is different. Where’s the sign?”

“No sign. You have to be on the list or with someone on the list to get in. And you have to sign a non-disclosure to get on it.”

“That’s insane. I mean, I get it. Must be a bitch to keep the secret.”

“It’s been around about five years now. And still one of my favorite places to eat because no one pays attention to anyone.”

“Ever?”

“So far.” He stepped inside and nodded at the hostess.

“Right this way, Mr. King. Your party is already waiting.” She led them back and Shannon scooted into the booth before him.

“Thank you,” he told the waitress and joined Shannon. “Evening, Luke, Leona. This is Shannon O’Neil and he happens to be your fan, Leona. He’s making sure we know our stuff for the movie.”

“Luke filled me in. Said I might be able to help figure out what else he needs to cover.” She smiled at Shannon. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Luke speaks highly of you.”

He shook her hand. “Thank you. And I’ve read the Midnight Daughter series. I’m impressed. You’ve done your research.”

“I try. It would be nice to chat with someone when I can’t find good, solid information. If you don’t mind.”

He nodded. “Sure.” He dug out his card and passed it over.

“Thank you. Is your email there? I don’t mind sending an email. I don’t often call for that stuff.”

“Sure, but either way. Honest, I’m happy to help as much as possible.”

Luke focused on Ryan. “You good?”

Ryan held his gaze. “You?”

He nodded. “Other than you avoiding my gaze. Look, I’m going to continue on like nothing’s different. It isn’t, is it?”

“No.”

“Then stop stressing.”

Ryan scrubbed a hand over his face. “Trying.”

“How do I help?”

“You are.” Ryan managed a smile. “I couldn’t help worrying that keeping that kind of secret for years would fuck with our friendship.”

Luke shook his head. “When I think back on everything, you’re still my best friend. So what if there was more somewhere in your head? I had a crush on Raven, and I wouldn’t change our friendship for anything. You had the same thing going. We’re good.”

Raven made her way to the table with a smile. “Hey, how are you all?”

Luke’s head cocked. “Where’s Ash?”

She lifted a shoulder. “With a certain secret out, I figured it was better to skip him.”

Luke nodded, then smiled. “Good, wouldn’t be the same with some guy I’ve never even talked to.”

Ryan shook his head. “It would have been fine. Honest.”

“Next time. If things work out. He had something come up anyway. And I’m just not sure there’s anything real there.”

“Why?” Ryan asked, suddenly feeling protective.

Shrugging, she sat next to Ryan. “He’s hot, but I’m starting to wonder if that’s all he has going for him. There’s really no spark.”

“Sorry.”

She lifted a shoulder. “It’s fine. I’d rather be with you all.”

“Receive anything else?” Shannon asked.

She shook her head. “No, but I’ve been out of the tabloids.”

“I’m coming by in the morning to see what we can do for your system,” Shannon promised.

Ryan liked that about Shannon. He knew what he was doing, and he wanted to protect Ryan and his friends. Everything he could want in a guy.

The conversation easily rolled into Leona asking questions about recon missions, and how things work. In fact, they were all asking questions before long.