Neutral Zone Trap - Bianca Sommerland Page 0,17

in Tyler’s poly relationship. Laura was a cop, so it wasn’t a huge surprise that she knew Ryan.

But he hadn’t been expecting to see either of them here.

“…was there anything else on the security footage that we should look into?” Ryan didn’t seem to notice Braxton standing there as he turned to face Laura. “Nothing was stolen, so I assume the concern is the player’s safety?”

“There was nothing concrete, just a break-in that didn’t set off the alarm. The perp took off the second someone came to investigate after catching them on camera and there was no way to identify them.” Laura took a few notes, motioning toward the round camera fixture imbedded in the cement ceiling above. “Security was already tight, but it’s been updated.”

“Good. Well, I’ll file a report and have a team look into it, as well as increase patrols in the area. You can take the lead on this one, you’re already familiar with the case.” Ryan glanced over at Braxton and Vanek, his tone completely detached. “Have either of you seen anything suspicious?”

Braxton quickly shook his head.

Vanek frowned. “No, but should we be worried?”

Focusing on Vanek, Ryan’s expression softened. “Not at all. As Officer Tallent pointed out, you have good security. This is simply precaution.”

“Okay, cool.” Vanek nudged Braxton with his elbow. “Feel like giving me a ride? You can’t show me a car like that and force me to walk home.”

Braxton grinned, looking across the parking lot to where the only other car, which belonged to Vanek, was parked. “Nice try.”

“Oh fine, but next time?”

“Sure.” Braxton wouldn’t have minded bringing Vanek for a drive now, but Ryan was here. He finally had a chance to talk to him.

But he couldn’t in front of his teammate. He liked Vanek, but he didn’t know him well enough to risk exposing himself. And there was no way he could pretend there was nothing going on between him and Ryan.

Taking his time stuffing his sports bag in the trunk, Braxton waited until Vanek was gone before looking for Ryan again. His pulse raced when he saw him standing alone at the far end of the lot, Laura nowhere to be seen.

Cutting across the long expanse as fast as he could without running, he approached Ryan, hesitating when the man went perfectly still.

“This isn’t a good time, Braxton.”

“Fine. But you said you’d call and you don’t have my number.” Braxton folded his arms over his chest, feeling foolish for even approaching the man. “I thought I should fix that.”

“Did you?” Ryan turned, looking from Braxton, to the car, his lips thinning slightly. “I’m not sure what was unclear about our last exchange. We had fun, but this—” He motioned from himself, to Braxton, “—doesn’t work. Our lifestyles don’t mesh. Even if I was interested in a relationship, it wouldn’t be with a man almost fourteen years younger than me who lacks basic common sense.”

Braxton’s jaw hardened. “How do you figure?”

“A million dollar car. Who told you that was a good idea?” Ryan lifted a hand and shook his head. “You know what, it doesn’t matter. It’s none of my business. But whatever you think you want from me, you can find somewhere else.”

Taking a step back, Braxton stared at the other man. “Fuck, I wasn’t gonna ask you to marry me. Maybe you think I’m pathetic or—”

“I don’t think that.”

“Then what?”

“Braxton…” Ryan pressed his eyes shut and rubbed his hand over his face. “We can’t have this conversation now. I’m tempted to tell you all the reasons that car was a mistake. And why you should stop going to that club when you still don’t know what you want.”

Warmth filled Braxton’s chest as he considered Ryan’s words. He’d been checking up on Braxton. Knew he’d been going to the club. As much as he tried to deny it, he cared. He wanted Braxton in his life.

Braxton just had to find a way to prove he fit there.

And he would.

“I’ll take the lecture. But you’re right, you’re working and you can’t give it to me now. So call me when you can.”

One brow arched, Ryan met his eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”

“No, I take people at their word. And you said you’d call.”

“Fine.” Ryan pulled out a notepad and pen. “Give me your number. Then get out of here before I forget I’m on the clock and bend you over my knee.”

“Now I’m confused.” Braxton leaned close and lowered his voice. “Are you trying to get me to stay?”

Ryan chuckled. “No, brat.