Bad to Be Worthy (Bad to Be Good #2) - Andrew Grey Page 0,27

to think he could make the big man react that way. Gerome seemed to be about control, so having him lose it over a kiss was intensely hot.

“We do need to go,” Tucker whispered hoarsely. “Though I’d love to let you maul me some more.” His smirk was precious, and he followed Gerome off the beach and back to the car. When he got in and settled, Gerome squeezed his hand before starting the engine.

Chapter 5

“I’M NOT sure what this guy is up to, but I’d certainly like to find out,” Gerome told Richard once the store was closed and he had a few minutes to meet with him in the office at the restaurant. Alan, now Richard’s business partner, was tending the bar for a little while. “Have you seen him in here before?”

“Yes. A few times over the past month,” Richard answered. “Not before that. If he’s living here, then he just relocated. You followed him from the bar that night to the camp where you found Tucker. Did he stop anywhere?”

“No.” It was frustrating. “It was a fucking daisy chain that night. We were both following Tucker, at least to start, but I ended up following him following Tucker. He stayed on him like glue, not that it was hard to do. Tucker just walked home.”

“Then I suggest you pick up his trail somewhere and find out what he’s up to. My suggestion might be to start at one of the marinas. If he’s doing business by boat, then he might be staying there or hanging around.”

Gerome nodded, wishing he had thought of that. It was such an obvious answer. “Tucker wants to help,” he said. “He’s got some fire in him.”

Richard leaned back in his squeaky chair and laughed. “Of course he does. You wouldn’t be this twisted up over a guy who didn’t.”

Gerome wanted to growl, but he kept his reaction to himself. “I’m just helping the guy.”

Richard snorted. “Don’t bullshit me. I can see the light in your eyes from all the way over here. You smile every time you mention his name.”

“So you’re saying that I’m acting the same way you do around Daniel?” he countered.

“Yeah. What’s wrong with that?” Richard glanced at the door. “Our lives before Longboat Key are gone, over and done. We can’t go back, no matter how much we bitch and moan about it. There’s nothing wrong with being happy and finding someone who makes you want to fucking live again rather than just exist.”

“Terrance—”

“What about him?” Richard countered before Gerome could finish his thought. “He’s just as lost as we all were. The thing is, I found my way out, and you’re starting to do the same. Terrance is having a harder time of it.”

Gerome sat back. “You know we sound like a bunch of gossipy grandmothers having tea and talking about their grandchildren.” He stretched out his legs. “Maybe you should put a couch in here so we can all take turns talking about our feelings.” He rolled his eyes.

Richard scowled. “Just get out, and be careful. This guy knows what both of you look like.”

That was something Gerome knew he was going to need to change.

“YOU WANTED to help,” Gerome told Tucker the following day as they changed clothes.

They had both finished work at four. Now Gerome handed Tucker a baseball cap and sunglasses. Daniel had already shortened Tucker’s hair. He was dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt. Gerome had a cooler and a tackle box.

“But is this going to be enough?” Tucker asked.

“Sure it is. The day is sunny, and you look different enough with the haircut and hat. Ramone has seen you a few times, but this is just different enough, and he isn’t going to be watching for you. Just the opposite—we’re looking for him.”

Gerome looked him over. Tucker looked really good in those tight, slightly threadbare jeans. Thoughts of the kiss on the beach rushed over him. Still, they had a task to do, and he didn’t need to get himself worked up. “All we’re going to do is check out some of the marinas looking like fishermen. There are some we can’t get into because they’re private and gated, but others are open, and I thought we would start with those.”

“Can I go too?” Joshie asked. “I wanna catch fish.”

Gerome knelt down. “Not today, buddy. But I promise that we’ll all go fishing soon so you can catch something. Is that okay?” Joshie nodded. “Maybe we can go see