As for himself, he’d said as much to Deuce up on that mountain. He’d wanted Ty since the first time Ty had met his eyes evenly and given him a soft smile. When Zane allowed himself to think about it, he had to admit that he was a hell of a sucker for the man. The realization had hit him right between the eyes before he left West Virginia. But he tried not to think about it—tried not to think about more—because it was far too close to feelings that terrified him, deeper feelings he knew could cause so much pain when things went bad. Deuce had been right. Feeling too much was what Zane was afraid of. But wanting….
Ty nodded at Zane’s silence, light color spreading across his cheekbones as he looked down again. “I just wanted you to know,” he said quietly.
He stood up and reached out to affectionately pet Zane on the head as he walked by, heading back into the apartment. Zane reached out to grab his wrist and he stood. His gut clenched with delight. Hell, there had never been any question that he wanted Ty. Surely Ty knew that without Zane having to say it.
“I’m on board with that,” he declared.
Ty blinked at him, his fingers curling around Zane’s hand as Zane held his wrist tightly. “Really?” he asked in honest surprise.
Zane smiled warmly. “Really. I want you here, with me,” he assured him. “I’m glad you’re home,” he added softly.
Ty actually managed to blush further, and he swatted at Zane’s head as he backed away. Zane grinned as he reached out and caught Ty again around the waist.
“Rumor has it we’re being put back into fieldwork next week,” Ty told him as he let himself be dragged back close to Zane.
“We’ve got to be safer there,” Zane responded wryly as he pressed his forehead to Ty’s and brushed his nose against Ty’s cheek.
Ty laughed, the sound rich and honest and carefree. True to form, all the problems and hangups and issues that had been thrown at them had already slid right off his back, and the Ty Grady Zane knew so well was here with him again, alive and well, and they were together. Now Zane had every reason he needed to get himself straightened out.
No way was he going to f**k it up.