Page 115 of Secrets in the Deep

Zac: He’s about four beers deep and only has eyes for the ladies.

Ryan: Idiot.

Connor: Need one of us to take over?

Zac: Nah. You all have women to look after.

“Here by yourself?”

Zac looked up at Dusty. “I’m a one-man unit tonight.”

The bar owner chuckled, stroking his long white beard. “But backup is a call away, right? That’s good. That your team stuck together. I wish Collins had that.”

“David Collins?”

“Yeah. He lost his wife while he was away on an op. Man became a shadow of the person he used to be after that. Shame his team couldn’t rally around him like you guys would.” Dusty’s gaze lifted to the back table. “I heard there’s been a lot of trouble on set. You here to watch him?”

“From a distance.”

“Good. Don’t want no trouble in my bar.” He whistled low. “Here comes trouble for you though.”

Dusty walked away, just as Preston reached the bar.

“Hey.” The actor’s eyes were glazed, unfocused, his words too loud and slightly slurred. “You here to protect me, sailor boy?”

“I’m here to keep an eye out for trouble.”

“No need. Told your friend that. I borrowed Melanie’s guy. Name’s Darcy. S’posed to be real good.” He inched closer, his beer breath rushing over Zac’s face. “But even if he wasn’t, I can protect myself.”

“Really?”

“Mm-hmm. Did this big boxing movie last year. Had to take classes and everything.”

“Those classes teach you how to defend yourself after four beers and two shots?”

“Four?” He counted on his fingers, a deep crease forming between his brows before he laughed. “You’re right. How’d you know that? Haven’t seen you look at me once. Wait. Don’t tell me. It’s a SEAL thing.”

“It’s a SEAL thing.”

“Preston.”

Preston turned toward Faye. “Hey, baby doll. You’re here!” He hugged her. Although, it was less a hug and more falling against the woman.

She pulled back. “How much have you had to drink?”

“Four.” Preston winked at Zac.

Faye blew out what could only be a frustrated breath. “You ready to go?”

“Go? You only just got here! Come on. Join us. Have a drink.” He looked down the bar and yelled, “Yo, Dusty, my man! Two beers and ten shots of whiskey for our group.”

Before leaving, Preston turned to Zac. “Honestly, man, go home. Put your feet up. Nothing bad’s happening tonight. It’s all good vibes ’round here.” He clapped Zac’s shoulder before heading back across the bar.

Was the guy reallythatstupid or just in a full state of denial?

He was still watching Preston and Faye cross to the group of women when the door to the bar opened.

Zac straightened. What the hell wasshedoing here? Was she meeting someone?