Tag looked at me, his expression serious. “And I’d never betray that trust. It’s probably why I’m one of the few he’d approve of being alone with you.”
“He did mention something along those lines,” I replied dryly.
Tag chuckled, taking my meaning. “Yeah, I know. Prez would have my balls if I stepped out of line.”
“Have you heard from him?” I asked. I’d been surprised Cal hadn’t checked in, but I hadn’t wanted to bother him.
Tag nodded. “Just via text. He’s good.”
“Ah.” I twirled my beer bottle distractedly.
Tag cleared his throat. “I’m not one of the girls,” he broke in gruffly.
I raised a brow, sarcasm lacing my tone. “You don’t say.”
He made a growly noise and I could have sworn his cheeks tingled with color. “But I will say he’s… different with you. And you’ve made him different, in a good way.” He seemed to stumble through his words. “All I’m sayin’ is that if he hasn’t checked in it’s because he can’t.”
He was trying to assure me in his own gruff way. I was touched by the gesture. “What do you mean, he’s different with me?” I asked, hoping like hell I could at least get that out of him.
He grunted. “He’s… happy.” He shrugged. “I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been inside his place—same for all the guys. Since you, all that’s changed. He’s letting you in and all of us with you,” he explained, and then his cheeks really did redden. “Christ, maybe I am one of the girls.”
I laughed loudly. “I won’t tell, swear,” I promised, still grinning.
He took a swig of his beer.
“Most of the guys are settling down. You thinking of doing the same?” I asked, knowing I was pushing the bounds of our heart-to-heart but unable to quell my curiosity.
He grimaced. “Maybe. If I could find a decent woman. It’s a small town.”
Tag might be rough around the edges, but I had no doubt he was a good man, and a handsome one at that. “I’m sure she’ll come along when you’re least expecting.” I winked.
He grunted in response.
I stood up, putting him out of his misery. He’d shared more than I’d expected and I didn’t want to push too much. “I’ll go get ready for bed. Thanks for staying,” I murmured.
He nodded. “Night.”
I headed off to the bedroom, going about my nightly routine before crawling into the bed that felt much too big without Cal in it.
My phone rang just as I was drifting off. I grinned like a schoolgirl as Cal’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey,” I greeted with a smile on my face.
“Hi, babe.” His sexy baritone rumbled through the line. “Were you about to fall asleep?”
“Just about, but I’m glad you called.”
“Your voice sounds sexy tired.”
“Your voice sounds sexy always,” I murmured. “How was your day?”
“Fine. I should be wrapped up by tomorrow afternoon. I shouldn’t be too late getting home.”
“Good.” I sighed.
“How’s Bubs?”
“He’s good. He took a good nap and went down quickly tonight. Tag was playing with him a little bit.”
“Good. Did you guys go anywhere?”