Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 8

the six foot agent. "Wherever he goes, I go. Just try and stop me." He met intense pale green eyes and didn't blink. No mug was going to put one over on him, especially no tough guy from Chicago.
    "Suit yourself."
    Once the door was closed behind them, the guy turned to Nathan and spoke as if Harlan wasn't even there.
    "I didn't want you to find out this way." His voice was surprisingly quiet, getting Harlan's undivided attention. He looked to be about Nathan's age, maybe a year or two older. Definitely late twenties. His suit was tailored and his white shirt looked silk. His light blue tie certainly was. The kid had dough, or at least liked to pretend he did.
    "I can't believe it. You're alive."
    Nathan's soft spoken words hit Harlan like brick to the gut, and the world around him darkened a shade or two. Harlan swallowed hard, unable to believe it. "Danny Brogan?"
    Danny's gaze shifted from Nathan to Harlan for the first time since they'd walked into the room, and a questioning smile came onto his too handsome face. He held his hand out to Harlan and nodded. "That's me. And you are…?"
    "Agent Harlan Mackay. Nathan's partner," Harlan said, shaking the man's hands and doing his best to summon a friendly smile. "Nathan told me about you fellas, that you grew up together." He held Danny's gaze and a look of awareness flashed across those sharp green eyes. That's right, you bastard, I know everything.
    "Right." Danny gave a nod and Harlan noticed he stood a little taller. "Nice to meet you, Harlan." He turned his attention back to Nathan, his expression softening once more. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was in a bad way for a long time and I didn't want to drag you into it. I tried to write you so many times, but then days turned into weeks, weeks into months, then years…" Danny sniffed and shoved his hands in his pockets. "I figured you'd moved on with your life, and I worried you might not want me to be a part of it."
    "Why the hell would you think that?" Nathan asked, disbelief still in his eyes. "You were my best friend, Danny." Amongst other things .
    Nathan didn't say the words, but they were there, hanging over Harlan's head like a piano dangling from a piece of twine, and all he could do was stand there, feeling out of breath. His heart dropped to his stomach when Nathan threw his arms around Danny and hugged him. "I can't believe it. After all these years."
    "I'm sorry." Danny returned Nathan's embrace, holding him far longer than he should. His gaze fell on Harlan, and something in his expression must have said more than he'd intended because Danny released Nathan and took a step back. "Uh, maybe we can talk about it over lunch? Regal's expended his hospitality for the time being and I should probably let you know what I've managed to get out of him."
    Nathan looked from Danny to Harlan and back. "You mind if Harley tags along?"
    Swell. This day was just getting better and better. Harlan didn't bother waiting for Danny to reply. "It's fine. You two go on ahead. I've got things to do."
    "On the level?" To Nathan's credit, he was genuinely concerned with Harlan's opinion on the matter, so Harlan did his best not to appear fazed by this whole surreal encounter, even if his insides were twisting in all kinds of ways.
    "On the level."
    He told Danny it was nice to meet him and got the hell out of there before the cracks started to show. With a quick goodbye to John, and a promise to telephone later, Harlan made for his car. A nice drive with the Roadster's top down, the wind in his hair, and the means to push aside all the silly ideas forming in his head was just what he needed.
    So what if Danny was back in Nathan's life? That didn't mean the two were going to pick up where they left off. The two might have history, but Harlan trusted Nathan. What's more, Nathan knew Harlan trusted him. Sure, it didn't help that Danny Brogan had the smooth, debonair looks of a motion picture star and the confidence to go with it. Danny obviously meant a great deal to Nathan, so Harlan would just have to make the best of it. Who knew, maybe he and Danny could even become friends.
    "And maybe pigs will sprout wings and Dench will become a vegetarian," he muttered to himself. What a nifty way to start the week.
    ***
    "I'll be damned. Nathan Reilly, homeowner."
    "Well, it is my home, but Harley actually owns it." Nathan took a seat on the blue patterned couch across from the brick fireplace. He felt a little awkward