Page 1 of Carter

Chapter one

Nash

I take the empty stool at the bar between two average-looking guys that have the type of posture which tells me they’re comfortable here. It’s hard to turn off the part of my brain that assesses everyoneall the time, but that’s what happens when you’ve been a cop for twelve years and counting. You see shit and you can’t unsee it. You know what the possibilities are, and you’re always worried they will happen. Plus side is you’re prepared—usually for anything.

“The usual?” Sadie asks, raising a brow as she tosses the towel over her shoulder.

She’s a pretty girl. Young, petite, natural blonde hair and blue eyes but with the thickest New York accent you can imagine.Doesn’t seem like it’d come out of someone like her, but there are crazier things happening in New York City.

I shouldn’t come here often enough to have ausual, but we all have our flaws.

“Please.”

A moment later, a glass of my favorite bourbon is placed in front of me. They over charge for it, and I really should just drink at home to save myself the money. It’s not that I’m hurting for it, but it’s stupid to waste it on shit like alcohol. You never know when you may need it—especially when you’re responsible for a brother who is in and out of rehab.

Drinking at home alone is a bad idea, though. But I guess drinking alone in a bar in a city you just moved to isn’t much better. I knew this would be a change, that it would take some getting used to, but I didn’t expect it to be so goddamn lonely. And I’m used to being alone. I choose to be alone. I keep both of my brothers at arm’s length, making everything face value with them so they don’t get too close. When people get too close, they see through your facade. Which is also why I don’t do the dating thing. I stay single because dating ends up messy.

I check in with my brothers often enough; always pushing to know what’s going on with them to make sure they’re okay. I care about them, but maybe there is a sense of safety there because I know neither one of them will open up, even if prodded. Trying makes me feel like a good person—on top of being an obligation because I’m the oldest. But they’re just like me—closed off and dead inside. Guess some apples don’t fall far from the tree.

Though, my brother Jericho did just find the love of his life, even if they haven’t made up yet. They will. Because Jericho is a good guy, and Miles is perfect for him. It doesn’t make me hopeful. That won’t be me, though I’m a lost cause, and I know that’s not the life that’s planned out for me.

“You ever want to just fuck a stranger?”

The glass is halfway to my lips when I hear the question, and I don’t realize it’s aimed at me until the guy on my left hooks his gaze toward me. Raising a brow, I take a small sip before putting my glass down gently. I’ve heard a lot of weird shit in my day. People say the craziest things when they’re about to be arrested, left in an interrogation room, or just hopped up on drugs. It doesn’t faze me.

My fingers graze over the top of the glass as I answer the guy honestly. I don’t know if this is supposed to be some over-the-top pickup line, or if he’s just that drunk.

“No. That’s too much work.”

He scoffs, reaching for his drink. Vodka, if I had to guess. It’s clear and in a small glass, similar to mine. Or maybe he’s moved on to water.

The laziness of his eyelids tells me he’s been drinking a while. The haunted look in his eyes tells me why.

“Too much work?” Shaking his head, he finishes what’s left in the glass and puts it down. “Seems like it would be easier.”

“Sure, if all you’re looking for is something warm to shove your cock into.”

There’s a thoughtful look in his eyes as he considers my words. It doesn’t go unnoticed that he doesn’t flinch at my bluntness. Usually it turns people off. Maybe he’s too drunk to care.

“What about, like… a dating app that does all the work for you?”

“Don’t they all do that?”

“No, I mean, like…” He pauses a moment to think over his words. “Like I put in all the stuff I like. Maybe describe a fantasy. It pairs me with someone who wants the same. We meet. We do it. We go home. Done.”

“So, an anonymous hookup tailored to your tastes.”

He points at me, a handsome grin splitting his face. “Bingo.”

He’s younger than me—no way he’s hit thirty yet. His face is too soft, even though I see the hint of trauma in his eyes. It hasn’t done a thing to age him physically. Maybe he hasn’t been carrying it around long enough yet.

I shrug, reaching for my glass. “I suppose that could be fine.”

“Could be? No, itwouldbe. Maybe I should do it. Create that app.”

“Sure, if you know how.”

“I’ll figure it out.”