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Orsen smirked into his water, then chuckled. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to help.”

Miles looked down at his plate, seeing he’d eaten most of it without noticing. “I’m fine.”

TJ snorted. “No, you’re not.”

“Thanks for the support.”

“That was support.”

Santino’s voice was calm as he spoke. “You look like a man who’s just realized a situation is more complicated than he wanted it to be.”

Miles met his eyes. “That obvious?”

“Yes,” Santino said.

Orsen looked at his partner, amusement showing on his face. “You didn’t soften that much.”

“You didn’t want me to soften too much.”

Cody came back to the table and sat down. “Whatever’s going on in your head, don’t make Tanner pay for it.”

Miles’ gaze snapped to him. “What do you mean?”

Cody returned it. “He’s carrying enough already.”

Miles swallowed. “I know.”

“Good.”

TJ leaned his elbows on the table. “So tomorrow we keep it simple. Utilities. Food. School office if he’s ready. Clinic if needed. No drama unless someone else brings it.”

Miles nodded.

Orsen asked, “You want me and Santino around if things get noisy in town? Both of us are used to it.”

“Most of it was directed at me,” Santino grunted.

TJ shook his head. “Not yet, Orsen. I want fewer people in Tanner’s face, not more.” To Santino, TJ said, “Been there, done that.”

The conversation shifted after that. Orsen told a story about a guy on the roofing job on their house who’d managed to nail his own boot to a beam. Santino corrected three details in a tone so dry it made Cody laugh.

Miles listened more than he spoke. His mind kept circling back. Tanner in that doorway with his body between Miles and the rest of the house. Tanner with Savannah on his hip. Tanner kissing him hard enough to knock the sense clean out of him.

By the time he stood to leave, Miles still had no idea what he was going to do where Tanner was concerned. Cody walked him to the door while TJ stayed back to clear the table. Orsen and Santino were still at the table, talking quietly and smiling at each other.

At the door, Cody handed Miles a grocery bag. Bread. Pasta. Soup. A couple of things that looked easy and quick to cook.

Miles looked down at it. “You packed this already?”

Cody shrugged. “I know how to use a kitchen.”

Miles almost smiled. “He’ll probably tell me to get lost.”

“Maybe,” Cody said. “But still take it.” Cody’s voice dropped. “And whatever this is for you, don’t confuse wanting him with understanding him. Those aren’t the same thing.”

Miles looked at him sharply. “What?” How the hell had Cody picked up on his attraction?

Cody didn’t back off. “He’s had a harder road than most. Keep that in mind.” Cody studied him for a second, then nodded once. “Take your time with him.” Cody stepped back. “Drive safe.”