He was beginning to realize how grateful he was for Jack and Nathan. At first, years ago, he hadn’t liked either of them. Erin and Terra had been like sisters to him, so why should he like the guys who’d broken their hearts? Though in Erin’s case, she’d been the heartbreaker. But Alex had come to respect and trust both men.

He was counting on hanging out with this crew to help Mackenzie and Nora relax. Maybe even trust. Nora was wound much too tightly, and he feared she was going to stab Alex and Mackenzie in the backs—betray them in a devastating way.

He cringed as he recalled the sound of those harsh words on Mackenzie’s lips last night. Maybe she was right, and he should have talked to her before making that call. Persuaded her. But she had wild ideas and operated in a different world from most, and he had this overwhelming fear that she was about to crawl into that world and he would lose her forever.

Like he ever had her.

Sure. He could admit that he wanted her in his life. Or maybe he wished she wanted him in her life. Either way, he had the urge to rush into something deep and profound with her, because, well, he had hoped he could have something lasting. But he’d blown that chance.

He stood from the counter and carried his plate over to the sink. He hadn’t slept, and he struggled to know what he should do next, especially if Mackenzie was shutting him out. But one thing he knew—he needed to make another call to his SSA, Lynch, who’d requested Alex call him today. Alex especially needed to find out what Lynch had learned on his own calls. Alex remained uncertain about his standing, and he needed reassurance that his unofficial observation could continue. His boss would know more today about the reaction of his superiors to Alex’s role in Mackenzie’s hacking into Hanstech’s servers.

Things were about to ramp up on all sides, and Alex braced himself. Admittedly, he was the one who needed a hearty breakfast and fresh air to face what came next. He stuck the rinsed dish in the dishwasher, closed it, and turned, drawing in a bolstering breath.

Nathan got a call in the middle of planting a kiss on Erin’s lips while she was chewing on a mouthful of pancakes. He laughed and backed away, snatching up his cell.

At the serious frown on his face, everyone stopped talking and watched him, waiting for news.

He ended the call and stared at the cell. “I’m needed down at the river.”

Erin slid off the stool. “The river? What’s going on?”

Jack moved around the counter. “I’ll come too.”

Terra and Erin shared a look.

Nathan tucked the cell away. “I’m on the dive and recovery team.”