Cooper was getting into it despite himself. His competitive side at its worst. “The food sucks. The drinks are weak, but it’s pricey. Expensive still equals special in my mind. So does the novelty of a restaurant out of town. That plus getting on one knee, champagne on the table: rituals of a traditionalist. Mmmm, a conservative nuclear upbringing.”

“And we all know how those do a number on you. My fiancée’s a fixer, though. She’s been doing more soothing than celebrating. Gets off on saving someone.”

“Then they should live happily ever after,” Cooper said.

Neil gave him a scornful look. “They met when they needed each other most. But no one stays broken forever. I give them four good years. Seven ’til it’s over-over, which is more than they deserve for getting engaged in a bar that sells cocktails shaped like the Washington Monument.”

Cooper studied Neil. It was strange looking at him now, no longer through the eyes of a young adult on his first assignment with the FBI, clay still wet and moldable, memorizing every lesson Neil taught him, believing it was a test, and an honor to fuck such a clever, experienced man.

He recognized so much of Neil that he had adopted into his own personality. He hated so much of Neil, too. And weren’t circles the worst Venn diagram of them all?

“I’m getting married,” Cooper said. His voice sounded calm, and it was deeply gratifying to see the look of genuine shock on Neil’s face.

“To who? That guy?” Neil jerked his head toward the bar, and Cooper nodded.

“He makes me happy.” He considered that statement, how it didn’t feel enough. “I’ve never been happier.”

“Well. Congratulations.” Neil was studying him with a slightly wary look. “Happy looks good on you.”

“Is this the part where you tell me you can’t believe how much I’ve changed?” Cooper asked.

Neil laughed like he genuinely couldn’t help himself.

Cooper frowned. “Why is that funny?”

“Cooper, you haven’t changed at all. You’re the exact same ice-cold bastard you’ve always been. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun. I’d almost forgotten that part. No one ever could quite keep me on my toes like you. But there’s a reason they do a polar plunge and not a polar marathon. You’re exhilarating in small doses, but if anyone stays in you for long, their dick’s liable to fall off.”

Neil cocked his head, dragging over Cooper’s body thoughtfully. “Two,” he said.

“What?” Cooper asked numbly, still processing.

“I give you and him two good years.” Neil shrugged. “Like I said, people don’t stay broken forever.”

Chapter Five