Page 36 of Grounding the Baker
Austin pulled up outside Liam’s house. His parents had lived here for over thirty years, so he hadn’t needed the address. He saw the separate door for the annexe, and knew from speaking to Liam over the past few months that that was where he lived.
“Liam, we’re here.”
“What?” he said, opening his eyes. “Where are we?”
“Home.”
“At your place.”
“No, at your place. Have you got your keys with you?”
Liam arched his hips up to get into his pocket. Austin imagined his body arching like that after he’d made Liam cum and then squashed those thoughts down. Not tonight. He needed to be a friend to Liam, not some letch whocouldn’t control his dick. Liam pulled his keys out of his pocket and passed them to Austin.
“Stay here. Let me get the door for you.”
Liam smiled at him, his eyes still glazed. He was a cute drunk. Well, he was cute all the time. Austin got out of the truck and walked round to Liam’s side and opened the door. Liam jerked in surprise, but then smiled again when he saw it was Austin.
“Do you want some help to get out?”
Liam shook his head and got himself out of the truck, but stumbled once he was upright. Austin caught him, and the way he fell meant their mouths were close together, but then Liam assaulted him with vodka fumes, which reminded Austin that he needed to be the sensible one here. Besides, the first time he kissed Liam was going to be something they both remembered forever. That might sound corny, or was it creepy? No, definitely corny. Austin just knew they were inevitable.
He got Liam inside the annexe, which was nice and warm. Austin settled Liam on the sofa and went to the kitchen for some water. He filled up a pint glass and passed it to Liam, who looked at it with puzzlement.
“It’s water. Drink it.”
“Why?”
Austin chuckled. “You’ll feel better in the morning.”
“You know what will make me feel better in the morning?”
“Liam, drink the water.”
“Looks like Milo was right.”
“Milo?” Oh yes, that was Liam’s friend he shared the flat with in London. “What was he right about?”
“Said you gave off toppy vibes,” he said before taking a big gulp of water. “Which, just as an FYI, I amcompletely on board with.” He smiled before taking another big drink.
Very inappropriate images flashed through Austin’s mind. Now was not the time. To be fair, Milo hadn’t been wrong, but he didn’t see himself as some alpha in the bedroom if that’s what Liam was thinking. Austin’s primary aim had always been his partner’s pleasure. Liam finished the water and held up the empty glass like he’d just won a prize. Austin took it off him and went and filled it up again.
“More water? Why?”
“Just one more, and then we can get you to bed.”
“Ooh, I like that idea.”
“Get you to bed on your own.”
“Boo!”
Austin laughed. Drunk Liam was a funny flirt. At least he knew Liam was attracted to him. Vodka was like a truth serum.
“All done,” said Liam, holding the empty glass up.
Austin took it off him and put it on the table before putting his hand out for Liam to grab. He lifted him up, and he stumbled into Austin again.
“Fuck, you’re so hot,” slurred Liam.
