Page 45 of Grounding the Baker
“I know you will.”
Liam smiled. “Come through and say goodbye.”
Austin walked around the counter and into the kitchen. Maisie was sitting on a chair with a piping bag. She was concentrating on what she was doing and looked adorable.
“Hi, Dad. Look what I did? It’s for you.”
He looked at her handiwork, or her attempt at replicating one of his plaid shirts. It didn’t have the same expert finesse that Liam’s had, but it still looked delicious.
“It looks amazing, sweetie. Thank you for doing that for me.”
He crouched down to be at her height.
“Maisie, I need to go back to work for a bit. Are you okay to stay with Liam?”
“Really? Yes, yes, yes,” she said, clapping her hands and squealing.
“I guess she’s fine with it,” he said with a chuckle, and looked at Liam.
He gave her a big hug and asked Liam if they could have a quiet word before they left. They walked into the shop away from the audience, which was Chloe and Martin.
“Sorry about this, but I won’t be too long and then we’ll leave you in peace to get ready for later. I’m still picking you up at six.”
“Who’s looking after Maisie?”
“Nathan is going to stay at ours until I get back.”
“Okay,” said Liam, looking awkward.
“If you remember, I said I didn’t want to...” he trailed off. Why was he stuck for words?
“You said you wanted to woo me.”
“Yes, that’s what I said. It’s what I want to do. Is that okay?”
“Yes, as long as you don’t woo me for a year.”
Austin chuckled. “I won’t be able to keep my hands to myself for that long.”
Liam blushed, and Austin couldn’t resist giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“I’ll see you later, Liam. Thanks for watching Maisie. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and later... maybe I’ll get to kiss you properly.”
“Depends how good you make this date,” he said with a cheeky smile.
Austin laughed. “Challenge accepted,” he said, and because he couldn’t help himself, he kissed Liam on the cheek again. “See you soon.”
Austin then left before he did something completely inappropriate for a public place, and especially in front of Liam’s dad. As he headed back to his place to pick up his truck, he couldn’t keep the huge smile off his face. He was already so gone for this guy, and it was the best feeling in the world.
TWELVE
LIAM
Liam stepped out the door of his annexe and Austin was waiting for him in his truck. He noticed his hands were shaking, but wasn’t sure why he was so nervous. It wasn’t like Austin was a stranger. They’d first met ten weeks ago, but so much had happened in that time. His dad coming into the bakery had been a tremendous change this week. He’d said it was because of what Liam had been through at work, and his dad had felt guilty that he hadn’t been there to support him. Liam hadn’t shared everything with his dad, but he suspected Giselle knew it all and she’d visited a few times over the last week. Whatever it was, he was grateful. It would take some time, but seeing his dad outside his bedroom or his mum’s old armchair were all signs his dad was making progress with his grief.
Before he could make for the passenger side door, Austin was out of the truck and opening it for him.
“You look very handsome tonight, Liam.”
