Page 58 of Grounding the Baker
“Kevin cooks a brilliant steak, which comes with his homemade chips and onion rings using his own homemade batter.”
“Sold,” he said, closing the menu.
“I’ll have the same,” said Austin. “Are you all ready for the weekend?”
“Yeah, just the baking to do on the day.”
It was the Festival of Spring this weekend, and they had a stall again. They always sold out of everything, so it was profitable, but they did little more than they would usually do on a regular Saturday trade, so Liam wasn’t sure of the value. It was something he would need to talk to his dad about. His mum had signed them up for all the festivals this year, so there was no rush to have that conversation. The festival was fun, but it was a lot of work, and Liam was feeling selfish, as it meant he couldn’t usethe day for his fifth date with Austin. He was going to combust if he didn’t get that man into bed soon.
“What are you doing after the festival?” asked Austin.
“Collapsing into bed probably.”
“Would you prefer to collapse in my bed?”
“Really?”
“Maisie is staying with Nathan, so I thought I could cook dinner for us, as our fifth date, and then take my boyfriend to bed.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Well, what would you call us?”
Liam chuckled. “It feels different this time. Most guys just want to get me on my back and then leave.”
Austin growled. Literally, growled. It made Liam feel funny, but in a good way.
“Those guys were idiots for not realising what an amazing man they had in front of them. I won’t be making that mistake.”
Fuck! Was it hot in here?
Before Liam could attempt to speak after that, Callum arrived with their drinks and to take their food order. Once that was done, Liam’s heart rate was back to normal. That was until Austin took his hand again. Any touch from this man made his heart race.
“I’d like to tell Maisie about us, if you’re okay with that?”
Austin had told Liam he’d had the bisexual conversation with his daughter. Her response had been adorable. What an amazing woman she was going to become.
“She’s your daughter, Austin. That’s your decision to make.”
“No, Liam. This is a decision we need to make together.I know she’s my daughter, but if you’re going to be in our lives, we’re a package deal.”
“I know that. I love Maisie. She’s an amazing kid.”
“She loves you too. So, what do you say? I don’t enjoy keeping something so important from her.”
“Can you tell her after the weekend?”
“Want to be sure I can live up to all my promises first, do you?”
“No. That’s not what I meant.” It was getting even hotter in here. “It’s just, I like this little bubble we’re in at the moment. I know everyone is speculating and trying to poke their nose in, but I like that it’s just us.”
“And we’ll still have that, Liam. I’ll always make time for you.”
“We can do things with Maisie as well, you know.”
He smiled. “I’m sure she’d love that.”
“She won’t think... you know what, never mind. What time do you want me on Saturday?”
