Page 14 of Grounding the Baker
“Yeah... I just didn’t think it would be so soon.”
His voice cracked, and before he knew what was happening, he was being pulled into a hug by Austin. It was both comforting and confusing. Did straight guys hug strange men? Especially ones who were crying, as that’s what was happening right now. As soon as Austin had put his arms around him, the dam broke and he couldn’t stop the tears falling. Austin was rubbing his back and just holding him. It was nice, and Liam couldn’t stop himself from hugging the man tighter. There was nothing sexual in it at all, even if he could smell Austin’s earthy aftershave. It was just everything he needed right now.
After what felt like eons, he pulled away and dried his eyes. He felt a bit embarrassed, so went back to making tea, which would be very strong now, given how long the bag had been stewing. Austin took two sugars in his tea, which made Liam like him even more. The guy might have been wearing a thick coat, and he could feel there was solid muscle underneath his layers, but at least he still had a sweet tooth. That would be a deal-breaker for Liam. Not that Austin was an option for him.
“Let’s grab a seat,” said Austin, taking his mug from Liam.
Liam nodded and followed him,notlooking at the solid thighs Austin’s jeans were hugging. Jesus. What was wrongwith him? The guy was providing comfort, and here was Liam, ogling him. They sat in a booth, Austin sitting opposite him. Their knees brushed together as they took their seats, and Austin removed his jacket, revealing another plaid shirt that stretched across his broad chest.
“How are you feeling?” asked Austin, his voice soft, the concern clear.
“Sorry for crying on you,” he mumbled, looking at his tea.
“Liam, look at me.”
He looked up. Those eyes were going to be the death of him. They were so warm, and full of... Liam wasn’t sure what the word even was. It was like... compassion, understanding, and heart all in one. He was going to make some woman very lucky one day. Liam didn’t see Austin as the sort of guy who would stay a widower for long.
“With everything you’ve been through, and what today was, you have every right to cry. Never be embarrassed about showing your emotions.”
“Yeah, but you don’t really know me . . . and I don’t even . . .”
“Don’t what?”
“No. It’s nothing.”
“Go on. Tell me.”
“I’ve heard all about Maisie, but I don’t even know what she looks like.”
“Oh,” he said, before pulling his phone out of his pocket, scrolling, and then sliding it across to Liam.
He looked at the picture of the beautiful girl. She had a big smile on her face and was holding up a stuffed unicorn. She was in her Heartwood Primary uniform, so it had to be recent.
“How old is she?”
“Eight.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“I know.”
Liam chuckled.
“She got her looks from her mother.”
“She has your eyes, though,” said Liam without thinking.
Before he could say anything to apologise for being inappropriate, Austin smiled at him and took the phone back.
“You should bring her in so I can meet her.”
“I didn’t think you worked in here anymore,” said Austin with a frown.
“I’m here until eight in the morning, and then I do the weekends.”
“When do you rest, Liam?”
“The evenings.”
