Page 22 of Grounding the Baker
“I’ll be fine. I’ll keep Austin company for you.”
A flare of jealousy hit Liam, so he glared at Milo. His bestie was into older men as well, but for quite different reasons. He heard Austin chuckle, but didn’t look at him, as he wanted to make it clear to Milo that he needed to back off. He knew Austin wasn’t his to stake a claim on, but your gay friends could not flirt with the straight guy you were crushing on. It was in the gay handbook of etiquette.
Liam rushed into the kitchen, where he already had the cupcakes boxed up. He’d made unicorn ones for her again, with her favourite flavours. Chloe had suggested they sell them as well, as they’d be popular, but he liked that they were just for Maisie. He’d also added a couple for Austin asa surprise. He grabbed the box and made his way back to Milo before his friend did anything to embarrass him.
“Here you go. I hope she likes them.”
“Did you make them?”
Liam nodded.
“Then they’ll be perfect.” Austin beamed.
Liam felt his face heat, and noticed Milo smirking again, but this time he wasn’t trying to hide it.
“I’ll see you soon, Liam. Nice to meet you,Milo.”
Milo snorted, and Austin left without looking back. He usually gave Liam a little wave from the door, but he hadn’t done that today. He missed it, but decided not to unpack that. First, he had to talk to his friend.
“What was that about?” asked Liam.
“What?”
“You were laughing.”
“Oh, nothing. I don’t think Austin liked me, that’s all.”
“What? Austin’s one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. He’s such a kind and caring guy, and he likes everyone.”
“So, when’s the wedding?”
“Yeah, right, I wish.”
“You mean you haven’t pinned him down yet? Or, well, had him pin you down. He gives off toppy vibes.”
“He’s straight.”
Milo spluttered his coffee and started coughing, so Liam passed some napkins. He didn’t understand what Milo found so funny.
“He’s definitely not straight. He wants you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s got Maisie.”
“Oh, is that his wife?”
“No, his daughter. His wife died, and he’s raising her onhis own. That’s why he moved back here, to give them a fresh start. Austin grew up here, but moved away when he was eighteen. He owns a landscaping business, and he’s building his client base here, but he also does web design work, so he can do that remotely. He wants to give his daughter a good life.”
“Not spoken much, then?”
“Piss off. This is just chit-chat at the counter when he orders his coffee.”
Milo didn’t need to know about the night he’d cried in Austin’s arms, or that he’d brought his daughter in again the next Saturday and they’d been chatting for two hours. No, Milo wasn’t getting told any of that.
“I see.”
“He’s straight.”
“Oh, honey. That man wants you under him, begging for it.”
