Page 87 of Grounding the Baker
It was Saturday, and the day couldn’t end quick enough!
After they’d shared their love for each other, Liam had felt something shift inside him, and it wasn’t just Austin’s cock! He snorted and wondered if he should text Milo that joke, but his mum had always said smut was the lowest form of wit, despite her having an unhealthy obsession with his love life and Milo’s. Liam could only imagine what his mum would think about Milo being in a relationship with the deputy prime minister. She would have loved the gossip, but would also have been concerned about the impact it was having on Milo being under such scrutiny from the press and the public. That’s the sort of person she was: a loving mother and a terrible gossip!
Liam had been thinking about his mum a lot, especially after his talk with Milo, though he didn’t think there was some big breakdown coming. He’d cried when she died, and at the funeral, and whenever he missed her. Liam didn’t feel like he was bottling anything up. Now he knew where he stood with Austin, he felt the most settled he had been for years. Knowing that the perfect man loved him had takenan immense weight off his shoulders. He adored Maisie too, and could see them all as a little family. He wondered if Austin wanted more kids, but it was a bit too soon to be having conversations like that.
Before his big night out, he had to get through a Saturday at the bakery. The place was packed out. The weather was glorious, and the village was also teeming with tourists. It was usually only on the weekends of a fair when it was this busy, but it meant the day would go a lot quicker.
“Can I take over the till please, Liam?” asked Callum.
He looked up and saw Michael in the queue, and had to repress a laugh. Callum couldn’t be any more obvious with his crush. The only person who didn’t see it was Michael himself.
“What’s it worth?” asked Liam with a smile.
“I won’t tell Giselle what I heard you and Austin doing in the kitchen this morning.”
Liam felt his face ignite. “You know, you really shouldn’t talk to your boss like that.”
“I’m just following your example of role modelling.”
Liam snorted. He had a point. Austin had tried to pull Liam back into bed when the alarm went off this morning. It was okay for him, as he had a Saturday off for once. But Liam didn’t have that luxury. Half an hour before opening, Austin had used the back entrance to accost Liam in the kitchen and drop to his knees. Liam hadn’t been able to stand for a good few minutes after Austin had blown his brains out through his dick. He’d then wiped his mouth, given Liam a quick kiss, and told him he loved him before leaving. If it hadn’t been for his cock still hanging out, he would have thought he’d dreamed it. And then, when he’d seen Callum’s knowing look as he’d walked back out the front, it was clear he had not used his inside voice for thatblow job. Thank God it hadn’t been later in the morning. He didn’t want to imagine what Giselle and Henrietta would have said.
“Good morning, Liam. How is that fine young man of yours?” said Giselle.
“Speak of the devil.”
“Did you mean to say that out loud?”
Callum snorted. Liam felt his stomach swoop, but Henrietta was chuckling, and Giselle was doing her best to look offended. It wasn’t working.
“You can ask him yourself when he drops Maisie round later,” he said, choosing to only answer her first question.
“Will you be picking her up tomorrow morning, or will you still be unable to walk?” asked Giselle.
Henrietta shook her head in amusement at her wife. Callum doubled over laughing. Liam wanted a meteor to hit him so he wouldn’t have to experience the mortification level he was feeling right now.
“Nice to see you find this so amusing, Callum. Michael, how are you today? Callum said earlier that he wanted to speak to you.”
Callum glared at him. Did Liam feel bitchy for doing that? Maybe. But he needed to get the heat off him.
“Anything I can help you with, Callum?” asked Michael, all smiles.
Callum had gone bright red and seemed unable to speak. Before Liam could salvage the situation, Giselle swept in.
“He was going to ask if he could perform at the Festival of Pride.”
“Ugh . . .” Callum looked even more mortified.
“It’s important that we support local queer artists, don’t you think, Michael?”
“Of course,” said Michael. “I’ve heard you’re excellent, Callum. I’ve never heard you play. Have you got something you can send me so I can make sure you get the best slot?”
Callum was still bright red, but was smiling now.
“I’m sure Callum could give you a private show, just so you can see how talented he is, up close and personal,” said Giselle.
Liam had to look away. He had to give it to her, the woman knew how to make innuendo sound like a casual suggestion from a sweet old lady.
“I’d love to hear you play, Callum,” said Michael.
