Page 88 of Grounding the Baker
“I’d happily play with you anytime . . . I mean . . . playforyou . . . anytime.”
Liam wasn’t sure if he’d ever seen another human being go that red before. Henrietta had walked away, as it was clear she was going to crack any moment. Giselle looked as if she were oblivious to everything that was being said. Even Michael was blushing. Before the conversation could get any worse, Liam escaped into the kitchen, and had to open the back door and step outside so nobody would hear him double over with laughter. He couldn’t wait to tell Austin about this.
Austin laughedas Liam told him about his morning. They were in The Rainbow Tap in Roseville, which was owned by Callum’s oldest brother, Dominic. He didn’t appear to be around tonight, which was probably a good thing. Callum would kill Liam if his brother accidentally overheard him talking about his crush on Michael. Dominic was the same age, and he’d have a lot to say about it.
“I don’t think Callum should get his hopes up,” said Austin.
“Why not? He’s a great guy. Michael could do a lot worse, and he has, if what my mum told me is true.”
Austin snorted. “You’re not wrong, but Michael would never have a relationship with someone in their twenties.”
“You can tell him how great it is.”
“There’s a difference, Liam. You’re twenty-eight. Callum is twenty. Michael’s old enough to be his father.”
“Maybe Callum is into the whole daddy thing.”
Austin chuckled and shook his head. “Michael’s already married to the village and feels like he has to set a good example for everyone. Being with someone half his age would never happen. Don’t encourage Callum. He’ll only get hurt.”
“And what if someone had told me not to get my hopes up about you?”
“Didn’t you do that enough yourself?”
“Ugh. I think we should share fewer secrets.”
Austin smiled at him, his eyes twinkling. That smile, just for him, was what always undid Liam. Was Austin aware of the power he had over him? If they weren’t in a public place now, Liam would find the nearest surface to bend over. He hadn’t even been this horny when he was first at uni and getting laid all the time. But then, he’d never had it as amazing as he had it now with Austin.
Liam knew Austin was right about Callum and Michael, but he didn’t have to like it. He thought those two could be perfect for each other, but he also understood Michael’s side. Callum would hopefully get over his crush soon. That was the worst thing, when you were hung up on someone and they didn’t even know you existed. He’d been there when he was younger.
“Does Michael even know that Callum is into him?” asked Liam.
“I said something, but I don’t think he took it seriously. Besides, would Callum want to be in a throuple with Michael and the village?”
“Maybe if he knew Callum’s interest was genuine, he might think differently.”
“Or maybe we keep our noses out of it.”
Liam wasn’t sure about that. Perhaps it was because he was all loved up now that he wanted the same for everyone else. He’d probably become one of those annoying people who tried to foist their domesticated bliss onto his happily single friends.
“You look adorable when you pout,” said Austin with a smile.
“I’m not pouting.”
“Tell that to your bottom lip.”
Austin leaned forward to kiss him, but actually sucked on Liam’s bottom lip, making him laugh. They then kissed properly. He loved Heartwood, but it didn’t have a queer space like this where he felt completely safe kissing the man he loved. Although he could probably do this in the Stag and Lantern, and if anyone had a problem, they’d have to deal with Gerard. They broke apart before the kiss got too heated, but he couldn’t help but smile when he saw Austin adjust himself.
“Yeah, yeah, smile all you want, but remember you promised me I can gag you and spank your arse later,” he said with a growl in Liam’s ear.
“You’ve made your point,” said Liam, as he adjusted himself too.
Austin smiled before giving Liam a quick kiss and going to get them another drink. They’d booked a hotel room in town for the night so they could enjoy a few drinks together, but not too many. Liam intended to enjoy himself tonightand was looking forward to having a sore arse tomorrow– in more ways than one.
Liam wasn’tsure if spanking would be a regular thing for him. He’d loved it and had been close to cumming just from Austin’s hand, but now whenever he sat down he got a sharp pain in his hole from being fucked three times, and every time he moved, his cheeks stung as well. Liam needed a rest tonight, and he was also long overdue to spend some time with his dad. He’d asked Liam if they could have Sunday lunch together at the Stag and Lantern. His dad wasn’t much of a cook, and the last thing Liam wanted to do after six early mornings in the bakery was cook. It would be good for them to spend some time together.
Gerard showed Liam to his table, and his dad immediately jumped up and gave him a hug.
“That’s what you look like.”
