Page 94 of Grounding the Baker
“Do you know who he’s talking about?” he asked Austin.
“Yes, we already discussed this.”
“You can’t be serious. I thought you were joking. Nathan, do you know about this?”
“No comment!”
That caused them all to laugh again. He loved beingwith his friends, and that he got to see them all the time. There wasn’t a day that went by when he didn’t see at least one of them. Granted, he didn’t see Tony as much, as he still lived in London, but he was here at least once a month, which was a lot more than it had been over the past twenty years.
Austin was about to ask everyone if they wanted another drink when he saw Liam walking towards him with a big smile on his face. Before Austin could say anything, Liam sat in his lap and planted a big smacker on his lips.
“I love you.”
Austin would never tire of hearing him say that. “I love you too.”
“You spoke to my dad.”
“Yes. I’m assuming from your reaction, you’re not pissed off.”
“No. I mean, I don’t want you fighting all my battles, but... thank you for this one.”
Liam kissed him again and then wriggled on his lap. He could feel himself getting hard, so he slipped his tongue into Liam’s mouth before they heard a cough. It was then Austin remembered where they were. He looked over at his friends, who all had big grins on their faces. Liam went bright red, which was adorable. He went to get off Austin’s lap, but he held him tight.
“Just stay there for a second... but don’t move.”
This made them all laugh, although Liam, the little tease, still kept subtly moving on Austin’s lap. He didn’t mind, and would sit like this with the man he loved all night.
TWENTY-FOUR
LIAM
“Happy Anniversary!” said Austin, gripping Liam by the hips and kissing his neck.
Liam shuddered at the sensation of Austin’s wet lips on his skin and his beard tickling his neck. It was the Festival of Pride, and Liam had been awake since a sparrow’s fart. It was something his mum used to say regarding the early hour she had to get up at each day. Leaving Austin in bed was always a wrench, but today had been easier as he knew they’d be seeing each other later. Austin was going to help at the stall as Callum was performing, and he wanted to give his staff time to enjoy the festival as well. He was enjoying the sensation of Austin’s kisses when he realised what he said.
“Anniversary?”
“It’s been three months since I first made you mine,” he growled in his ear.
Why did that possessiveness turn him on so much? He’d never liked it with other guys, because they just came across as wankers, but with Austin he just wanted to bend over right now.
“I got you a present,” said Austin.
“Er . . .”
“Don’t worry. I don’t give to receive.”
Liam snorted.
“Forget I said that.” Austin chuckled and handed Liam a gift bag before spinning him around.
“You want me to open it now?”
“Yes.”
Liam looked inside, and his jaw dropped. Had he really done this? He pulled it out of the bag.
“Is this what I think it is?”
