Page 213 of Delicious

“And you trust me?”

“Completely.”

“Good.” He lifts my hand to his lips and presses a soft kiss. “May this night be everything you hoped for.”

“This restaurant is a good start. What else do you have up your sleeve?”

“A birthday surprise.”

I smile, but there’s tension in his eyes that has my nerves kicking up just a little bit. We gave up on our pursuit of a third over eight months ago after a disastrous second date with a guy who seemed promising until we figured out he was more interested in what we could give him financially than emotionally.

Every part of our relationship is wonderful, even as we’ve navigated two tops in the bedroom. Marco and I are homebodies, happy to spend our downtime curled up on the sofa. Our nights out on the town are few and mostly only for big occasions or family or work commitments.

My job at the hospital as an administrator is taxing, as is Marco’s job as Vice President of Sales in his division for one of the top financial companies in the city.

But when Liam was part of our world, it all just felt so… balanced. His youthful optimism and tireless devotion to us were like coming home every night to a favorite blanket. He challenged us in the best ways, pushed us out of our ruts, and complemented us perfectly in the bedroom and beyond.

The only snag was when he got the opportunity of a lifetime across the world in Singapore working for his idol. He didn’t want to leave us, but we knew better than to be selfish. Liam was a shining star and deserved his time in the spotlight.

The day he left felt like losing an appendage, but it brought me and Marco that much closer. We followed Liam’s career for a while, but eventually it became too painful for me and I blocked his socials. I knew he’d do well for himself. He wouldn’t accept any less than that.

It took a year for us to go out and meet others again, but it was a constant comparison game that eventually became a rotation of pretty bottoms in and out of our bed and nothing more. It’s time to accept that Liam was a shooting star—bright and magical, and gone too soon.

Marco blows out a breath, drawing my eyes back to him. I feel the nerves radiating off him, but I don’t know why.

“Marco? What’s going on?”

ChapterTwo

Liam

My feet are stuck to the floor. There’s no way I’m seeing what I think I’m seeing.

“Chef?” Carlo sounds like he’s in a tunnel.

It’s Marco and Desmond. Here. In my restaurant. Am I dreaming?

I’d recognize Marco’s sleek dark hair and thick beard, and those football-player shoulders a hundred feet away. Des’s light blue eyes, his mess of honey-brown curls, and dazzling smile dance in my dreams nearly every night. It’s them for sure.

“Do you need some water, Chef?”

I turn to look at Carlo, shaking my head and swallowing down the emotion building in my throat. Adrenaline flows through me, making my body heat and goose bumps spread across my skin.

“I’m okay. I can handle this table alone.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very. Thanks.”

Marco’s gaze shifts from his husband to me, landing like an arrow straight through the heart. The last time I stared into those eyes as dark as midnight, they were filled with hurt and resignation, but right now, I swear I see a flicker of hope. He doesn’t hate me?

Other diners are starting to notice me standing here like a fucking idiot, so I set my shoulders and continue my approach. Des hasn’t noticed me yet, but he’s very aware something is up with Marco. I don’t know if my legs will hold me up when I see Des’s gorgeous face again.

“Marco, are you okay?” Des asks just as I stop beside their table. His gaze slowly shifts from Marco to me, and as realization sinks in, his breath hitches. “Liam.”

“Hi.” My voice shakes until I clear my throat. “I can’t believe it.”

“You’re here? In New Onyx.” Des is on his feet, searching my face like he can’t believe I’m real. “Is this really happening?”

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