Page 100 of Anteros' Return

“So, you hated me.” Beckett laughed, knowing exactly what Harry was thinking.

“Alright, you got me. But not anymore.” Harry held out his hand to Beckett in a shake of truce, but Beckett pulled him into a friendly hug. “Good to have you home, man. I missed ya!” Harry grinned, slapping Beck’s back.

“Aww, Harry, you big softie,” he joked back, and I couldn’t help but enjoy this moment. A moment I thought would never happen again.

“Listen, do you fancy coming out tonight? We can catch up, and Ollie is already up for it,” Harry offered.

“You know what, a couple of drinks sounds good. Usual spot?”

“You know it.” Harry accepted the coffee I handed him as well as a muffin. “Trying to get rid of the huge amount of cupcakes you’ve got there?” he joked, and I knew he bloody knew about it too.

“Liam is sleeping at Ashton’s tonight, so if you need me to pick you up just give me a call.” I directed my words mainly to Beckett as he flashed me a pearly smile.

“I’ll make my own way home. Don’t you dare drive out late at night for me.” Although his voice was calm, there was a demanding tone which stirred something in me.

“Beck—“

“Em.” That was the only word he needed to say to make sure I knew to stay home and wait for him. “I know you’re safe here at that time of night.” He kissed my head, resting his hand on my waist.

“You two are nauseating,” Harry teased, wrinkling his nose.

“You know where the door is, don’t ya, mate?” Beck winked, nodding towards the front of the house.

“Yeah, and I actually might use it so I ain’t third wheeling.” He held his hands up to bow out. “I’ll see you at the pub later. Eight sound good?”

“Yeah. See you later, man.”

The second Harry left, Beckett let out a groan.

“And what on earth is that for?” I questioned.

“I could do without going out to be honest.”

“So why did you say yes?” I laughed, chucking the tea towel at him, wiping the annoyed look off his face.

“I don’t know. Maybe because it’s a chance to rebuild our friendship, but now that I remembered Liam is going to be at Ashton’s, I wish I’d have said no.” He huffed.

“How about I wait up for you then?”

“How about you wait in bed for me… Naked, though.” His smile widened with each word he spoke.

“I’m sure that could be arranged.” I blew him a kiss as I wandered into the hall to dress properly before heading outside. “Do you need anything at the shop?”

“Do you want some company?” he asked, already pulling his shoes on.

“It looks like I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“Nope, I guess you don’t.” He chuckled, helping me into my coat before zipping up his own. “Besides, I need to grab some ingredients to cook for you before I go out later.”

He took my hand as we locked up and wandered slowly to the shop not far from the house. Beckett led me down the road where I’d dreamed of opening my bakery. To see the windows papered up from the inside to hide renovations hurt my heart a little. There was no sign up yet, so we had no idea what kind of business would be going in.

“You alright?” he questioned, interrupting my thoughts.

“I’m good. It’s just hard seeing the building I wanted to buy.” I sighed as he tugged me away from the building site.

“Don’t worry, Em. We’ll find a better location for you.” He promised, seeming so sure I’d want another building. “Somewhere that has the same kind of character, I promise.”

“Yeah, I know we will. It’ll just take some time.” I tightened my grip on his hand as we rounded the corner towards the shop.

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