Page 33 of Anteros' Return

“It’s cool,” Liam said with a mouthful of food. “We’ve got enough snacks for three.”

I took the first bite and it was even better than I remembered. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten something this good.

“Clearly, you have not forgotten how to make this,?” I teased, enjoying every forkful.

“I’ve actually cooked this quite a lot over the years. It’s the only dish that made me truly feel at home.” He sipped his water, directing his gaze to Liam. “I’d love to join the movie afternoon.”

Although Liam wasn’t a fan of Beckett for reasons I still had to learn, he seemed excited that he wanted to stay past lunch.

“You two go and set up the movie, and I’ll load the dishwasher,” I offered as I picked up my plate.

“I’ll help.” Beckett didn’t hesitate, he grabbed Liam’s dishes and his own before I had the chance.

Liam was already halfway to the living room as he called back to us.“Great, I’ll get the movie ready.”

The second I stepped into the kitchen, I saw how spotless it was. They’d done bloody amazing. “Wow… I wasn’t expecting it to look so…”

“Clean?”

“Yes, that.” I placed the plate on the counter before turning to face him. “Thank you. I truly mean that.”

“It was my pleasure. It was the least I could do.”

“How was he?” I asked, wanting to know how Liam was before he made another appearance.

“Honestly, he was good.” He chuckled. “That can all change, though. He still isn’t my biggest fan.”

“I wouldn’t worry. If he truly disliked you, he wouldn’t have gone out with you before.”

“He said he was surprised you let him out with me. Do you worry?” He leaned against the counter like he had all the time in the world.

His dark blond hair was a little longer than it used to be, messily perfect in a way that looked completely unintentional. The soft afternoon light caught in his hazel eyes—flecks of green and gold that always made it hard to look away for too long. But it was the ink that really got me, it was new. The tattoos snaked up his bicep, disappearing beneath the sleeve of his white t-shirt.

He didn’t even have to try. There was something about him that made my heart trip over itself.

“Of course, he’s my baby boy. He always will be, no matter his age.” I glanced at the tiles. “I guess I just try to protect him as much as I can.”

“You really are an incredible mum.” When I took the plate he extended my way, our fingers brushed ever so slightly. “Shit, sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I muttered. “Why don’t you go and sit with Liam, and I’ll be there in a couple minutes.”

He nodded curtly before heading towards the living room. I watched him for a moment, and I knew I shouldn’t have. Having him around reminded me of the good times—the old times. I knew there was nothing between us anymore. Well, at least on his part, but I was over the moon that he wanted to spend time with Liam and get to know him. Even if there was a ticking clock counting down his departure.

“Mum!” Liam called, overly excited to watch whatever he’d chosen. “I saved your seat!”

With a smile, I picked up the bags of popcorn I grabbed from the pantry and headed towards the living room, ready to enjoy the movie with my boy and Beckett.

After a couple of hours, Liam headed upstairs to get a start on his homework but not without thanking Beckett for spending the day with us first.

“Right, well, I’d better get going.” Beckett shrugged, slapping his palms on his thighs. “My dad will be here to pick me up.”

I couldn’t stifle my laughter. He soon realised why.

“I just realised how that sounded. It’s like we’re back in school, and I just spent weekends at yours.” He shook his head, matching my amusement.

“Not long until you can get back behind the wheel.”

“Can't bloody wait. Relying on others isn’t what I’m used to.”

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