Chapter 10

 

Sven had just put the mostly full carafe back on the coffeemaker when he finally heard movement in the house. He left his mug on the counter and turned to face Geoffrey. He’d learned that Geoffrey specialized in surprising him and it was better not to be holding a full mug of scalding hot coffee at the time.

He was glad he did.

Shirtless, Geoffrey strode across the living room, his platinum blond hair still adorably tousled from sleep. An ugly bruise stretched across one cheek from where the fucker had hit him, but Geoffrey ran one hand down his bare stomach, drawing Sven’s eyes down his body as if he knew what he was thinking. Geoffrey wore a pair of soft blue sleep pants that were balanced so low on his narrow hips that Sven was one hundred percent confident that he was not wearing underwear. Dear God, he was like a walking dessert that needed to be eaten immediately.

With a yawn, he stretched both arms over his head and smiled at Sven like he was just the happiest person in the world despite the fact he had a stalker and his life was getting turned upside down.

Of course, the flirty grin was the result of what had happened last night—both the kiss and jerking off separated by a flimsy door. Just thinking about it caused Sven’s cheeks to heat. He’d never done anything like that before with anyone, said anything like that. His self-control had been stretched paper-thin. Every instinct beating at him to shove open the door so he could get his hands on Geoffrey, so he could feel all the wonderfully soft skin and lick him everywhere. He ached to be able to see his face as he touched him, watch each reaction as it crossed his expressive face.

Geoffrey stopped directly in front of him and tilted his head up as if he were offering himself up for a good morning kiss. And heaven help him, he wanted to. Sven wanted to slowly lick his way into his mouth, leaving Geoffrey moaning and quivering with need before he pulled him tight into his arms.

Instead, he took a step backward, fisting his hands at his sides to keep from reaching out to touch him.

“I can’t,” he whispered in a pained voice.

To his shock, Geoffrey continued to smile up at him. “Maybe, but last night proved that you want to.” He winked at Sven before stepping around him to the cabinet that held the mugs. “I can work with that. This job isn’t going to last forever.”

A wonderful flutter started in Sven’s stomach and he couldn’t bring himself to stomp on it. He didn’t want Geoffrey to give up on him. He didn’t want him to walk away and turn his attention to someone else who wouldn’t appreciate him or protect him the way he deserved. And he was fast getting past his own rule about dating someone so much smaller. Geoffrey had been right last night. Sven had noticed how strong he was.

Not that Geoffrey had ever said a damn thing about dating. He’d been clear that he would open to a nice hard fuck, but something more…something that involved dinners and running errands and making plans for the holidays and all those wonderful things that couples did, that was what Sven was really after.

As Geoffrey reached for a mug, Sven’s hand shot out, gently catching his wrist. Geoffrey froze while Sven carefully turned his arm to catch more of the overhead light. Four long brown and blue bruises marred his pale skin where the stalker’s fingers bit into his flesh the previous night. Geoffrey put his left hand on Sven’s hand, revealing more bruises and smaller cuts on the knuckles. It was all a reminder of how he’d already failed to keep Geoffrey safe.

“I’ll kill him,” Sven said. “He never should have touched you. Never should have gotten close enough.” He quickly released Geoffrey and took a step away, his back hitting the island in the center of the kitchen. “This is my fault. I never should have left you last night.”

Geoffrey spun around, closing the distance so that Sven was trapped between the island and his body. Reaching up, he quickly jerked on the short end of Sven’s beard with enough force that Sven had to blink away the sudden rush of tears.

“Bullshit!” Smile gone, Geoffrey’s expression was fierce as he leaned up on the tips of his toes so that he could get in Sven’s face. “This is his fault. Not yours.”

“It’s my job to stay by your side. Keep you safe. You asked for me.”

“And I shouldn’t have pushed you last night. I knew better.” Geoffrey paused and dropped back down on his heels, his cheeky grin returning. “Still…I don’t regret it. That kiss?” He groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes into the back of his head. “So fucking worth it all.”

The tension drained away and Sven couldn’t help reaching out to run his thumb along Geoffrey’s jaw, being careful to stay away from his mouth. “Maybe…it would be smart if you didn’t push while we’re in public and you’re vulnerable.”

“That sounds an awful lot like you not saying that I can’t push when we’re at home in private.”

Sven dropped his hand and smiled at Geoffrey, refusing to comment on that convoluted response.

Geoffrey jumped backward and punched his fists back and forth in celebration. He couldn’t believe he was starting to look forward to each and every one of Geoffrey’s flirtations. That he wanted to kiss him all over again and not stop there.

His phone vibrated in his back pocket and he reluctantly turned his attention away from Geoffrey’s celebration. He glanced at the text from Royce and fought back a sigh.

“Royce will be here in an hour,” Sven announced, putting his phone away.

Geoffrey stopped sharply and jerked his head up. “What? Why?”

“He’s taking my place—”

“No! What? He can’t!” Geoffrey shouted. He slammed into Sven, twisting his fingers in his polo shirt. Panic cut lines across his forehead and filled his wide blue eyes. “If this is because of last night, it’s bullshit. I don’t want anyone else.”

Sven wrapped his hands around Geoffrey’s, smoothing his thumb over them in a caress. “It’s not. Wednesday is my day off. Royce is just coming to relieve me. I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Royce is great. He’ll keep you safe.”

Geoffrey instantly deflated, but Sven didn’t release his hands as they stared at each other. Geoffrey’s cell phone chimed again and again as texts and social media posts reached out to him, but Geoffrey didn’t move. Neither of them did.

“Just for today?”

“That’s it.”

Taking in a slow, deep breath, Geoffrey gave a little shake and lowered his eyes to his chest. “I guess that’s only fair. You need some time off.”

“I just need to run a couple of errands. Check in with my sister,” Sven murmured.

“You trust Royce?”

“With my life.”

Geoffrey nodded but still didn’t move. His breathing wasn’t as fast as it had been, but the sudden tension in his shoulders hadn’t disappeared.

“You’ve got my cell number. You can call me at any time. If there’s a problem, I can be here in minutes.”

Geoffrey shrugged one shoulder and pulled his hands free of Sven. “No, it’s okay. Royce is fine.”

But his dull tone of voice said it was anything but fine. Sven reached into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. The night before had to have been a big scare for Geoffrey regardless of their other activities. He should have thought of that, spoken with Andrei or Rowe to get him scheduled for a different day off when Geoffrey felt safe again. “I’ll text Royce and tell him that he’s not needed. I’ll stay.”

“Shit! No.” Geoffrey covered Sven’s phone with both of his hands as his own phone continued to chime from his sleep pants’ pocket. “You deserve a day off.” He swore again and shook his head. “I’m just being a pain. I’d rather be with you, but I can tolerate the dark lord for a day,” he said with his usual smirk.

His lips twisted at Geoffrey’s description of Royce. “You’re sure?”

“Yes, I swear. I’m good. Go see your sister.” Geoffrey replied with more confidence this time, settling the unease twisting in Sven’s stomach. He would never feel comfortable leaving Geoffrey with any other bodyguard if he didn’t feel safe.

“Okay. Now check your phone. I’ll make you a cup of coffee.”

He stepped around Geoffrey and grabbed him a mug, ignoring the different kind of twisting in his stomach at the broad smile that graced Geoffrey’s face at the offer. It was like his entire being lit up at that small gesture. Had no one ever done anything for him? Was he just that accustomed to doing things for other people, having them just take him for granted and take advantage of him?

Sven couldn’t deny that he liked that idea of being there to do little things for Geoffrey. He liked even more being the only person doing these things for him.

“Oh shit,” Geoffrey whispered.

Sven quickly put the mug on the counter and turned to find Geoffrey standing just a few feet away, holding his phone so tightly his hands shook while his face lost its beautiful flush.

“What’s wrong?” Sven moved to his side, putting his hands on both of Geoffrey’s shoulders.

“The bastard…the fucker stalking me…he sent another message,” Geoffrey bit out. He held up his phone so that Sven could see the picture of them kissing in the alley. It was a little grainy due to the poor lighting and looked as if it had likely been taken from a distance and then enlarged. But it didn’t matter. There was no mistaking that Sven had lifted Geoffrey up and was kissing him as if he meant to inhale him completely.

With a shaking finger, he reached out and scrolled the picture up so he could read the message.

 

So sad you got a new guy.

Get rid of him.

Or I will.

 

Sven carefully lowered the phone so that he could meet Geoffrey’s worried gaze. “He won’t touch me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Sucking his lower lip into his mouth, Geoffrey worried it with his teeth for a second before shaking his head. “That’s not all.” He turned so that he was standing next to Sven and held up his phone so that Sven could look over his shoulder as he opened the rest of his texts. At least four other people had texted him the picture, stating that they had received it anonymously. Some people mocked him, making fun of the fact that Geoffrey had stated they were just friends while others were merely curious about his love life. He then opened one of his social media apps and showed that the picture was already circulating there thanks to his friends.

“The bastard shared it with all the right people that I’m friends with, knowing that they’d immediately share the picture on social media. I’m so sorry.”

He could hear Geoffrey speaking, was even vaguely aware of the words, but they sounded like they were echoing from the end of a long tunnel. This was bad. So fucking bad. Sven stumbled to the dining room table and half fell into one of the chairs. It wasn’t so much that the world knew that he was attracted to Geoffrey. Hell, that didn’t bother him in the slightest.

It was that he’d broken company policy, broken rules that he respected and thoroughly supported. While he knew that Royce had seen him, he’d never feared that the other bodyguard would tell their bosses. Sven had chastised himself over it and swore that it would never happen again while he was on the job with Geoffrey.

But this…

Everyone at Ward Security knew. He had to talk to Rowe. Face the music.

“Sven. Sven, please. Talk to me.”

He looked up to find Geoffrey standing right next to him, fear putting the tension back in his shoulders.

“I need to talk to Rowe.”

“Will he fire you over this?”

“I don’t know. I broke the rules.”

“That’s bullshit!” Geoffrey jerked away, pacing to one of the windows looking out on the courtyard and pool. The sky was gray and overcast, the promise of a summer shower hanging over the area. He turned back, pointing at Sven, his finger shaking in his rage. “You know that the COO was screwing around with Lucas Vallois when he was guarding him. Andrei is now engaged to the man. And…and Rowe, he’s dating, no living with, one of his employees! They can’t fire you over something they are doing! If he fires you, I’ll call my lawyer. We’ll fucking sue them into the ground!”

Sven stood and placed his hands on his shoulders. Geoffrey instantly quieted, but there was still a fine trembling in his body. “Look at that picture again. Anyone could have sneaked up on us. They could have stabbed me and then you before either of us reacted. I’m supposed to keep you safe and I was completely oblivious to the whole world.”

“Royce was there,” Geoffrey protested, but with only half of his earlier vehemence.

“But it wasn’t Royce’s job to keep you safe right then. It was mine.”

Geoffrey shook his head, but he didn’t pull away. “This is all my fault. Fuck. I never wanted you to lose your job. I—”

“If I remember correctly, I was the one who kissed you,” Sven said. When Geoffrey still didn’t look up at him, he put his hand under Geoffrey’s chin and gently tilted his head up. “So fucking worth it all.”

A hint of a smile finally tugged at the corner of Geoffrey’s mouth, but he fought it and shoved away from Sven. “It’s not worth it if you get fired, you idiot,” he murmured. He walked back over to the glass door and stared out, his phone clenched in his hand.

Sven stared at the phone, his own frown returning. “I don’t think he’ll fire me.”

Looking back over his shoulder, Geoffrey glared at him. “But?”

“He may take me off your case.”

“No!”

“If I can’t keep my mind on work, if I can’t protect you and keep you safe, then I have to be taken off.”

“You can keep me safe!”

“I don’t know!” Sven shouted back, his own fears getting the best of him. He immediately slapped his hand over his mouth and jerked back several steps. He never yelled. He never lost his temper. But the idea of not being able to keep Geoffrey safe absolutely terrified him.

“I’m so sorry,” he said when he could finally bring himself to speak. “I-I shouldn’t have…I never…” he stammered. He couldn’t pull his thoughts together.

“For what? Shouting?” Geoffrey said, then snorted. “I shout all the time. It’s not a big deal.”

“But I can’t. I scare people.”

Geoffrey stared up at him for a moment, looking at him as if he’d lost his mind—and maybe he finally had—and then busted out in loud, doubled-over laughter. “Are you kidding me?” Geoffrey gasped. “You don’t scare me.”

Sven slumped into the chair he’d just vacated and closed his eyes. His head was swimming from the nonstop ups and downs he’d experienced in the past several minutes. Gentle hands tenderly cupped his face, tilting it so that he was looked directly into deep blue eyes.

“You don’t scare me.” Geoffrey paused and brushed a soft kiss across his forehead. “You have never scared me.” He placed a kiss to the tip of his nose. He moved lower, his breath dancing across Sven’s lips. “And you will never scare me.”

The kiss was so sweet, so tender, Sven nearly whimpered when Geoffrey pulled away. That soft touch went straight to his heart, bulldozing every wall he’d erected to protect himself. He was so hard, so fast, he knew he didn’t have a shot in hell at catching himself before it was too damn late. Geoffrey’s every outrageous comment, his hidden sweetness, his vulnerability, his…his everything was wrecking Sven.

A sharp vibration from his back pocket caused him to flinch and Geoffrey smiled, releasing him. The house was quiet enough that he could probably hear the text notification. Sven didn’t want to look, but he had to. He didn’t even need to key in the password. The text flashed on the screen as he held up his phone.

 

Rowe:

My house. One hour.

 

Sven wasn’t surprised his boss already knew. He just wished he’d been able to tell him. Admit to his mistake. He had a hell of a lot of respect for his boss. He deserved to be told by his employee that he’d fucked up. Not to find out through social media.

“You won’t just disappear, will you? If he takes you off the case?”

Grabbing his hand, Sven pressed his battered knuckles to his lips. “No. I promise I’ll be back. Even if I’m not on your case, I’ll be back. No matter what happens. I’ll figure something out. I will come back.”

 

 

 

###

Standing on the front porch of Rowe’s modest ranch house in Kentucky, he wiped his sweaty palms on the legs of his jeans. The air was so hot and humid. No breeze stirred the air and clouds hung low, threatening to dump rain on the city. But for now, everyone held their breath and waited for the relief from the heat.

Sven couldn’t remember ever being so nervous when faced with the man who founded and established Ward Security as the premier security in Cincinnati. It was ranked as one of the top ten security companies in the nation. He was proud to work for Ward. He was proud to be included in the Ward Security family.

And it did feel like a family of sorts. He might not talk much and he didn’t hang out with his co-workers often after hours, but he did feel a deep sense of camaraderie. If any of them contacted him in need of help, whether with a job or something personal, he’d always jump to their side. And he knew they felt the same way.

That’s why he was drowning in guilt. He let his friends down. It didn’t matter if Ward’s COO had been involved with a client, regardless of the fact that he was engaged to the man now. And it didn’t matter if Rowe was involved with one of the bodyguards.

He swore to protect his client at all times. Kissing Geoffrey outside the club instead of getting him to safety had been selfish and careless.

Cursing himself, he pushed the doorbell. He had to put his own worries and fears aside. He needed to put Geoffrey first. He had a gut feeling he’d be putting the man first often in his future.

That thought made his palms sweat.

Barking echoed through the house. Even through the thick door, Sven could hear the pounding of paws as they ran to the door. Rowe had two large Rottweilers and a German shepherd. He’d brought the trio into the office a few times when his dog walker was sick or on vacation. While not particularly well behaved or thoroughly trained, all three were incredibly sweet and gentle.

A second later there was a large thud against the door as something hit it, rattling the door in the frame.

“Fuck!” shouted a muffled voice. “Rowe! I thought you were putting them out before the rain started!”

Sven fought back a small smile. It sounded like one of the dogs had knocked Rowe’s boyfriend into the door in its excitement. He couldn’t hear Rowe’s response but he did easily make out the sharp whistle that preceded another thunderous pounding of paws in the opposite direction.

A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal a shirtless Noah, his grin easy, his blondish-brown hair loose around his face. Everything about Noah Keegan’s demeanor was warm and open. It was hard to believe that he was a former Army Ranger with years of experience and frightening accuracy with any gun that fell into his hands. But if Rowe was anywhere around, the man was just laughter and teasing—as if his love for Rowe simply made him lighter.

Noah made a tsking noise as he shook his head. “Called into the principal’s office on your day off. Not a good thing,” he teased before stepping back so that Sven could enter.

Sven could only nod as he stepped into the house. He glanced around, taking in the comfortable furniture and the warm earth tones. There were several pictures on the walls and on the end tables featuring not only Rowe’s closet friends but also the wife he’d lost nearly two years ago. He’d been hired shortly after Melissa’s death, but those who knew her had spoken so very highly of the woman. Every mention of her carried a note of love.

Clapping a hand on Sven’s shoulder, Noah directed him through the living room toward the kitchen. “Don’t worry. I made sure he at least had a cup of coffee before he saw the picture.”

He could only nod as the anxious knot twisted tighter in his stomach.

“You want some breakfast? I was about to make pancakes.”

“No pancakes!” Rowe announced, stepping into the open doorway of the kitchen. He pointed at Sven and then at an empty chair that was part of the eat-in kitchenette. “You. Sit.”

“You love my pancakes,” Noah said, brushing a kiss to Rowe’s jaw as he walked past. “It’s yours that suck.”

Rowe grunted, his green eyes softening when they skimmed over his boyfriend. He grabbed one of the chairs and turned it around as Sven dropped into the chair Rowe had pointed at. Rowe sat across from him, straddling the chair, his arms across the back.

Clutching his hands in his lap, Sven held Rowe’s narrow gaze. He waited for his boss to explode. Rowe wasn’t the type to hold back anything. Everyone always knew what he was thinking and feeling. Sure, it kind of made him a walking HR disaster, but his employees appreciated that he didn’t pull any punches. Sven always knew where he stood with the man.

“What the fuck?” Rowe finally asked after several seconds of silence. “I mean, when I assigned you to this, I figured I’d hear from you in a few days begging to be reassigned because Geoffrey couldn’t keep his hands to himself. But…this?” Sven glanced up to see Rowe rubbing his head, leaving his red hair standing up. “Was this some kind of cover? Are you pretending to be his boyfriend?”

For a heartbeat, Sven considered jumping on that excuse. It would buy him time. Let him figure things out while staying close to Geoffrey. But he couldn’t. He could never lie to his boss.

“No.”

Noah cleared his throat and Sven looked up to see him extending his hand, palm up, toward Rowe. He rubbed his fingers together and then opened his hand again, indicating that he was expecting to be paid.

Rowe swiped his hand at Noah, who just cackled at him. Apparently Noah had bet Rowe that wasn’t an act and had won. Lovely.

“Shut up,” Rowe grumbled. “Make me pancakes, damnit.”

Noah bowed deeply, waving his arms extravagantly through the air. “Yes, O Great One. Right away!” He then set about pulling food out of the fridge, preparing to make breakfast, while Sven turned his attention back to Rowe.

“You’re going to need to give a little more, Sven,” Rowe said. There was no anger in his expression. Only worry. And that made Sven feel worse.

“The stalker was at Aura last night. He set off a smoke bomb and made a grab for Geoffrey.”

“Where were you?”

“Bathroom. I never should have left him alone. This is my fault—”

Rowe held up a hand and he immediately halted him. “Quinn said that he was with you at the club, along with Dominic and Royce. Where were they?”

“Dominic was covering Quinn. Royce had Geoffrey in his line of sight.”

“Royce should have closed the distance. That’s procedure,” Rowe snapped.

“I didn’t give him enough time. It’s my fault.” The words came tumbling out in a flood. He’d played the events of the night before over and over in his head. The good and the bad. “We were dancing and…I…I wanted to kiss him. I panicked. Needed to get my head on straight so I went to the bathroom. I didn’t give Royce enough time to move into position.”

A hand clamped down on his shoulder and Sven looked up to find Noah standing over him, his worried expression matching Rowe’s. He offered silent comfort.

“When you came out of the bathroom?” Rowe prodded.

“Smoke filled the club and people were rushing out. I couldn’t see anyone clearly. I thought Royce had Geoffrey. His first act would be to get Geoffrey out, so I went outside. Royce didn’t have him. He got stuck in the crush and then some girl was nearly stampeded right in front of him. He got her out and was heading back in for Geoffrey when I came out. Dominic was securing Quinn in the SUV.”

“And then Geoffrey escaped his stalker,” Noah added.

Sven nodded. “I saw him. I’d been so panicked. I didn’t think. I picked him up and I kissed him.”

Noah gave a long, low whistle as he walked back over to the counter. “And it looked like a damn hot kiss.”

“You’re not helping,” Rowe said but he was frowning at Sven. He stared at Sven, and Sven could only bite his tongue. He didn’t know what else to say. Nothing that came to mind would make it better.

“So…what are we left with? Was it just a one-time thing? Or are you dating now?”

Sven’s eyes darted down to his hands clenched in his lap. “We’re not dating really.”

“Just fuck buddies?”

“That kiss looked like a lot more than just fuck buddies,” Noah said. He turned back toward them. He had a white bowl pressed to his stomach with one hand while he stirred with the other. “And how would that work? I mean you’re a giant and Geoffrey is pretty damn short. Would it be safe for Geoffrey to work without a net?”

Rowe swore loudly, twisting in his chair to glare at his boyfriend, while heat filled Sven’s cheeks.

“You can’t say things like that! I’m telling Carol that you have to go through sensitivity training again,” Rowe said, referring to their long-suffering human resources director. The poor woman was constantly trying to get them to watch their language and make them aware of what things could open them up to a potential lawsuit.

Noah snorted. “You were thinking it.”

“Yeah, but I know better than to say it.” Rowe turned back to Sven and winked at him, easing some of the tension that had pulled tight across his chest.

“I don’t want it to be a one-time thing,” Sven admitted. “He’s fun and brilliant and kind. He…he makes me feel strong in a way that doesn’t have anything to do with my size.”

Pushing off the back of the chair, Rowe nodded as he stood. He walked over to a cabinet and pulled down three plates, while the sound of frying batter sizzled on the stove. “So where does that leave us?”

“Are you going to fire me?”

Rowe stopped in the middle of setting a plate in front of Sven. “Seriously? No!”

“Babe, you’re gonna have to get rid of that rule about fraternizing with clients,” Noah said as he flipped a pancake.

“I can’t. It’s a fucking liability.”

“Yeah, but you’ve got Andrei and now Sven.”

“It says you can’t fraternize with clients. It doesn’t say that I’m gonna fire your ass if you do.”

“But—”

“You just focus on not burning the pancakes. I’ll call Lucas’s shark lawyer Sarah later. Get her to look at our employee contract.” Rowe turned back to setting the table, muttering under his breath about Ward Security becoming a goddamn dating site. Noah just chuckled.

Taking a deep breath, Rowe looked back at Sven, his hands on his hips. “You’re not fired. But I am giving you a warning to get your head out of your ass. Both you and Royce screwed up, and Geoffrey almost paid the price.”

Sven nodded. All joking was gone from Rowe’s expression. His boss was right. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t want sorry. I want to know that you understand how you fucked up and tell me it won’t happen again.”

“It won’t. I swear.”

Rowe stared at him unblinking for several seconds before he finally grunted, accepting Sven’s promise. He turned and gathered some silverware out of a drawer. Pausing long enough to press a kiss to Noah’s bare shoulder, Rowe returned to the table, setting it for breakfast. When he was done, he dropped back into the chair opposite Sven.

“Now…what do we do next?”

“I would understand if you wanted to take me off Geoffrey’s case. I screwed up and it put him in danger.” Sven stopped and licked his lips, gathering up his courage to lay everything out for his boss. “But if you do take me off, I want to ask for some vacation time. I’m not leaving his side. You don’t have to pay me, but I’m not leaving him even if you assign another bodyguard to him.”

Green eyes studied him hard. “Can you do your job and still be involved with him?”

“Yes. Keeping him safe is all I want.”

The worry returned to Rowe’s gaze as he watched Sven. “Fine. I’ll leave you with Geoffrey, but you’ve got to promise me something.”

“Yes, anything.”

“You call me the instant you feel like you’re losing your perspective on the situation. I’ll send more help to back you, even if I have to reach out to people outside the company. I’ll pull strings, call in favors.”

“I won’t. I—”

“Not what I want to hear,” Rowe said sharply. “There’s a reason I won’t work jobs with Noah. I don’t want to be put in a position where I have to choose between what needs to be done and the person I love. Extra help in your corner will help protect you from that nightmare.”

A sharp pain shot through Sven’s heart at just the thought of having to choose between Geoffrey and possibly one of the men he worked with at Ward. Or worse…

“I promise,” Sven agreed with a nod.

“Good!” Rowe clapped him on the shoulder as he stood so he could spin his chair around to face the table. “Now let’s have some of Noah’s awesome pancakes while you tell us how the fuck Geoffrey finally wore you down.”

Noah crossed from the stove and set down a plate stacked with pancakes. He stopped and pressed a long, slow kiss to Rowe’s lips, leaving his boss moaning softly. “Love you too, babe,” Noah murmured and then returned to the pancake he still had cooking in the skillet.

With those words, all the worry and darkness that had cut lines across Rowe’s face disappeared. He’d met Rowe after the death of his wife, and his boss had been cold and grim. People talked about how he’d changed completely with the loss, but that had been the only Rowe he’d known.

Watching Rowe with Noah, he could only imagine that he was seeing Rowe as he truly was—light and carefree and incredibly loving.

And Sven had to wonder, if Geoffrey could find a way to love him like that, would he finally feel light and carefree too? He wanted that. God, he wanted that so much.