Chapter 6

 

Once again, Geoffrey had surprised him. That jump to his defense had been swift and hard. Sven watched anyone who came near them, but he also watched Geoffrey fume as he walked the wrong direction on Freedom Way. People strolled the sidewalks all around them. In the back of his mind, he stayed aware of the fact that they didn’t know for sure his stalker was a part of his group. It could be anyone.

Over a million followers on one site alone.

He shook his head and stayed close as he took in everything about their surroundings. Skyscrapers of downtown Cincinnati rose up behind them while the Great American Ballpark was on their left. There was the rush of traffic on nearly all sides, but Geoffrey appeared to be heading away from the biggest crowds of people and toward Ohio River rippling in the distance, winding between Ohio and Kentucky.

Sweat gathered on his back, under his arms, and at the back of his neck. Maybe it was time to cut the hair. He’d grown it in a challenge with his brothers—who could stand it the longest. His oldest brother still held out. But Sven could out-stubborn them all.

Mostly because he actually liked it. Low-maintenance hair—just needed a brush or something to keep it off his neck. Digging into his pocket, he found one of the thick hair ties he used and looped his hair into a messy knot at the back of his head. He glanced down to find Geoffrey watching his movements with fascination.

“I don’t know how you stand it. Mine drives me crazy when it gets past my ears.”

He eyed the light blond gelled hair brushed back off Geoffrey’s forehead. “It suits you.”

“Thanks.” Anger returned to his expression, tightening his lips and he stomped off again. He had his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans—probably to keep from throwing them about as he did when his emotions were high. And they were. It was obvious in his quick, hard steps, his tight expression, and the energy radiating from his body. Sven had never met someone with so much liveliness. So much fire. He’d often marveled over it during the classes at Ward, fascinated and drawn to all that brightness and vitality like Geoffrey had hooked him on a short fishing line.

He could hardly ever take his eyes off him.

And now that he’d seen the sexy, trim body under all those clothes, he was having trouble not watching for the flex of muscle underneath the slouchy blue T-shirt Geoffrey wore today. When he shrugged, it slipped off his shoulder and Sven wanted to lift him high, press his back into the nearest wall, and put his mouth on that tantalizing collarbone. Learn the taste and scent of his skin. And he wanted the laughter back. Amusement transformed him, making him all golden sunlight and joy. He’d throw his head back, revealing white teeth and when he let himself go like that, the trace of sadness he seemed to carry at all times disappeared.

Sven had the feeling Geoffrey’s loneliness ran deeper than his own, and he’d felt the ache of it for some time now. He didn’t enjoy bars or nightclubs and although he’d downloaded a hookup app onto his phone, he’d never seen anyone on it worth contacting. But he wasn’t one for anonymous sex, so he mostly went without. Hoping he’d eventually meet someone worth the effort it would take to build a real relationship.

His fierce attraction to Geoffrey made little sense. They couldn’t have been more opposite in personality, size, income bracket…pretty much everything.

Except for the loneliness.

Geoffrey had tons of people around him, yet none of them were true friends. Not any that he’d met today anyway. And every time his gaze had locked with Geoffrey’s, he’d seen something that had ripped the world right from under his feet.

Geoffrey knew. He was completely aware that they used him. For money, for notoriety, for another selfie on their social media accounts.

The absolute…fakeness of it all tightened his chest to the point of pain. Because he could see, in those blue eyes, that Geoffrey Ralse needed so much more.

So why did he want to be around them so often?

Geoffrey headed down the wide stairs that would take them to Smale Park that ran along the river bank from the Suspension Bridge down to the Serpentine Wall. Sven held back a sigh. If they were going to tromp through the park in this heat, in full work clothes for him, he could only hope they’d stop at the man-made cool zone hidden within the shelter of trees to hold in the low mist that covered the area.

When Geoffrey abruptly stopped in the shade and leaned against the outside wall of a parking garage, Sven halted a couple of steps down, his gaze on the pedestrians passing them. Nobody looked suspicious, but then he’d learned the hard way that looks could be deceiving.

“I’m sorry, Sven.”

The quiet words dragged his attention from their surroundings. Geoffrey leaned against a brick wall, hands still in his pockets, looking up at Sven between long, black lashes. His eyebrows, several shades darker than his hair, met in a scrunch on his forehead.

“They didn’t bother me, Geoffrey. Not for the reason you’re thinking. But they did for others. Those people are assholes.” Sven kept his voice low so only Geoffrey could hear.

A hank of blond hair fell over his eye as Geoffrey nodded and blew it off.

“Why do you want to surround yourself with people like that? You said you stopped having them to your home because they didn’t care about your things. Do you think they care about you?” He cleared his throat. “You are so much more important than your things.”

Geoffrey’s chin came up, blue eyes flaring wide. He opened his mouth twice before a soft, rueful smile pulled up the corner of his lips. “They kind of are assholes.”

“Brendon was the boyfriend you mentioned?”

Shrugging, Geoffrey moved away from the wall and pushed the crosswalk button. He didn’t speak again until they were several yards into the park. The hot afternoon air was peppered with the sounds of children’s laughter, the slap of water on concrete in the fountains, bird calls, and the surrounding busy city traffic. The green of the trees, grass and bushes was a welcome change. And so was the breeze that suddenly swept through the area. He closed his eyes briefly in appreciation, listening to the rustle of leaves, feeling the wind cooling the sweat on his body. When he opened his eyes, they focused on the Roebling Suspension Bridge looming large overhead. Its pale blue cables swept up and down in gentle waves, stretching across the river.

“I wouldn’t call him a boyfriend,” Geoffrey said, breaking into his thoughts. They walked slowly past the bridge, pausing to watch some kids struggling to move life-sized chess pieces on a checkered board before starting to walk again. “We weren’t together long enough for that.”

“You broke it off?” Sven had hated him on sight and he didn’t really have to dig to understand the reasons. The man had put his hands and more on Geoffrey and the image nauseated him.

“Nah, he broke up with me. But I was ready to pull the plug myself.” Geoffrey stopped walking to watch a group of kids playing tag around a metal flying pig sculpture.

“I’m surprised. It was obvious he still wants you. Do you think he was the one at the bar that night?”

“No…I don’t know.” He shrugged and that damn T-shirt slid off his shoulder again. “I don’t think so. Or at least, I’d like to think I wouldn’t have been so comfortable leaving with him. We didn’t end things on the best of terms, and I doubt he wants me back. I sure don’t want him.” His expression tightened like a wave of unpleasant memories assailed him. He ran his hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up. “We…we weren’t compatible. The sex was never really that good, so I’m not sure why we made a go of it. No, I am. It was fun at first and I liked having someone, you know?” He peered up at Sven, blinked, then looked away. “I’m not sure how to explain it, but we never had any real downtime. And he blamed that on me. Said I wore him out.”

Sven had to bite his tongue because Geoffrey wearing him out sounded like a damn good time. Brendon was obviously an idiot.

Geoffrey hopped up onto a concrete block, his hands held out for balance. “Tell me about one of your exes.”

He stared up at Geoffrey for long moments as the happy screams of delight from the children filled the air, before pulling his gaze back to their surroundings. One man stared at Geoffrey from a bench. He watched him closely as spoke. “I’ve never truly been serious about anyone, but there was a man I dated for a time back in Michigan.”

“That’s where you’re from? I would have said the Netherlands.” He hopped back down and started walking again. “But that could just be fantasy. Though, occasionally I do hear a trace of an accent in your tone. When you speak up that is.”

The man still watched Geoffrey but the more Sven observed, the more he came to realize the stare was coming from a place of appreciation. He looked back at Geoffrey with his blond hair shining in the sunlight, his slinky blue T-shirt, and skinny jeans that showed every taut muscle in his legs and ass. Appreciation, he could easily understand. He had to think back to remember what Geoffrey had asked him. “My family came to America from Norway when I was seven. Any accent left is probably from listening to my parents.”

“You still have them?” He paused, looked up at Sven.

The wistfulness in Geoffrey’s voice made him take a step closer before he realized he was doing it. “I do.” He remembered all the questions from the night before. “I have three older brothers and one sister. I moved here to be with her because she got a management job at the Macy’s headquarters.”

“So, you said two years here. Do you plan to stay?”

“Alida is now married with a baby, so she’s staying. I will be, too.”

Geoffrey’s mouth fell open. “Just like that? That’s the reason you came and the reason you’ll stay? What about what you want?”

“I want to stay.” He missed his brothers, but he’d always been closest to Alida and didn’t want her to be alone here. Their brothers came to visit often and his parents had come just the month before. Plus, he liked this city and loved Ward Security. He felt at home here.

Long moments passed before Geoffrey threw up his arms. “Really? You have a very frustrating way of not embellishing.”

He couldn’t help the amused twist of his lips. “So you’ve told me.”

Geoffrey growled. “Is there anything that shakes you up?”

The first thing that came to Sven’s mind wasn’t going to go anywhere near his mouth, so he merely stared at Geoffrey.

“You can’t just leave it like that. Why do you want to stay? Do you miss your parents? Your brothers?” He paused, his eyes going huge with whatever thought was filling his brain. “And oh my God, are they all big and beautiful like you?”

Sven frowned. “I’m not beautiful.” He wasn’t. He was overly large with a body that turned to fat if he didn’t work out every day, and when he smiled, he was all cheeks. His beard helped with that—or so he thought.

“You mean that,” Geoffrey breathed, his hands going back into his pockets. “You really don’t think you’re beautiful. Tell me something, do you have trouble getting laid?”

He narrowed his eyes. “No.” He didn’t. Not when he truly wanted to be.

“Of course you don’t! Even if your face wasn’t so gorgeous, that body is most men’s fantasy.”

“Not mine.”

“Well, self-love aside—which isn’t such a bad thing, you know—you could probably pick up most of the men in this park if you wanted.” Geoffrey chuckled.

Sven was more familiar with self-love than he liked. Most of his love life came to be with his right hand. He looked around at all the men, most of them fathers with young children and wives. None nearly as interesting to look at as Geoffrey, who was the picture of pure beauty with his light hair, sharp features, and bright, blue eyes. He forced his gaze away, instead looking at the shimmer of sunlight on the surface of the river. “I’m not interested in any other man in this park.”

Geoffrey went utterly still beside him. “Any other man?”

That was the wrong thing to say. So damn wrong. “I meant any man.”

The smirk that coiled those goddamn lips held such a wicked, impish cast, Sven wanted to cart the man off over his shoulder and take him somewhere very, very private. Geoffrey knew good and well he’d said what he’d really meant.

He should call Rowe and have Dominic or Royce put on this job. He should, but he wouldn’t. He didn’t want anyone else staying in Geoffrey’s house, anyone else watching him there with his fluid movements and his constant chattering. Sven had never felt the need to talk as much, but he liked Geoffrey’s honesty and his openness.

Plus, the thought of someone else seeing him in a towel made Sven want to punch things.

“I’m from here, did you know? And I didn’t grow up with anything like I have now. My parents were regular, working-class people who spent all their time running my brother and me around to different activities.” He stopped talking and took a deep breath. His eyes were focused on some distant point not in the park, not even in that moment. “They were great.”

“I’m sorry you and your brother lost them.”

“Me too.” He finally went quiet.

They walked for another half hour before Sven reminded Geoffrey they had an appointment with Quinn. “We need to head back so we can get your security system installed.”

“You know I never agreed to having some elaborate thing put into my house, right?”

Sven stopped walking. “You didn’t hire Ward for the full security package?”

“No, I did.” He nudged Sven’s arm with his shoulder. “I’m just messing with you. Come on, we’ll stop and grab some burgers on the way home. I’ve heard your stomach growling twice now.” He laughed. “I’m hungry too and I bet I only need to eat about half what you need.” Geoffrey moved ahead of him.

It didn’t take them long to reach the parking garage, and Sven spotted a problem before Geoffrey reached his SUV. Without hesitation, he grabbed Geoffrey’s arm and pulled him to the wall. He pressed him into it, his body in front so he could scan the entire area. Alert to any movement, he pulled Geoffrey close to his back with one hand, while digging his phone from his pocket with the other.

“Well, this is certainly an interesting turn,” Geoffrey mumbled into his back. His hands clutched Sven’s waist. “Since I can’t imagine you to be the public sex type, I take it there’s something wrong?”

“Look at your car.” Sven dialed Rowe.

More muttering came from behind him. “You think I can see through this tree trunk of a body you have? Not that I’m complaining. Or wanna move. Ever.” The fingers on his waist tightened. “Fuck, you smell good.”

Sven grunted, knowing he smelled like sweat. He grabbed a wandering hand as his boss answered the phone.

“Quinn is running a little late,” Rowe said in lieu of a regular greeting. “He hasn’t made it to Ralse’s place yet, but Royce is still th—”

“We’ve got trouble.” Sven scanned the parking garage as he interrupted, still hanging on to Geoffrey’s hand. There was one couple walking to their vehicle two lanes over, but he didn’t see movement anywhere else. “Someone slashed the tires and busted out Geoffrey’s windows.”

“Why aren’t you in the company SUV?”

“Long story.” Sven glared down at Geoffrey as he peeked out from behind him to look at his car. “Told you we should have taken mine.”

“Your SUV looked like it was snarling at me,” Geoffrey grumbled.

“Sven!” Rowe snapped into the phone. “Are you telling me that you let him talk you into taking a different vehicle? Geoffrey? Really?”

He opened his mouth to try and explain—although he wasn’t even sure how to answer—but Geoffrey tapped his arm.

“Look,” he said, reaching around Sven to hold up his phone. His hand was shaking, but Sven could easily see the pictures.

“Rowe, Geoffrey is getting messages on his phone now. Pictures of the two of us at the park we just left. We’re in the garage under The Banks. Second level.”

“Shit.” Rowe yelled something in the background but Sven couldn’t tell what so he must have put his hand over the phone. He came back fast. “I’ve got you on GPS and have the cops on their way. Gidget is going to need Geoffrey’s phone. I’m also sending Noah to pick you two up and get you back to Geoffrey’s. So hang tight.” He clicked off.

“Sven?” Fear coated Geoffrey’s voice, deepening it.

“Just stay there. You can put your hands back on my waist—” he broke off when a hand landed on his ass. “My waist, Geoffrey.” Geoffrey always had slippery hands, but the more Sven got to know him, the more he realized that Geoffrey got comfort from touch, too. Comfort and safety. The panic in his voice let Sven know he needed security right now. He pulled him closer, nearly choking when Geoffrey made one of the most sensual noises he’d ever heard as he melted into Sven’s back. Oh God. The last thing he needed was a hard-on with the cops. And Noah. He closed his eyes briefly. Noah would never let him live that down.

“Okay, just your waist. But I should be honest and say I’m really fine. I’m not going to be, though. Honest, I mean. Not when you’re letting me touch you.” Slender fingers squeezed his sides. “You do a lot of sit-ups a day, don’t you? Shit, Sven.” His hand slid over Sven’s stomach, causing him to suck in a breath.

Geoffrey wasn’t fine and Sven knew it. So, he gritted his teeth and tried to keep from turning and mauling the small man driving him nuts with those hands. Then he felt the slight shudder of that body against his and knew he was seeking comfort, too. He thought of Geoffrey waking the morning before, not knowing what had happened to him during the night. Alone. And so scared. Just the thought of what could have happened made Sven lay his hand on the arm Geoffrey had slid around his waist.

“Here, take my phone,” Geoffrey said, his mouth against Sven’s back as he handed the phone around to Sven with his free hand. “There’s more.”

Sven shoved his own into his pocket and grabbed Geoffrey’s, looking at the words in the text message.

 

Get rid of the giant boy toy.

I have leverage. I will use it.

 

“Boy toy,” Sven muttered, curling his lip and wrapping his fingers around the cell. “I’m the furthest thing from a boy toy I can imagine.”

Geoffrey snorted, his fingers digging into Sven’s stomach. “Do you see anyone threatening? Can we go look at what he did to my car now?”

“It’s not like danger is tattooed on someone’s forehead. How does one look threatening? Other than someone big like me?”

He felt the heat of Geoffrey’s breath from the laugh behind him. “You’re a big teddy bear, Sven. You aren’t scary at all.”

Sven rolled his eyes. “Did you think that when you first saw me or did you come to this conclusion while I was tossing people around on the mats at Ward?”

“Sorry to say, but the first time I saw you—after I got past all the acres of lovely muscle and looked at your face—I knew you wouldn’t hurt anyone. Not anyone who didn’t deserve it anyway.”

“That isn’t something a bodyguard really wants to hear, Geoffrey.”

“I say it like it is. You may look scary to all the other people out there, but not to me. Not that I don’t think you couldn’t wail on a bad guy. I’ve even heard about a few times you have. Fuck, I wish I’d seen that. Would love to see some of that tightly leashed control break.” He patted Sven’s belly.

“This is a pointless conversation,” Sven bit out, his gaze still scanning the garage. Two more people walked toward cars and only one looked their way.

“No, it’s really not. And it’s helping me to not freak out over my car. I like my car.” He groaned in frustration. “And I need my phone. Finn is supposed to call tonight.”

Sven sighed. Geoffrey obviously talked when he was nervous. Talked and felt him up. It was actually kind of cute—or it would have been if it wasn’t heating his blood so hard and fast. “I’m going to give your phone to Noah to take back to the office. It could help them track the origin of the message. But he’ll bring it back fast. The people Rowe has in his IT department are good.”

“Uh, Sven? Unless Gidget likes gay porn, you might want me to delete a few things first.”

The thought of Geoffrey watching porn and what he might do while watching it made Sven catch his breath. It took him a moment to focus his attention back on the conversation. He scanned the parking lot again, noticing they’d picked up a few more nosy people. They probably did look strange standing there against the wall with Geoffrey smashed up against his backside.

Heat hit his neck. He cleared his throat, forcing his mind back to the conversation. “Gidget can find everything you delete, so it would be pointless. Don’t worry, I’m sure it won’t be the first time for her. Not working there.” A lot of his coworkers were gay, drawn to working at Ward Security because their orientation wasn’t always welcome elsewhere. He hadn’t known himself when he’d applied for the job, but it had been obvious fast. His first assignment had been one of Rowe’s closest friends, Ian Pierce—a gay man who was also the chef and owner of one of the most popular restaurants in Cincinnati. He’d liked Ian a lot and was glad he still got to see him occasionally at work functions.

Now, with Rowe’s public relationship and his even more public billionaire gay friend about to get married, it was common knowledge bodyguards of all sexualities were welcome at Ward Security.

Geoffrey laid his cheek on his back. Something unfurled inside Sven, a warmth that had nothing to do with the sweltering heat in this garage. “It’s going to be fine. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“I know,” Geoffrey said quietly. “I’m not worried at all.”

Sven didn’t contradict him, but he didn’t think the man would have ever revealed a hint of vulnerability otherwise. He hadn’t shown anything of the sort when he was taking down classmates a lot taller than he was onto the mats.

A police cruiser came into view along with another of the black Ward Security SUVs. Noah jumped out just as two cops exited their vehicle. He didn’t bat an eye over how close Sven and Geoffrey were standing, but Sven stepped slightly away. “Don’t get too far from me,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “No matter what. We still don’t know if the person is here.”

“No problem, big guy.”

Sven stared at him a moment, taking in the anxiety in the blue eyes and his heart skipped a beat. He hated that look on his face and wanted it gone. Geoffrey looked past him and he grimaced. “I know those cops. They’re the ones who came out to my house.” Anger clouded his face. “They didn’t believe me.”

Sven’s lips tightened. “They’d better believe you now.”

Geoffrey pushed ahead of him and strode to the cops. He stopped, cocked out one slim hip and crossed his arms. “Recognize me?”

The taller cop sneered. “Unfortunately.”

The anger that swept through Sven felt like it could burn him from the inside out. He made a noise low in his throat as he approached to stand behind Geoffrey. He didn’t say a word and didn’t have to. He stared at the cop, letting him know he could and would take him apart if he didn’t shape up. The policeman glared back.

The other policeman cleared his throat. “Please excuse my rude partner. Soon to be ex-partner if I have anything to say about it.” This cop had a friendlier face and kind brown eyes. “We recognized your name.” He told Geoffrey before he looked up at Sven. “I’m Officer Reynolds and this is Officer Woodcock.”

“Seriously?” Geoffrey snorted out a laugh. “That’s your name? Did you say that yesterday? Surely I would remember that.”

He’d probably been out of it and from the looks of Woodcock, he had a serious problem with Geoffrey—or gay people in general. Sven narrowed his eyes.

Noah Keegan coughed, pulling Sven’s gaze to him. Noah was Rowe’s boyfriend, a tall, muscular man with blond-streaked surfer hair. He was quietly watching the exchange, his lips twisted, eyes shining. “We’re in a hurry. Are you two going to look over his car?”

Officer Reynolds nodded. “Let’s take care of that, okay Geoffrey?”

 

 

 

###

Hurry or not, it still took a long time to answer all the questions and make arrangements for the car. By the time Noah pulled into Geoffrey’s driveway, Sven’s stomach had reached an embarrassing grumble.

Noah chuckled. “There are granola bars in the glove compartment. My friend, Ian, made them, so they’re good.”

Grateful, Sven dug out a bar, handing it to Geoffrey before ripping into one himself. It wasn’t that bad…for granola.

Noah parked behind another black SUV.

“Just how many of these cars does Rowe have?” Geoffrey leaned between the two front seats, his thin hands and wrists dangling over each one. That light cologne he preferred wafted past Sven’s nose and he held his breath. “And does he have something against color?”

Sven forced himself not to lean away. “Aren’t SUVs trucks?”

“Nah,” Noah scoffed. “This thing isn’t a real truck.”

“Then what is it?” Sven asked.

“It’s a sports utility vehicle. But it’s not a truck.” Noah frowned. “Though, come to think of it, it’s not really a car either. Let’s just stick with vehicle.” He chuckled as he opened his door.

Quinn jumped down from the front seat and waved at them as they got out. He walked around and started pulling out equipment. “Royce saw you guys coming and left. Rowe needed him. Hey, Geoffrey! You ready to smarten up your place?”

Geoffrey ambled to stand next to Quinn and look over the equipment. “I didn’t realize it was dumb, but sure.”

“You are looking at the best system there is.” Quinn gazed at various pieces of technology like they were something precious. Sven didn’t know a lot about the younger man—had only talked to him a couple of times at company gatherings. All he knew was Quinn spent most of his time with computers and they shared something in common—neither were big talkers nor into company parties. Luckily, there were plenty of talkative Ward employees to keep them noisy.

Quinn started pointing at the various components and explaining what each did. He pushed up his glasses as he talked, solid black frames that matched the hair on his head. Like Geoffrey, he was built thin, though he was several inches taller. “See this control panel? It runs everything—doors, windows, thermostat, cameras, and more.”

“Wait, cameras? Like video cameras?” Geoffrey shook his head. “I’m not so sure about that. You guys don’t watch the videos, do you? Are they like, live? With me walking around in my house? Wait, am I going to be supplying porn for everyone?”

Even in the bright sunlight, Sven could see the red creeping up Quinn’s neck. “The videos are for you, but if you want to make videos of your conquests for your own enjoyment, have at it.”

“Conquests?” Geoffrey’s chest puffed out. “You make me sound like some kind of sex god. I see my reputation precedes me.”

Quinn rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen the guys with you on your Instagram. Some I wouldn’t mind having on my arm.”

“On your arm?” Geoffrey winked. “Kinky.”

The red filled in Quinn’s cheeks as he ducked his head. He grabbed a box and headed toward the house.

Geoffrey watched him as he passed then raised an eyebrow at Sven. “He’s way too easy.” He smirked. “Will there be a camera in my bedroom, Sven?”

The contemplative and very sexy gleam in his eyes had Sven wondering if he would record a video of him having sex. When he pictured himself as the other man in the video, all the moisture left his mouth. He watched Geoffrey hurry to the front door to unlock it for Quinn. He grabbed a box of supplies and followed at a slower pace, Noah right behind him. Reels of his favorite porn clips ran through his mind and in each one, he was the one fucking Geoffrey. Or sucking Geoffrey. He tried to swallow, but his mouth had turned desert dry.

Thankfully, Quinn grabbed his attention again when he sat the box down on the floor and turned a full circle in the foyer. “You have no security system at all, do you?” Quinn asked. “Really? With a house like this? With the way you’re all over the place online?”

Geoffrey merely shrugged.

Quinn shook his head, picked up the box, and kept going until he reached the huge open living and kitchen area.

Sven couldn’t hold back a laugh when the IT guy muttered, “So many windows.”

Quinn told Geoffrey they’d be awhile before he and Noah jumped into action. Sven hadn’t even realized Noah did this part of things, but from the way he talked with Quinn, he was really interested in the technology, too.

Geoffrey watched a few minutes, then nodded his head toward the kitchen. “Come on, big guy. Let’s get that mountainous body of yours some better fuel than granola.” He leaned close as they went into the kitchen. “I’ve eaten at Rialto and it’s great.” He shot a glance over his shoulder, then whispered, “But I fucking loathe granola.”

Sven couldn’t stop his smile. “So do I.”

They shared a conspiratorial grin.