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“Trust me, Sven would have done the exact same thing if he’d been in town.”
Liam shrugged. “Sure, but there’s always this feeling that he has to. He’s family.” He looked over at Seth who was now watching him with bright eyes. “You didn’t have to, and that just makes it all…more.”
“I’m glad I could help you.” Seth’s voice was low and soft like a caress.
They held each other’s gaze for several seconds, not saying anything, but there were things Liam’s heart was screaming at Seth. It wanted him to know that their time together was special and that there was something there they couldn’t walk away from. That with just a little effort, if one of them could just bend a little bit, they could have something so amazing.
But Liam’s mouth remained firmly in control and nothing came out, because Liam’s life was a shit storm that had little hope of improving anytime soon. Seth had so much going for him. This great plan to go home and carry on the family business. He could find someone younger back home who had his life pulled together and would be a great partner for Seth’s big plans.
“Ummm…yeah, I don’t think you have enough time for yoga this morning, but if you want to grab a shower first, I’ll clean up the kitchen,” Seth offered. He reached for Liam’s plate, but Liam stopped him by placing his hand on Seth’s wrist.
“I think you’re the one who set the precedent that the cook doesn’t clean,” Liam said, lifting one eyebrow at him. “You grab a shower first. I’ll take care of the kitchen.”
“You sure?”
“Go. I think you’ve got some clean clothes in the dryer still.”
“Thanks, Liam.” Seth rose and moved toward Liam like he was going to kiss his cheek but caught himself at the last second. His eyes went wide, and his face turned bright red. Liam couldn’t help himself. Loud laughter had him rocking in his seat. Yeah, things were getting very comfortable between them.
“God, I think I need more coffee,” Seth muttered under his breath as he started for the bathroom.
He stopped suddenly and pulled his phone from his pocket. Liam’s heart skipped at the scowl that darkened Seth’s face.
“What?”
“Gidget has news for us. She said that Rowe is going to stop by the shop later this morning to talk.”
“What is she doing up so early?” Liam demanded, his eyes darting over to the microwave to confirm that it was only four thirty.
“The tech team works some very strange hours. I’ve found it’s easier not to question it.”
“Do you think it’s good news?”
Seth frowned. “Doubtful.”
Liam sighed and picked up both of their plates before getting to his feet. “There should be rules against getting bad news after having amazing pancakes and bacon,” he grumbled.
Seth’s low chuckle echoed through the apartment. “If that was true, I’d eat pancakes and bacon every freaking day.”
He couldn’t argue with that. Liam tried to focus on cleaning up the kitchen, not that Seth had made a huge mess. It looked as if he’d cleaned as he cooked, which was so damn considerate. As much as he wanted to think about the upcoming meeting with Rowe, his mind kept wandering to the almost-kiss Seth had pressed to his cheek. They could make a lot of excuses as to why there was no way in hell they could work. Logic said that they didn’t stand a chance.
So why did it all feel so easy and natural when they were together? Why was the sex so amazing? Why did they laugh so often when they were just sitting around the apartment at night? Why did they fit together like they’d been made for each other?
And was Liam being cautious or a coward for not pressing harder?
Unfortunately, Liam didn’t have any solid answers when he was done with the kitchen or when he stepped out of the shower a short time later. They drove to the flower shop and settled into their comfortable routine of prepping for the day.
Rowe appeared about an hour before the store was scheduled to open, knocking on the back door, which was usually used for deliveries. He really appreciated the man coming to him when he likely had more pressing matters to see to. Of course, going to Ward Security he would have put Liam on a collision course with his brother, and that was not how he wanted to tell Sven what was happening in his life.
The stocky redhead gave Seth a nod in greeting and grinned up at Liam, but the smile didn’t reach his green eyes.
“I really appreciate you coming here, Rowe,” Liam said, extending his hand to the man. “I swear, I’m telling my brother in the next day or two. Sven deserves to know what’s going on.”
“You’re a good man, Liam,” Rowe replied. He moved a folder he was holding to his left hand and shook Liam’s. “Unlike this business partner of yours. I know he’s dead and I’m sorry about that, but if we found him alive, I feel like I’d have to give him a good beating after the danger he’s put you in.”
