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No. They weren’t. And he and Nico had to live together.
Complicating that would end badly.
And what was that bit about screening Luke’s next boyfriends? One minute, Luke was sure Nico was about to suggest they try dating for real, and then Nico said that.
Okay, so the guy was hurting and didn’t want to go there again soon. Luke got that. One hundred percent. He’d gone all in on Kent. Thought they were in love and were planning their future. Turned out, that reality existed only in Luke’s heart and mind.
Trying to figure Nico out, however, was maddening.
He always did nice things for others, and then pretended it wasn’t anything. Just like now. No way he really meant he’d okay Luke’s next boyfriend.
The better question was, how did Luke get Nico to admit what he really wanted?
“Luke?” Hearing his name snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned at the same time as Nico. Mr. Rayner stood behind them, his ever-present smile as disarming as ever. “You have a minute?”
Rayner looked young to be a partner, but Luke had trouble guessing people’s ages when they were between thirty-five and forty-five. He looked great for forty-five. His light brown hair, cut short, added to his youthful appearance. And he kept in shape. Maybe he should suggest he go run with Nico. They’d push each other in a good way.
Focus! “Sure.” He glanced at Nico, who looked as pale as he felt.
“Don’t look so scared. I just want to introduce you and your friend to Ted Umstead, the managing partner.” He nodded over his shoulder. “But we need to wait until between innings. Ted’s a big fan and doesn’t like being disturbed when the ball’s in play.”
He settled in the seat behind them. After a second, he leaned forward and extended his hand to Nico. “We didn’t get a chance to speak when you arrived. Chris Rayner, call me Chris.”
“Hi, Chris.” Nico shook his hand. “Nico Amato.”
The twinkle in Chris’s eye threw Luke. “Can I assume someone related to you owns Amato’s bakery in Brooklyn?”
Well, that’s some shit. Did the entire world know about Amato’s except Luke?
“My parents and grandparents own it.”
“Small world. I grew up in Brightwaters on the Island. My grandparents took us kids to the bakery every year at Christmas.”
That earned a smile from Nico. Talking about his family always improved his mood. “Then you’d have met Nonno, my grandfather. He loves to take care of the children.”
“Yes, the owner used to come out whenever we showed up. Like he knew us personally.”
“Yep, sounds like Nonno.”
Chris shifted his attention to Luke. “Ted loves baseball. Played for Yale in his college days. Wanted to play pro ball, but he’d tore up his knee in the Ivy League tournament and never got drafted. Which is a lot of words to say he wants to meet you, and especially wants to talk baseball.”
Was that why they hired him? Because he played baseball? His dad would have said who cares, whatever gets you in the door to prove you’re worth hiring. “Should I ask if he played?”
“Can’t hurt. He loves to talk about his playing days.”
Luke tried to swallow his nerves, but it didn’t work. “Okay.”
“Since we have a minute, I want to tell you a few things I told him.” Chris turned serious, and breathing suddenly became difficult. “And don’t look so anxious, it’s fine.”
Nico rubbed Luke’s his back comfortingly. Like a real boyfriend might. “It’s all good, Luke. Breathe and relax.”
The steady voice of reason to the rescue. He reached down and grabbed Nico’s hand. Fake or not, he wanted to pretend right now it was real. That Nico was here for him. Meant every kind word, every soft touch. “Right. Breathe and relax. Got it.”
“Nico’s right, this isn’t a big deal. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve talked you up a bit. Your work is good, and people like you. You probably don’t remember, but I was on the call for your interview. We record them, and Ted no doubt listened to it before today. Don’t be surprised if he brings up something you said during the interview.”
Oh, crap. “I don’t remember everything I said.”
“Did you lie about anything?”
“No. Of course not.”
Chris’s laughter wasn’t what he expected. “And that is why I knew I wanted you to work for me. You’d be surprised how much horse manure we get in an interview.”
“Really?”
“You’d think people would realize we can sniff out lies pretty quickly these days, but it happens. And yes, we fact-checked you too.” He winked. “Just be yourself. Ted’s a really nice guy. He was my mentor when I interned . . . last century.”
Nico’s eyes darted behind Luke. “I think the inning’s over. Ted and his wife are looking this way.”
“That’s our cue.” Chris slapped his knees and pushed himself up. “C’mon, guys.”
