Page 44 of Cherry on Top

“How’s the mural coming along?” Will asked, shortening his longer strides to match Enzo’s.

At least once he’d been tempted to swing by Cherry’s, ostensibly to check on things there, but really to see the mural—or maybe even to see Enzo—but he’d resisted, promising himself he’d get plenty of Enzo tonight.

“More progress,” Enzo said. “I’ve got the outline mostly done. Though I might do some more fine detail.”

Will could hear the deep satisfaction of a job going well in Enzo’s voice. An undeniable excitement.

“Good. I can’t wait to see it tomorrow morning.”

“It’s not much to look at, yet,” Enzo cautioned.

“Says you. Says me, the person without a single artistic bone in their body? It’s pretty freaking incredible.”

“Aw, my mom was right. You are a fan,” Enzo teased as they turned the corner. The park, flanking Indigo Bay’s main square, was still green.

“Hard not to be,” Will said, shrugging awkwardly. He didn’t think he’d be this bad on a regular date. Maybe that was how he should approach this. His palm was damp, and he was afraid he’d gross Enzo out, but he showed no hesitation in gripping it tighter.

They walked around the statue of Eliza, Enzo’s gaze skimming over it.

Will thought he was going to make some comment on the artist or his creation, but instead, Enzo turned to him and said, “You’re wrong, you know.”

“I’m wrong?”

“You have plenty of artistic bones in your body.”

“I do?” Will braced himself for Enzo to make some joke about a certain bone, but instead, Enzo’s expression turned serious and intent.

“What you’ve created with Cherry’s? That’s a form of art. Every time you invent a new, insanely delicious ice cream flavor? Or a new sundae? Or devise a milkshake that makes me want to weep it’s so goddamn good? That’s art.”

“Oh. Oh.” Will couldn’t pretend he was anything other than pleased.

“You’re very talented,” Enzo said.

Will grinned at him. “I guess we’ve both got a thing for competency porn.”

Enzo shot him a hot look as Will let go of his hand to open the front door at Rudy’s, ushering him inside.

Maybe this wasn’t a real date—maybe they were pretending to be crazy about each other—but Will liked treating Enzo like he was special.

Because he was special.

Enzo sauntered through the door and approached the hostess station. “Good evening,” he said. “Reservations for two. Moretti.”

The young lady had an appropriate reaction to Enzo’s appearance.

Enzo believed everyone in town remembered him as only that young, messed up kid. But this girl wouldn’t. Not now. Her jaw dropped and well, it made Will feel a little better that at least he wasn’t alone in being blown away by how stunning Enzo Moretti was.

“You must be one of Luca’s brothers,” she said in an awed voice.

“Cousin,” Enzo said in clipped tones.

Will didn’t think. He just slid up next to him and put his arm around Enzo’s waist, tugging him closer in what no doubt looked to everyone else like a firm declaration of possession.

Enzo leaned into him, glancing up at him from under those curling black lashes. Did he even flutter them a little?

Jesus, he was potent.

No wonder the hostess was stammering, searching through her tablet.

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