Page 114 of King of Obsession

‘Well, any friend of Cleo’s is a friend of ours! Welcome!’

The man clapped me on the shoulder. ‘I’m Bill, and this is my wife, Nancy. We’re the Nichols and are so glad you’re joining us today.’

‘The pleasure’s all mine,’ I replied, shaking his hand.

Their warmth and easy smiles immediately put me at ease. I understood why Cleo had enjoyed working here.

Nancy ushered us to a corner table. ‘You two make such a lovely couple! Now, what can I get you to drink? Some coffee, tea?’

‘Two lemonades would be awesome, thank you.’ Cleo slid into the booth across me, reaching for my hand again.

I laced my fingers through hers, loving how we fit together.

As Bill and Nancy bustled off to fetch our drinks, I surveyed the cafe, taking in its simple charm and noticing how the other diners—regulars and locals—chatted animatedly.

Cleo had described it well—the perfect cozy spot to steal a little time for ourselves, surrounded by kind, humble people who wouldn’t pry or gossip.

My woman leaned in close, her voice warm. ‘I liked it here because Bill and Nancy have always respected my privacy and never pried into my life. They let me just be.’

She glanced at where the couple bustled behind the counter, preparing our order. ‘When everything else was spinning outof control, this place was my haven, even for a little while.’

I squeezed her hand, emotions welling up inside my chest. To know that she had struggled and had needed a refuge when I’d been blissfully unaware cut me deep.

But the fact that she was sharing this with me now, bringing me into her sanctuary, meant more than I’d ever be able to express.

‘Grazie mille,’ I murmured, brushing my thumb across her knuckles. ‘For letting me in.’

Cleo’s answering smile was radiant, her eyes misty. She was about to reply, but Nancy appeared with a laden tray just then.

‘Here we are, dears! Two lemonades,’ she said, setting tall glasses beaded with condensation before us. ‘And an assortment of our finest - steak and kidney pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. You mustn’t forget the sides, either. Coleslaw and garden salad, all fresh from the farmer’s market this morning!’

My mouth watered as she transferred plates piled high with golden pastry and steaming heaps of fries, the savory aroma making my stomach rumble. It seemed like an endless bounty, each dish more tempting than the last.

‘This looks incredible,’ I raped, inhaling in appreciation. ‘You’ve outdone yourself, Nancy.’

The woman pinked, waving a hand in modest denial. ‘Oh, it’s nothing special. You dig in and enjoy, hear? And mind, I’ll be mighty offended if there’s so much as a crumb left over!’

Cleo and I chuckled, promising to do the spread justice. Nancy topped off our lemonades with a wink before bustling off again, leaving us to the mouthwatering feast.

Cleo reached for a fry, but I caught her hand, bringing it tomy lips. Her skin was soft and warm beneath my touch, pulse fluttering at her wrist. A heartbeat passed as we stared at each other, the air between us electric with longing.

‘I treasure you,’ I murmured, thick with emotion. ‘So much.’

‘I adore you too,’ she whispered back, lashes dipping to hide the sudden sheen of tears. ‘More than you know.’

Unable to resist any longer, I leaned in, capturing her mouth with mine. The kiss was slow and deep, a reaffirmation of the love we shared. When we finally parted, we were both breathless, cheeks flushed with desire.

Grinning, I released her hand and snagged a fry. ‘Mmm, you’re right. They’re perfect.’

Cleo laughed, the sound bright and carefree. She picked up her fork and dug into the pie, humming with pleasure at the first bite. ‘See? I told you so.’

We ate in companionable silence for a while, savoring each mouthful.

Now and then, our hands would brush as we reached for the same dish, sending sparks skittering across my skin. I couldn’t stop myself from touching her in pulse checks - a graze of fingers along her arm, a palm resting on her thigh. I knew she sensed the overwhelming need for closeness from how she leaned into me.

All my worries faded at that moment, surrounded by excellent food and even better company.

For the first time in fuckin’ forever, I was contented.

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