Page 73 of The Bro Date
Luckily, Shane saves me from having to respond. He’s carrying a multi-level oyster tower filled with ice, lemon slices, and tons of raw oysters.
“Ooo,” everyone murmurs in unison, making way for Shane to set it on the coffee table that I decorated with a beach theme earlier. I even added some cute little origami crabs, fish, and seahorses that Shane made for me.
“I present to you, hand-shucked oysters with fresh lemon and shallots.”
“Oh my God. This looks absolutely amazing, Shane,” I compliment him, and everyone else follows. “Thank you.”
Shane nods, passing out small white plates. Everyone loads their plates with oysters, being well-acquainted with how to eat them, living in Crescent Bay.
“You know what they say about oysters?” Jake says, waggling his eyebrows at Daija before messily slurping one down.
“No. What do they say, Jake?” she deadpans, clearly messing with him while she sips her wine.
“Oh, um. You know?” he says awkwardly, wiggling his eyebrowsagainbefore looking to Spencer for help.
“Do I?” she asks innocently, tipping her head back and sucking another one down.
“They’re an aphrodisiac,” Jake whispers out the side of his mouth.
“Well then, I guess we're all going to be horny now because of Shane,” Tate blurts out, making everyone burst out laughing.
Shane shakes his head in exasperation, but I don’t miss the little smile tugging at his lips. He eats a few more oysters before standing up and excusing himself. “Please continue to enjoy yourselves, I’m off to plate up the main course. You can head to the dining room when you’re done.” Shane’s professional chef voice gets me just as hot as his chef coat and apron do. Add in the aphrodisiacs, and I’m ready to jump his bones later.
Jake sucks back the last oyster before we make our way to the dining room that I also decorated. Sheer white fabric flows down the center of the table like an ocean wave. Beautiful seashells dot the fabric as well as sand dollars and a few starfish. A small lighthouse-shaped lantern glows in the center, creating a relaxing ambiance.
“Baby boy,” Daija gasps. “This is absolutely gorgeous. You did so well!”
“Thank you,” I say shyly, taking a seat across from her.
“You really did. You could think about pursuing design,” Tate insists, making me beam with pride.
I really enjoy planning parties and decorating, but I love playing violin even more.
We’re all laughing and chatting about upcoming finals when Shane confidently strolls in with a steaming plate in each hand. Low hums fill the room, everyone’s mouths likely filling with saliva.
“I present to you, seafood risotto with locally caught lobster, crab, and shrimp.” Shane sets a plate down in front of me and Daija first. I breathe in the delicious smell and smile up at him. “Thank you.”
Daija and I both wait for him to go back two more times and serve the rest of the plates before we begin to eat. Shane takes his seat next to me, holding up his glass of water for a toast. I do the same, and our friends follow.
“To good friends, good food, and the best partner I could ever ask for,” Shane says, leaning down to press a kiss to my lips, completely catching me and everyone else off guard.
“I’m sorry. Did you just saypartner?!” Tate shouts, the first one to speak. “As in boyfriend?!”
“Yes,” Shane replies evenly, rubbing my lower back with his opposite hand.
Tate squeals loudly, nearly tumbling backward out of his seat.
“Hell yeah!Cheers!” Jake shouts, clanging his glass against Shane’s and then mine.
Spencer follows, and then they’re all cheering us on.
“That's why I planned this dinner tonight. I wanted to announce it to you guys—our best friends—and celebrate together. I love Shane, and I wanted to share that with the people that mean the most to me,” I say, attempting to hold back the tears.
I’m just so happy right now.
“Aww, babe!” Daija shouts, jumping out of her seat and rushing around the table to hug me. “I love you so much, and I’m so happy for you. Shane is an amazing man, and you finally found what you deserve.” She wraps her arms around me and squeezes, before whispering in Shane’s ear. “Take care of my baby boy,” she warns. “Or Tate and I will come for you in your sleep,” she threatens, and I smile at her cute little snarl.
“Got it,” Shane confirms with a nod and a small smile.
