Page 73 of Waiting for a Prince
Oh God. Sam had the power to make Mark weak at the knees.
And with that, Sam turned to the customers who were watching and gave them a cheery wave. “Bye, ladies.” He grinned as he stepped out into the street, waving through the window at Mark as he set off down the street. Mark watched him until he was no longer in sight, feeling so light, he could have floated across the salon.
Oh hell.
He suddenly remembered where he was.
Mark glanced around at the faces that regarded him, all of them smiling, even Marie. Sonia was beaming at him, her eyes sparkling. She winked at the staff.
“Looks like our Mark finally found his Prince Charming after all.” Snickers and chuckles greeted her words.
Mark reddened and then gruffly cleared his throat. “Okay, time I did some work, I think.” He glanced up at the clock. Five hours to go until he could go home—to Sam’s arms.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“How comeyou never told me you could cook like that?” Mark pushed away his empty plate with a contented sigh. He’d arrived home to the strange experience of being buzzed into his own flat, since Sam had his keys, only to be greeted by a wonderful aroma as he climbed the stairs to the top floor. Sam was leaning over the banisters, watching his approach, the mouthwatering smell emanating from the open door behind him.
Sam blushed. “I wasn’t sure if you’d like it.” He’d prepared chicken breasts in a delicate white wine and cream sauce, along with brown rice and broccoli. The flavour had been sublime.
Mark lifted the tray from his lap and placed it on the floor, before leaning across to kiss Sam on the mouth. “I loved it,” he murmured as he pulled away from the kiss. “I feel positively spoiled.”
Sam winked. “Then you’re going to love this.” Mark arched his eyebrows when Sam removed a bottle of champagne from the fridge. Sam flushed. “I thought it would be nice to celebrate us deciding to live together.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Mark said wholeheartedly. He went to the cabinet where he kept his glasses, and withdrew twotumblers. He looked sheepishly at Sam. “Okay, I need to buy some wineglasses, I get it.” His voice was gruff.
Sam snickered. “What does it matter what we drink it out of? It won’t change the taste of the champagne, will it?”
Mark’s heart swelled with love. His man was eminently practical.
My man.
Damn, that sounded good.
Sam poured the champagne and handed him a tumbler. He brought his glass to Mark’s and clinked it lightly.
“To us.” The words were uttered softly, Sam’s gaze fixed on Mark.
“To us.” Mark’s reply was equally soft. They drank the bubbling gold liquid, its taste bursting into life on Mark’s tongue. He took Sam by the hand and led him to the couch, where they sat and sipped their champagne.
“This is wonderful.” Sam leaned against the seat cushions and sighed happily.
Mark couldn’t agree more. “So, what are your plans?”
Sam tilted his head. “Plans?”
“For a job. Moving in here. Stuff like that.”
Sam stretched out his long legs. “I rang round a few games design companies this morning and one of them expressed an interest. They want me to interview next week.”
“That’s great,” exclaimed Mark.
Sam wagged a finger. “Don’t get carried awayjustyet. This isn’t a done deal, all right?”
Mark nodded, his eyes shining. “They’llloveyour stuff,” he declared emphatically. He paused, unsure of how to phrase his next sentence. “Have you thought… youcouldtake your dad to court, you know. What he’s doing is illegal. He’s discriminating against you because you’re gay.”
Sam sighed. “Yeah, I know, but I’m not about to sue my own father, even if heisbeing an arsehole. I’m just going to find a company who want me and design them the best games I can. I figure success is the best revenge.” He gave a sad smile and then sipped more champagne. “I brought enough clothes and stuff from my flat to last until the weekend. Then I figured you could help me move out on Sunday.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Does that sound okay?”
Mark stroked his chin. “Well, only if you’re going to pay me for my services.” He grinned.
