Page 8 of Feral Heart
“No room for dessert?” Cesar smiled softly at him, making Jamie’s palms sweat. He’d just known his beefcake was a sweet guy whenever Jamie watched him shop on Sundays.
The way he gently squeezed melons and smiled whenever he said thanks.
Jamie knew there was more to somebody’s personality than melon squeezing and smiling, but dealing with all the crap in his life, Cesar had been the only bright spot in it.
Thank goodness the fantasy matched reality.
“Depends.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on the heel of his hand. “I might convince my gut to make room if the dessert’s as good as dinner was.”
Cesar leaned toward him, his tropical eyes a little darker now. Jamie’s breath hitch, unable to stop himself from doing the same. Up close, Cesar’s eyes were even more incredible.
They also looked like they had earlier, with an amber glow. But Jamie couldn’t blame it on the lighting this time. The kitchen was well lit, and the windows and back door were open, letting in plenty of sunlight.
Jamie licked his lips, just in case Cesar kissed him. There wasn’t anything he could do about garlic breath, but his cupcake would have it too.
“Why’re our faces almost touching?” Jamie whispered, his eyes lowering to Cesar’s lips.
“Forgot what the hell I was gonna say.” His knuckles gently brushed down Jamie’s neck. “Tan hermoso.”
“Are you going to tell me what that means?” Jamie said under his breath, his heart beating like crazy as his body tingled.
“Got a ton of orders!” a guy hollered as he entered the kitchen.
Two short men strolled in behind him, making their way to the fridge.
Jamie wished life could’ve waited ten more minutes to come crashing back. He was almost sure Cesar was about to kiss him.
Instead, Cesar winked. “I’ll get that dessert for you.”
But Jamie didn’t want to eat it alone. Unfortunately, his honey bunny had to get back to work.
“Set the orders on my workstation, Chopper,” Cesar instructed. “And you two.” He glanced at the two smaller men who seemed just as out of place in a biker bar as Jamie. “Clean up any messes you make.”
“I was hoping you had some wings and fries stashed somewhere,” the guy with the dark hair huffed.
“I just want a sandwich,” the blond said.
“Noel, Elijah, this is Jamie.” Cesar gestured with his thumb. “Colibrí, this is Elijah and Noel.” He pointed at the two. “No omelets.”
“I said chicken. Jeez. Jared tries to burn down a kitchen one time, and now you think everyone else will.” Noel turned to smile at Jamie. “It’s nice to meet you. Whatever this guy tells you about me, only half believe it.”
“Believe everything he tells you about me,” Elijah said with a smile. “Hi, Jamie. Cesar treating you right?” He sniffed the air. “He’s damn sure feeding you right. What is that smell, and how can I get some?”
“Garlic shrimp and there’s none left.” Cesar grabbed the tickets off the counter as Jamie glanced between them, trying to think of something witty to say. It was clear from the way they interacted they were either close friends or family.
Which made Jamie think of Grant. He couldn’t avoid home forever. Jamie would eventually have to deal with his brother, but he prayed really hard Rowan wasn’t there.
Dealing with one monster was terrifying enough. Any time Rowan was at his apartment, Jamie stayed in his bedroom with the door locked. But it wasn’t only the way Rowan made him feel. It was the glances he gave Jamie, that unmistakable look of lust, like the creep was always undressing Jamie with his eyes.
In a moment of anger, Jamie had blurted out how Rowan looked at him. Grant had simply shrugged, saying Jamie wouldn’t be able to do any better and maybe he should sleep with Rowan.
Jamie blinked, the room suddenly back in focus. Cesar was frying something that smelled like chicken, while Elijah stood at the counter making his sandwich.
Turning his head, Jamie startled when he saw Noel sitting where Cesar had during their dinner.
“Sorry.” Noel held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He lowered his voice. “Just want to know if you could teach me to dance like that? It would drive Tomas crazy.”
“You saw me dancing?” Jamie had become so lost in the song he’d let the rhythm take over. It wasn’t the first time, but he’d never sunk that deeply before.
