Page 6 of A Flighty Fake Boyfriend
“He’s a really great guy. I would probably date him, but he’s already with someone who isn’t out.”
“I see.” Daniel made a turn onto the stretch of Main Street where bars and restaurants clustered. “I’m going to look for a place to park, then we’ll walk to the restaurant.”
“We’re going past the firehouse, I presume.”
“Of course.”
He parked behind a veterinary clinic that looked closed for the evening, and we got out. I drew my jacket closer. “That wind is a little brisk, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s gusty tonight.” He locked the doors and we headed for the firehouse. “Pity we didn’t come during the day. Cam’s usually out here polishing the vehicles like a porn star.”
I laughed at that because I could picture it. “Cam’s not a shy boy, is he?”
“He hasn’t got a modest bone in his body. Well, except when he’s being all humble about his work. ‘Aw, shucks. Just doing my job, ma’am.’”
We went inside the station to look for him, and the first thing I noticed was the absolutely irresistible aroma of garlic in oil. Even if my testy stomach didn’t approve just then, I loved that smell.
“You guys decent?” Daniel called out to the men in the lounge area. Of course they were decent, more’s the pity.
“Hey, babe.” Cam came from the kitchen with a towel slung over his shoulder. They kissed like high school sweethearts. “Mm.”
“Mm, yourself. You taste yummy.” Cam turned and wrapped his arms around me. “Ryan, you’re just in time. Eat something. You drank enough for three people last night.”
I winced. “Et tu, Cam?”
“Guys, you remember Daniel’s friend Ryan?” He reintroduced me to his colleagues, some of whom I remembered getting drunk with the night before. The ones who were watching the news on the big screen waved tiredly at me. A few said hello.
“I’m making pasta arrabbiata.” Cam motioned for us to follow. “This way. I have to keep an eye on the garlic.”
We followed him into a huge kitchen where one man was draining cans of San Marzano tomatoes, another was chopping basil, and a third was grating parmesan cheese with a microplane. Cam had a huge amount of garlic cloves frying in olive oil. My mouth watered.
“Expecting a vampire invasion?” I asked.
“Preparedness is key.” Cam handed me a hunk of sourdough bread after lashing it with soft butter.Oh, my god, yum.
Daniel kissed his cheek. “We were just stopping by on our way to Nacho’s for dinner.”
“Have a good meal.” Cam said this smugly as if he knew that nothing we ate could compare to what he was making.
“You guys having a salad with that?” Daniel teased. “Man cannot live on pasta and cheese alone.”
Cam seemed to consider this. “There are tomatoes involved.”
“Eat. A. Salad.” Daniel intoned.
“You too, my love.” Cam leaned in for one last kiss. We left with waves all around and promises from Daniel to catch up at poker night.
Outside, the crisp mineral tang of sea air hit like a wall after the warm sensory overload of the firehouse.
“Still obscenely happy, I see.”
“We have our ups and downs. More ups than downs, though. God, I love that man.”
“You’re still glad you moved here?”
“I honestly couldn’t live anywhere else anymore. St. Nacho’s is home even if we technically live outside the city limits.”
“I could love it here.” I glanced in the direction we’d come from. “Things are pretty chill.”
