Page 127 of The Husband Game

“I’m definitely not mad.”

Charlie glanced behind him, sure he’d see irritation written all over Dustin’s face, but he looked calm.

That didn’t mean he was though. His mom had looked calm before she blew up and started screaming at him too.

Calm was scary, not comforting.

“Why would you even think I’d be upset with you?” Dustin continued, his forehead creasing. “I come home late from work sometimes too. Believe me, I understand.”

“I know but … I totally messed this whole thing up,” Charlie said, feeling miserable.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Charlie wanted to scoff. Like it was that easy.

When they were in their bedroom, Charlie turned to face him. “I really am sorry.”

“I appreciate the apology but I promise, I’m not upset.” Dustin pushed his hair off his forehead, his Patek Philippe watch glinting in the light.

“God, you look good,” Charlie blurted out. Dustin had on tailored trousers, a crisp button-down shirt, and a nice watch. “It’s a little fancy for a random night in but I like it.”

Dustin gave him a crooked smile. “I thought I’d put in a little effort tonight since we’re having a nice dinner with friends.”

Charlie walked toward the walk-in closet. “I like it, I was just surprised. You’re usually pretty casual around here. Speaking of prepping dinner, how did that go? The house is still standing, so that’s a plus.”

“Surprisingly, nothing is burned,” Dustin said with a little laugh, leaning against the wall.

Charlie stripped off his clothes as quickly as he could. “God, we’re going to have to eat in the living room or at your office table or something, aren’t we? With the kitchen all torn up it’s either that or make them eat at the ping pong table.” He grimaced. “I loved the idea of having a dinner party but I shouldn’t have planned it when I’m so busy with work and the kitchen is all torn up.”

Dustin gave him an amused smile. “Everything is set up outside on the patio and ready to go. I was just waiting for you to come home.”

Charlie’s stomach twisted with guilt again and he reached for the clothes he’d set out earlier. “God, now I feel terrible.”

“Why?” Dustin asked with a quizzical arch of his eyebrow. “I told you I could handle it.”

“Yeah, but you shouldn’t have to do it all.” He hastily tugged on a shirt.

Dustin shrugged. “But you should? Look, I promise, it’s going to be fine. Like I said, I called in some reinforcements today.”

“Who? Matty? You should have had him stay for dinner.” Charlie shimmied into a pair of snug pants. “Now I feel rude putting him to work and not including him.”

“Nope. Not Matty. I actually called the chef who works for the team, Gregg Bolton. He lives in the Toronto area and I contacted him this morning. He was free today so we met at the store, came up with a menu, then he came over and he showed me how to do everything. The only thing not cooked yet is the salmon but it’s prepped and it just needs to be grilled and served.”

“Well aren’t you clever?” Charlie said with a relieved smile.

Twenty minutes later, Charlie had to admit he’d underestimated Dustin.

The first course was amazing. Flatbread with caramelized onions, figs, arugula, goat cheese, and a balsamic drizzle. Dustin had gone all out tonight.

Sure, maybe Chef Gregg had done most of it but Dustin looked so pleased as he served the second course of beet, fennel, and apple salad.

Jordan stared at him in shock. “Damn, dude, I didn’t know you could cook like this.”

“Oh, I can’t,” he said with a laugh. “Not without Chef Gregg or Charlie running the show. But I’m getting better at helping.”

“Well I can cook,” Jordan said. “But not like this.”

“Sounds like Chef Gregg needs to start doing lessons for the whole team,” Natasha said teasingly.

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