“Haydn will behave himself, won’t you, Haydn?” Oliver said, his voice singsongy like he was talking to a child.

  “Fine. I’ll behave.” Haydn lifted his right hand and held up two fingers. “Scout’s honor.”

  “You were a scout?” Lucas asked quietly.

  Haydn winked. “Nope.”

  “Maybe we should just sit down,” Declan suggested.

  He placed his hand on the small of Lucas’s back to guide him to a table, but quickly pulled it back, not sure if Lucas would be okay with public touching. Lucas hadn’t seemed to notice.

  They chose one of the tables in the corner; the one with the large overstuffed chairs and a heavy oak table between them. Oliver ducked underneath the counter next to the cash register and came to stand next to their table.

  “What would you like for dinner?”

  “Uh,” Lucas said, “can I look at the menu?”

  Oliver chuckled, the sound low and musical.

  Declan looked at Lucas. “Oliver doesn’t have menus. There are the things that are premade in the case you can order if you want, but those are mostly pastries and desserts. You tell Oliver what you feel like, and as long as he has the ingredients in the back, he’ll make it for you.

  Lucas looked confused. Oliver explained, “I love cooking, and I love experimenting. Originally, I threw out the menus because when I was working at restaurants in the city I had gotten tired of making the same things over and over again. I figured I would try it out for a few weeks, and if I was running around too much, I would draft up a menu. After a few weeks it became pretty clear, though, that this town is nothing without routine. Everyone always orders the same two or three things. I have most people’s ‘usual’ memorized and always have the ingredients stocked in the kitchen.”

  Lucas nodded, finally seeming to understand this bizarre move away from convention.

  “I’m actually really excited that you’re here. Maybe you’ll give me something new to try out.”

  Lucas thought for a minute before he asked, “Can you make a lobster roll?”

  Oliver looked at him dubiously. “This is Maine. You’re not allowed to live here if you can’t make a lobster roll.”

  Lucas looked slightly terrified, but nodded anyway and gave Oliver a weak smile. “I’ll have that then, please.”

  “You got it!”

  Oliver redirected his attention back to Declan. “Mac and cheese for you?”

  “You know it,” Declan replied, and Oliver walked to the kitchen to start on their meal.

  Chapter 15

  THEY WATCHED Oliver hurry off before Lucas turned back to Declan. “So if Oliver and Haydn own this place, why is it called Maggie’s?”

  “Maggie was Oliver’s sister. She died last year, and Mack flew to Seattle to let Oliver know she had died.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “What’s worse is that Oliver hadn’t known he had a sister. Maggie was adopted and Oliver was in foster care until he aged out. Mack wasn’t too keen on the idea of Oliver at first, but Maggie had wanted to know her brother, and as her only living relative, everything that was hers became his. Mack flew to Seattle even though he was against it, to tell Oliver what had happened.”

  “And he moved here?”

  “Not right away. At first he just came to learn about Maggie. It turns out he wasn’t the asshole Mack thought he was, and Mack ended up falling in love with him. It was tough for them at first because Oliver was the first guy Mack had ever been attracted to, so on top of the heavy loss they had both suffered, there was the small identity crisis that added additional stress to the situation.”

  “So what happened?”

  “Well, Oliver discovered shortly after he got here that he had the same health issues that caused his sister’s death. There’s nothing like nearly losing someone you care about to put some perspective on things….” Declan let his words fade out, aware of the similarities between his situation with Lucas and Mack’s with Oliver. Oliver and Lucas had both nearly died; Oliver from a heart attack and Lucas from another kind of attack altogether. Declan and Mack had both come close to losing someone they loved.

  Declan’s thoughts bounced around his head, ricocheting off each side at the unconscious mention of love. Fuck. He knew he had been falling for Lucas, but he hadn’t anticipated having his feelings morph so quickly into something so strong.

  He looked across the table at Lucas, who was digesting the information Declan had given him thoughtfully. Lucas’s mouth was tight, his lips almost pursed as he mulled it over in his head. Eyebrows knit together, he looked so concerned. Declan wondered exactly what was going on in his head, if Lucas had caught the way Declan’s voice had cracked when he spoke about Mack and Oliver, or if he was just sorry about what the couple had been through to end up together.

  He didn’t have much time to give it any more thought, because there was Oliver, depositing their dishes proudly in front of them. Oliver was happiest when he was in one of two places, in the kitchen or in Mack’s arms. Declan had once been privy to seeing the combination, and the look of pure, unadulterated bliss that had painted Oliver’s face had been borderline devastating for Declan. He was so happy for his friend, but it made his chest ache at what was missing in his life.

  “This looks fucking amazing, Oliver,” Lucas said, the hunger in his voice almost tangible.

  “Yeah, man. You’ve outdone yourself tonight, I think.”

  “Forget about it. It was nothing.”

  “Are you kidding? I haven’t seen food that looked this good… well… ever,” Lucas said. Oliver visibly puffed out, pride written on his features.

  “Well, bon appétit! And let me know if you need anything else, but, Declan,” he said, pausing for dramatic effect, “if you dare to ask me for ketchup, I’m going to punch you in the teeth.” He stalked off, satisfied that he had gotten his point across.

  Declan laughed. He didn’t need the reminder. He had only made that mistake once before, the first time being a week after Oliver’s grand reopening of Maggie’s, after the renovations. Declan hadn’t been in town long and had been mostly living off pizza and Chinese takeout. He’d actually been surviving on those for most of his adult life, and when he was young, his mom hadn’t exactly been a stellar chef. Gourmet in his household was grating pepper jack cheese for tacos rather than plain cheddar. He’d relied on ketchup at home to make most of what his mom cooked edible. He hadn’t thought twice about asking for a side when Oliver had placed the perfectly grilled steak in front of him.

  Oliver’s face had contorted and become red, like he was trying to hold back the yelling. He couldn’t keep it contained, though, and ended up swiping Declan over the back of the head with an open palm. Not hard enough to hurt, but it stung enough that Oliver got his point across. “My food does not need ketchup. Ever,” he had hissed.

  “Okay, man,” Declan had said, holding his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t know. Sorry.”

  “Better be,” he had muttered as he walked away.

  Declan and Lucas ate in relative silence; the only sounds passing between them were moans of enjoyment at their food. Oliver really was an amazing chef.

  “How’s your sandwich?” Declan asked, eyeing the roll stuffed full of lobster and some sort of orange sauce.

  Lucas picked up half of his sandwich and held it up, offering Declan a bite. “It’s good. I’ve never had one before.”

  Declan looked at him incredulously as he reached for the sandwich. “Really?”

  “Actually, I’ve never had lobster, period.”

  Declan almost spat out the bite he had just taken. “You’re fucking kidding me. You worked on a goddamn lobster boat.”

  “Yeah, but it wasn’t like we were cooking up what we were catching. I lived off frozen Hungry-Man meals for the entire time I was at sea.”

  “That’s insane.”

  Lucas just shrugged and crammed the last bite of sandwich into his mouth, mumbling his appreciation around the tender pieces of lobster.

  Oliver sauntered over to their table a few minutes later. “How is everything, guys?” he asked, then glanced down at their plates. Lucas had almost consumed the entire sandwich in the few minutes Oliver had been gone. Declan’s plate looked almost the same, having eaten most of his mac and cheese just as quickly. “I guess you liked it?” he said sardonically.

  “Mmm hmm,” Lucas moaned around his full mouth.

  “I’m glad. There’s almost nothing I love more than making food that people enjoy.”

  Right on cue, the door opened, the bells tinkling to signal a customer’s arrival, except this was no ordinary customer.

  “Speak of the devil,” Declan said, waving hello to Mack as he entered the cafe.

  “Hey, babe,” Mack said as he crossed the room and pulled Oliver into a quick kiss.

  Lucas’s mouth hung open, thankfully devoid of food.

  “Lucas, I don’t know if you remember, but you’ve met Mack.”

  He remembered his manners, extending his left hand for an awkward handshake, “Yes, I think so. You were at the hospital. I don’t think we formally met, but I remember you being there.”

  “I’m glad to see you’re feeling a bit better.”

  “Yes sir. Thank you.”

  “Just Mack. Even my deputies don’t bother with honorifics. Too stuffy. In a town as small as Hope Cove, we’re all neighbors and treat one another as such.”

  “Yes—Mack. Got it,” Lucas said with a weak smile.

  “Looks like you’ve devoured another bowl of mac and cheese, Dec,” Mack remarked. “Not that I blame you. Oliver makes the best mac and cheese on the planet. He won’t even tell me his secret.”

  “There’s two reasons for that. One, you would fuck it up. You can’t cook for shit. And two, if you had the recipe you wouldn’t need me anymore, and I’m not letting that happen for anything.”

  The two of them continued to make googly eyes at each other as Lucas looked away uncomfortably. Declan was used to seeing it, but the sting of loneliness that usually accompanied witnessing a scene like that was stronger than ever. He wanted to pull Lucas into his lap and snuggle him close, nuzzle into him like Oliver was doing to Mack, but he couldn’t. He would have to be happy sitting with Lucas, and maybe getting up close and personal again when they got home. The thought made his cock harden in his jeans, and he almost grabbed Lucas and dragged him from the restaurant, his want suddenly stronger than ever.

  He snapped out of his minifantasy when Mack cleared his throat. Apparently he and Oliver were done for now, and he’d been staring vacantly into space for a beat too long.

  “Dec, can I talk to you for a second?” Mack asked.

  “Sure,” he said as he rose from the table. “Be right back, Lucas.”

  He followed Mack out of the café onto the street. “What’s up?” he asked once the door closed behind him.

  “I just wanted to check in and see how things were going with you.”

  “They’re fine,” he assured.

  “I meant on both a personal and a professional level. I’ve been your boss for as long as you’ve been here, and you’ve been through some things. I would hope that my actions during that time would prove that I’m on your side. No matter what, you can talk to me.”

  Declan smiled. He was lucky to have people like Mack and Oliver, and yes, even Haydn, in his life. “Yeah, I know. There’s nothing really to talk about.”

  “So that hickey that’s peeking out from just below your collar?”

  “So there might be a little something going on, but you know me, Mack. You know I would never do anything to hurt anyone else, and I take things seriously. Especially my job. If I thought that my feelings were coloring my ability to do my job, I would tell you.”

  Mack didn’t look convinced, but he nodded, apparently willing to take Declan at his word for the time being.

  “I’m glad things are going well for you, for the record. Lucas seems like a nice guy. A little damaged maybe, but who isn’t? Just make sure you guys are on the same page about where things are going. If he thinks he’s leaving in a few weeks and you’re starting to plan your forever together, you should probably talk.”

  Declan’s cheeks colored. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Mrs. Leonard could tell.”

  “Mrs. Leonard is blind.”

  “Exactly. The blissed-out look on your face would be evidence enough, but the way you position your body when you’re around him, like you’re going to protect him from the world, well, it’s sweet, but it’s also dangerous. I just don’t want you getting too attached if he’s just going to take off in a few days.”

  Declan shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at his shoes. Mack started to laugh, a big barrel laugh. “You are so fucked, Dec.”

  Declan looked up, unable to contain his own laughter. “Yup.”

  “Don’t worry. If things fall apart, you’ll have Oliver and me to bring you pie and chick flicks to mend your broken heart.”

  “Fuck you, Mack.”

  “Love you too, asshole.”

  Chapter 16

  THEY WERE home, safe and sound. The trip into town had been successful. They had gotten in and out without any major weirdness, like a marching band wearing cat costumes running formations down Main Street or Jeremy setting off one of his “experiments” in the square. Stopping off briefly at the station, they picked up the ratty duffle bag from the storage locker that held all of Lucas’s possessions. They’d had dinner, which was delicious, and spent some marginally awkward time with some of Declan’s friends.

  It was important to him that Lucas liked his friends, and despite being subjected to Haydn first thing, Lucas had handled it like a champ. Declan felt as if he was glowing a bit.

  Declan had watched as Lucas had unpacked the bag, placing his clothes and books where they belonged. He liked that Lucas’s things belonged in his house, much like he thought Lucas might belong.

  “You good?” Lucas asked when he noticed the stupid smile pasted on Declan’s face.

  “Very good,” he said, enveloping Lucas into his arms and kissing him soundly on the mouth.

  He pulled back to see Lucas grinning at him. “What was that for?” he asked.

  “Just ’cause,” he replied.

  That seemed to be reason enough for Lucas, who kissed him this time, carding his fingers through Declan’s hair and anchoring their lips together with gentle pressure on the back of his head. His arm in the cast hung limply at his side, but Declan made use of both of his arms to touch and explore as they kissed.

  They broke apart, both having run out of air. Declan reverted back to a six-year-old boy, wishing he was a superhero, so he could go without air indefinitely. “Lucas,” he whispered into Lucas’s hair, “I really like you. I just wanted you to know that.”

  Lucas’s eyes widened, the blue seeming deeper than it had before. “I like you too, Declan.” Declan grinned. Lucas continued, “I have from the beginning. I know it was tough to tell. I wasn’t exactly the easiest person to get along with. I’m sorry for that.”

  “I don’t want you to be sorry about anything that’s happened since we met. I’m glad we did, and I can’t bring myself to regret any of it.”

  “I know you say that, but I really am sorry for being such an ass. You were nothing but nice to me, and you didn’t deserve to be treated that way. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me, and I’ll never forget you.”

  Declan decided to ignore the last part of Lucas’s sentence. He didn’t want to think why Lucas would ever have the opportunity to forget him. He still had time, more than enough time for him to make Lucas fall in love with him and want to stay forever. He hoped he did, anyway.

  “Tonight’s the last night of my ‘weekend.’ What do you wanna do? There’s still some time before bedtime,” Declan said.

  Lucas paused, thinking about his options. “Hmmm,” he said, “I think we should probably go to bed early.” His mouth quirked into a small smile. “Very, very early.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Uh-huh. I’m feeling awfully… sleepy,” he said.

  “Is that so?”

  “Yup. Wanna tuck me in, officer?”

  Declan laughed. “You bet I do.”

  DECLAN AWOKE to the alarm, silently cursing the fucking thing. It was way too early to be awake. They had been up most of the night tangling themselves in each other, bodies locked together, sweaty skin and enthusiastic moans. And the orgasms, fuck, the orgasms. Declan found that although he was not ready to rise and shine, certain body parts weren’t in agreement. He groaned, pushing his erection forcefully against his belly, trying to get it to subside. He didn’t have time, not even for a quickie before work, and it wouldn’t do any good to walk around the station with a hard-on.

  He rolled out of bed and hit the shower, turning the right knob to change the temperature to cool to flag the burgeoning erection.

  A few minutes under the cold water helped to quell his need. He turned off the water and stepped out of the tub, pulling the towel off the rack and wrapping it around his body, only to have it tugged away. Before he could spin around, he felt Lucas, naked, at his back, his good arm wrapping tightly around Declan’s body. His hand stroked along Declan’s tummy, lazily combing through the dark trail that began at his belly button and led down to the cock that he had managed to get under control until the towel had been ripped from his hands. Now he was hard enough to hammer nails, and he was running out of time before he had to go to work.

  He gently loosened Lucas’s arms and spun around, wrapping himself around the younger man.

  “Good morning,” he said as he kissed Lucas.

  “Want you,” Lucas said before dropping to his knees and taking Declan all the way in to the root.

  “Fuck,” he spat out, far too gone in his pleasure already to notice the clock was moving dangerously close to eight o’clock. “Oh God,” Declan gasped. “I fucking love your mouth.”