“It’ll be fine. You can get back to doing your stuff. I got it from here.”
Adam kissed his neck. “Okay. As long as I got you.”
Chapter Twenty
Rico’s strength anddetermination were the talk of the firehouse over breakfast the next morning. Most likely because when the guys came to the break room, Rico and his workers had prepared them a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, a tomato-onion-and-avocado salad, and hot rolls. Freshly sliced fruit filled the dishes in front of each place setting.
“Man, Barton, your friend can come use our kitchen anytime. This is the best breakfast I’ve had in weeks.” Travis sat back in his chair with a smile and wiped his hands with a napkin, then tossed it onto his empty plate.
“Oh yeah?” Washington glared at him. “You don’t like my food?”
For a moment Adam wondered if the man was really put out, then saw his lips twitch, biting back a smile.
“Don’t get your feelings hurt, Washington.” Travis patted his back. “We all have our strengths, and breakfast ain’t one of yours. But you still man the meanest grill in town; no one can touch your ribs.”
“Travis ain’t no dummy,” Patrick whispered, his eyes alive with laughter. “He’d better kiss up to Washington if he ever wants to eat his barbecue again.”
“You’re lucky you’re old, Montgomery. Otherwise I’d toss you out on your ass.”
Travis finished the coffee in front of him, then transferred his attention to Adam, giving him a shrewd look. “Is that chef more than a friend?”
“Damn, Montgomery. Get your nosy ass outta people’s business.” Washington turned to him. “I’m sure Barton would tell us if he was dating somebody. After all, we’re his brothers. Right?”
Finishing his eggs, Adam hesitated a bit, unwilling to talk to strangers before he and Rico had a chance to sit down themselves. “When I have something to tell, I’ll make sure you’re all the first to know.”
Leaving the guys to their good-natured mumbling, Adam got up from the table, took his plate, and dumped the leftovers into the trash. Before he left, he wanted to go back to the kitchen, see Rico, and find out if he needed anything. He’d managed to get some sleep, as there were no calls or disturbances overnight, so he figured he could hang around and help.
Delicious smells hit him as he walked from the break room to the kitchen, which was a beehive of activity; not only were Rico and his two kitchen workers busy, but the cashier, Sean, had also returned to help. It said something about Rico and his partner that these people were ready to rally around him to help at a moment’s notice, no questions asked.
“Hey. What can I do for you? Let me know.”
The two men and Sean glanced over and acknowledged him with tips of their chins, but Rico stopped what he was doing and washed his hands, then came over.
“You and the guys enjoyed the breakfast? It’s nothing fancy, I know, but I wanted to show my appreciation for everything.”
“It was great. And we’re happy to help. The guys were joking that you can stay here permanently.”
Darkness flashed in Rico’s eyes. “I can’t even begin to think of renovations and fixing the store. I gotta finish everything for this party, then figure out how the hell I’m going to break it all to Gideon.”
“Are you going to wait until he comes home?”
A loud sigh escaped Rico, and he leaned against the wall. “Yeah. I can’t do this over the phone.”
“I’ll be with you if you want.”
A funny smile tilted Rico’s lips, and the strain around his eyes softened. “I want. And thanks.”
It hadn’t ever been like this before. Guilt seared through him that he’d found love again, while Wayne never had that chance. And Adam needed to let Rico know everything. Rico wasn’t the only one hiding his life.
“You don’t need to thank me. That’s part of the deal. I’m here for you. Always. No questions asked.”
That same funny smile reappeared. “Guess I better get used to that, huh?”
Damn, he wanted to kiss him so badly, and from the glint in Rico’s eyes, he’d read Adam’s thoughts. But it was neither the time nor the place. Tonight, after Rico finished this important party, their future would begin.
“Yeah. Now go kick ass at that party and work your magic. And when you’re finished, come home. To me.”
“I like the sound of that. Home and you.”
