All smiles, Rico recalled Adam mentioning the Italian gentleman he’d befriended.
“I’m good. Care to introduce me? Is this the friend you told me about?”
A bit red in the face, Adam squeezed his hand. “Yes. This is Rico. Rico this is the mayor of Carroll Gardens, Mr. D. He’s given me great advice over the years.”
Mr. D’s dark, intelligent gaze assessed Rico, and he straightened up, intensely aware of wanting to make a good impression on this man.
“Hello. Nice to meet you. Adam talks about you often, so I’m glad to meet you.”
“You too, you too. I’m glad Adam brought you by to meet me. I hear you’re a chef. My Maria is a wonderful cook; she makes all her own sauce with tomatoes from our garden.”
Rico peered over Mr. D’s shoulder and saw the heavily laden vines. “Nothing like fresh produce to make the best-tasting food. We try to get all our produce locally sourced, but may start using vegetables picked, flash-frozen, and shipped from Adam’s parents’ farm in Texas.”
“You are?” Adam gaped at him, and Rico nodded. Mr. D watched them both.
“Yup. I discussed it with your parents when you went out riding, and all I have to do is talk to Gid about it, which I’m sure won’t be a problem. Plus your mom and I discussed her chili recipe.”
“You didn’t tell me that.” Adam’s eyes sparkled and Rico laughed.
“Have to keep some secrets.”
“I like him,” said Mr. D with a determined nod. “He’s a go-getter.”
“He is.”
“He got you, didn’t he?” Mr. D cackled at his own joke.
“He sure did. We’d better get going. I’ll see you soon.”
“Nice to meet you, Rico. I’ve stopped by your place a few times and it’s always smelled delicious. Your chocolate-dipped cookies are my weakness. Next time I’ll make sure to say hello.”
“Please do, we’d be honored.” Rico shook the man’s hand.
He and Adam continued on to the firehouse, enjoying the late-afternoon warmth of the sun. A quiet peace stole through him, and Rico discovered that despite the fuckery of the day and the uncertainty with his father, he was happy. As long as he had Adam, things would be okay.
They reached the firehouse; a large black car idled in front.
“Damn.” Immediately Adam rebuttoned his top button. “I wonder if the commissioner decided to come get his cookies right away.”
“If I have to, I’ll bake him some. Don’t look so stressed. Maybe he had something he forgot to say at the ceremony.” He patted Adam on the back. “Relax.”
Adam raised a skeptical red brow. “He doesn’t forget shit. Plus,” he said as they reached the front door of the firehouse. “He’s the commissioner. He doesn’t come to a firehouse unless it’s something important.”
Upon entering the firehouse, Rico noticed several of the guys shooting him and Adam strange looks, which left him wondering if the firefighters were uncomfortable with their out-in-the-open relationship. Adam’s friend Patrick approached them.
“Hey, you two. Dixon’s been looking for you both.”
“Is anything wrong?” Adam stopped short. “Why’s the commissioner here?”
“I don’t know anything. He told me to make sure you come straight to his office. That’s all I know.”
“Stop obsessing over it. Let’s go.” Rico gave Adam a little nudge with his shoulder. “Thanks, Patrick.”
“No problem. Nice to see you again, Rico.” But Patrick didn’t smile, and Rico wondered why the vibe felt so different today than last time.
Trailing after Adam, Rico put on his business face, the one he used when meeting with potential clients. They reached the back of the firehouse, and Adam knocked, then pushed open the wooden door with Dixon’s nameplate on it.
“Lieutenant, we’re…”
