Clay shook his head. That was twice Clay couldn’t picture Beau singing his praises. At this point, Fabrice had to be making things up. “I’m not special. Scout is just a good teacher.”
The happiness left Fabrice’s expression. “Speaking of Scout, I should’ve stayed out of that. You’re my best friend. For me, there’s nothing worth losing that. Can we pretend I didn’t say anything? The last two days have been hell, knowing you don’t want to be my friend anymore.”
Everything inside Clay softened. “You’re my best friend. I’ll always want you in my life. Tormenting you while you work is one of my favorite parts of the day.”
They shared a smile. At the same moment, they leaned toward each other and reached for the other. Their hug felt like a healing embrace. Spending the day with Zeus, soul-searching, had Clay making several self-discoveries. It helped that Zeus was a master deprogrammer. Apparently, breaking through inner barriers was more like breaking spies' triggers than one would think. Truthfully, it was no wonder Zeus was such a sought-after dom at that kink club of his. He saw people. Clay had spent his life scared of losing the only love he had: Fabrice. But Clay had never loved him in a way that kept a couple together forever. Until now, Clay had nothing to compare types of love. He felt the difference now.
Fabrice sat back and swiped his eyes. “Are you eating that cold?”
Clay shrugged. “I had to drag myself out of bed. I didn’t have the energy to heat it. But I’m almost done now. It’s fine.”
Fabrice shook his head. “At least let me get you some dessert.”
Clay’s stomach growled in epic timing at the mention of something sweet. “There’s dessert?” Cooking was Fabrice’s love language. Clay didn’t mind reaching for this particular olive branch.
Fabrice stood. “There’s always dessert.”
Scout strolled into the dining room. He looked fresh from the shower.
Fabrice held out his chair for Scout. “I’ll bring two plates.”
Clay flashed Fabrice a grateful smile. He understood what that cost. But there was no time like the present to accept they would never be more than friends.
Scout nodded his appreciation. “Thanks. You going to join us?”
Fabrice looked between them. Clay practically felt him searching for an excuse.
Beau chose that moment to appear with Henry right behind him. He focused on Clay as he pulled out a chair and sat. “Good. You’re up.” His gaze flickered Fabrice’s way. “Grab that cake and some plates. You’ll be joining us too.”
Fabrice dipped his chin. “Oui, Monsieur.” He backed from the room with the grace of a professional.
Beau’s light brown eyes focused on Clay again. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to you last night.” Beau chuckled. “Not that I’m sure you would’ve remembered anything said.”
Clay smiled. It was a genuine gesture. He cared about Beau. “You’re probably right.”
Fabrice reappeared with the cake. While he cut, Scout stood and passed around silverware and empty plates until everyone was settled.
Beau waited until they had enjoyed a few bites of Fabrice’s flawless ganache-covered cake before speaking again. “As you know, I’ve delegated a majority of my work to others over the last year, attempting to be semi-retired.”
Clay nodded. “You’ve been surprisingly still. I didn’t think you would ever get this much free time.”
An expression overcame Beau’s features that showed more and more: a man in love. “Kylo is worth it.”
“He’s perfect for you.” Clay hadn’t found a chance to say that until now.
A fatherly smile Clay had only ever seen Beau use for his sons stretched his lips. There was never a moment when Beau wasn’t terrifying. Sometimes, he looked a little closer to human. This was one of those times. “I got lucky when he found me. But we’re here about you now.”
Oh, that couldn’t be good.
Beau must have seen something in his expression. He held up his hand briefly. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’s likely wrong. Even I didn’t see this decision coming before this trip.”
Clay breathed easier.
Beau kept talking. “I’ve always been proud as hell of you. You grew up at my feet every bit as my sons.” Beau glanced Fabrice’s way. “Both of you.”
A huge grin split Fabrice’s face. Considering Fabrice’s grandfather was one of those screaming, angry chefs, Clay didn’t imagine anyone had ever told Fabrice they were proud of him.
“I said that to say this: you can say no to this plan. This isn’t me giving you an order. It’s an offer.”
