Torch (Unbreakable Bonds 3)

Noah reached across the small table and touched his hand. “No, it’s not—not because of that anyway. I’m impressed at how fucking strong you must be. You own a restaurant at what, twenty-five?”

“Twenty-six. And I’m only part owner. I have that restaurant because of Lucas.”

“He strikes me as a smart man when it comes to money, so he obviously believes you’re a good investment.”

“I hope so,” Ian murmured. “And he really is a genius. Google him sometime.”

“Then he would only invest in something or someone he believes in.”

“Or loves.” Ian smiled. “I’m not sure what luck I stumbled upon, but the day those men came into my life was the best one ever.”

“Yeah well, I think they’re pretty lucky, too.”

“Thanks. Too bad you’re in love with Rowe. And what did you mean by mostly straight? Thought I didn’t catch that, didn’t you?”

This time, Noah didn’t instantly refute it and Ian knew if he wasn’t still, he was falling back in love. Sadness and worry flooded him. Noah was a nice guy. A really nice guy. And Rowe had been in a dark, dark place for a long time. He didn’t want to see either one of them hurt.

“Has he told you that he still owns the house he bought with Melissa? That he closed it up after her death and left it locked up like some sad mausoleum?”

If he’d thought Noah paled earlier, it was nothing compared to now. He looked down at his food and cleared his throat. “No. Didn’t know that. Fuck.”

“He was devastated and we’ve been watching him all these months, hoping to see him pulling out of the grief. He’s been showing signs of it, but never so much as he did the other night. He laughed with you. He smiles. We see glimpses of the evil schemer that we love.” Ian patted the hand Noah still had on his. “Snow was so choked up with relief, he left the room twice. Thinks none of us noticed.” He rolled his eyes. “We’re happy you’re here. You’re good for him.” He bit his lip. “But I have to say I’m worried that he won’t or can’t return your feelings. He’s straight.”

Noah’s lips flattened into a hard, straight line as if he were fighting to hold the words in. He also refused to meet Ian’s gaze.

“Right?” Ian pressed, unable to ignore the fact that his voice had crept a little higher either in shock or panic.

“I said mostly for a reason.”

“Wait, what?” Ian leaned forward. “Did something happen back then? Or now?”

“Both.”

“Really? Wow.” He sat back, blinked and looked around because it felt like he’d entered an alternate dimension. Other diners continued to talk and laugh while eating. Servers flowed along the open paths, delivering food, taking orders, removing dishes, and replenishing drinks. All of them were completely oblivious to the fact that Ian’s world was changing. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this because while they were both great guys, he had a feeling this could come out painful for Noah.

“Don’t worry, Ian. Rowe backtracked pretty fast and hard.” A bitter note colored his voice and his smile held a hint of pain that made Ian more concerned. “I know better than to push him. He won’t let himself…” Noah paused and grimaced like he was clenching his teeth, holding something back. “We’re just friends.”

Ian continued to worry while they finished their dinner and it hadn’t stopped when they stood outside by his car, though he was briefly distracted by the news that he’d be acquiring a bodyguard again whether he wanted one or not. While he liked Sven, the big, sexy blond wasn’t doing his sex-starved libido any favors.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared up at Noah. He really was so much Ian’s type with his height and muscular build. “Too bad we’re both caught up in someone else.”

“Both?” Light from the street lamps flashed on Noah’s teeth.

Ian shrugged. “A blockhead cop who disappeared.”

Noah rested a hand on his shoulder. “If this man couldn’t see what he had in you, he really was a blockhead.”

“We never really hooked up anyway. It was just wishful thinking on my part and things happened. He got away from me.” He touched the lapel of Noah’s leather jacket. “How about just one? To see if there’s a spark?”

Before Noah had time to answer, Ian rose on his toes and kissed him. He had to work back a groan of disappointment that nothing would be happening between them because Noah smelled and felt fantastic. The kiss was slow and sweet. Everything about it should have come together to be the absolutely perfect kiss, but it didn’t make him want to throw the man down and maul him. He slowly let go and balanced back on his feet. They both chuckled nervously.