Love Him Free (On the Market #1) - E.M. Lindsey Page 0,29

their kiss was interrupted—at least at first, but it was too obvious to see how lost Simon was. He didn’t know Rocco well, and it was unfair to take advantage of him like that. Rocco wanted to woo him, seduce him with more than just his name, his reputation, his body. He wanted every inch, every molecule, of Simon to be desperate for him.

He wanted Simon so wrapped up in him, he begged Rocco not to leave.

Or maybe, he begged Rocco to take him with—and that idea had some appeal.

He had no timeline right now. He was in limbo, waiting for Anthony to sort out whatever the hell was going to happen with his film career and Xander. He had three years left on a contract—three long years to potentially not film a single scene. That might have been a death sentence to other stars, an easy way to become irrelevant. Rocco didn’t want to lose his life, but as he looked across the sofa at Simon delicately picking at his pizza, he didn’t think it was the worst idea in the world.

‘Tell me what’s good to do around here,’ Rocco asked after getting Simon’s attention. ‘I need to leave soon, I’m exhausted. But I have no plans after tonight.’

Simon’s cheeks pinked beautifully, and Rocco wanted to drag his teeth over those freckles. ‘It’s a small town.’

Rocco raised a brow. ‘I know.’

At that, Simon laughed and shook his head. ‘There’s a farmer’s market tomorrow night. Everyone in town shows up, and most of the shops have a booth.’

Rocco leaned forward. ‘You?’

Simon glanced away, then shrugged. ‘Normally I don’t, but Fitz,’ he spelled the name slowly. ‘Fire chief. He asked me if I would set up, so I told him next week.’

Rocco studied his expression. ‘You regret it.’

Simon looked pained. ‘It won’t help the bakery. It just means more baking and I have no help, and Levi is busy with his truck.’

Rocco worried the inside of his cheek, then gave a firm nod. ‘Teach me.’

Simon startled in his seat, almost knocking his plate off his lap. He gingerly pushed it to the table, then looked back at Rocco. ‘Teach you what?’

‘Baking. I’m not bad in the kitchen. I’ll help you get ready.’ He waited, and Simon’s hands lifted to protest, so he grabbed his wrist lightly and squeezed, shaking his head. ‘Let me help.’

The wet, pink tip of Simon’s tongue dragged over his bottom lip, and Rocco fought the urge to lean in and taste it. God, he wanted him. ‘Maybe.’

‘You have a better idea?’ Rocco challenged. And maybe Simon’s hesitation was right. Maybe it would be damn near impossible to keep his hands to himself if they were in a kitchen together, but that part was far more than seduction. He wanted to help. He wanted to ease a few of Simon’s worry lines, wanted to soothe the way his soul was all twisted up into knots with more than just fucking.

He had never been so gone so fast before, but Rocco was also the kind of man who followed his heart—even when his heart was wrong.

‘Okay,’ Simon finally said, and Rocco felt his grin stretch wide enough it nearly split his face.

‘When?’

‘Wednesday night after close.’

Rocco felt the vibration of his throat with his hum as he nodded. ‘Tomorrow, you can show me the market. I’ll come over when you close.’ He made sure it was a statement, not an offer. Simon’s anxiety was obvious, how he’d say no, how he’d run, even when he didn’t want to. Rocco didn’t mind applying a little firm hand where it was needed—especially knowing Simon wanted him—and more than that, he liked him.

After a beat, Simon’s shoulders moved with a laugh and he shook his head, but the delight in his eyes wasn’t a rejection. ‘Fine. I can close early. Come by at six.’

That settled, Rocco knew he had to get out before things got carried away. He pulled the thin leash from his pocket and clipped it to James before rising, then held a hand out to Simon. His palm was warm and a little slick from the pizza grease, but he clung tight as Rocco pulled him to his feet.

‘Walk me out.’

Simon nodded, and he stayed close enough that Rocco could feel his body heat as they approached the door. He twisted the leash around his palm just before they stopped, and he spun fast, gripping Simon by the waist.

Simon’s mouth parted with a puff of air as Rocco spun him,