Forgive and Forget(50)

Before Joe could tell him what he could do with his threat, Liam was on his feet, looking imposing and dangerous. Should Joe feel guilty Blake recoiled at Liam’s presence? Who was he kidding? Blake deserved whatever Liam gave him.

Liam rounded his shoulders, his expansive chest as impressive as his menacing scowl. “Leave right now, or I’ll have you arrested for conspiracy to bribe a public official.”

Blake laughed. “You think because you put on a cheap suit, the police are going to believe you?”

“Oh, I think they might.” Liam smiled pleasantly and reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He flipped open a wallet and presented his badge. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. Agent Liam Baker. FBI.”

Blake’s jaw nearly became unhinged. He stared at the badge before moving his gaze to Liam. “That has to be fake.”

Liam shrugged. “Maybe. And maybe after I arrest you, the federal government will take a nice long look at your finances, and your dad’s. Go over everything with a fine-tooth comb. We’ll look into every account, IRA, investment, property, transaction, transfer, and deduction.” Liam’s smile widened. “I hope you’ve kept your receipts.”

Blake swallowed hard. “I don’t need to put up with this. I’m taking my business elsewhere.”

“You do that.” Liam slapped a hand on Blake’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He leaned in to murmur quietly, but Joe heard every word. “If you, your father, or any of your associates come near Joe, his friends, or this shop, I’ll know, and I will bury you so deep you’ll wish you’d never laid eyes on him. Understood?”

Blake nodded fervently.

“Good. Now get the hell out.”

Joe had no idea Blake could move that fast. The man all but fell over his own feet to flee from the place.

“I don’t think he’ll be bothering you anymore.”

“Wow, that was… impressive,” Joe admitted.

Liam chuckled. “I have my moments.” He checked his watch and grimaced. “I have to go, but please, wait for me?”

Joe’s heart swelled and he couldn’t help his dopey grin. “Okay.”

Liam reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card and pen. He turned the card over and jotted something down. “Here, my personal cell phone number.” He handed the card to Joe, who took it, smiled at Liam’s terrible handwriting, and placed it in his back pocket. The shop was full, and Joe could tell some of his nosy customers were watching, but his heart fluttered when Liam kissed his lips. It was brief, but wonderfully sweet.

With a wink and a wave to Bea and the kids behind the counter, Liam was off. Joe stood there for a moment watching as Liam climbed into a black Suburban. When it pulled away from the curb, Joe went back into the kitchen. He knew he’d get accosted and asked a billion questions, and he really didn’t need to discuss his maybe love life out in the shop.

“So?” Bea asked. “Is he staying?”

“Staying?” Joe shrugged. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, Bea. I don’t even know where he lives. Virginia, I think. He promised he’d be back as soon as he can to talk about us. Even if he wants to continue a relationship, how is that supposed to work with him in Virginia and me here?”

Bea walked over to him and cupped his face. “Sweetheart, it’ll work out, you’ll see. He’s a good man, Joe. You can’t let him slip through your fingers. Fight for him, for what you have. That man is crazy about you.”

“He’s a federal agent, Bea.”

“And?”

“And he’s… amazing.”

Bea planted her hands on her hips, her expression no-nonsense. “So are you, Joe Applin. You are not going to run away from this.” She sighed and put her hand to his cheek. “Honey, I have never seen you as happy as you’ve been while he was here. Take a chance, Joe. If there was ever a time to risk something, now is the time. He cares about you. You can make this work. The two of you, you need each other.” She gave his cheek a kiss and left him to his own thoughts. He looked around the kitchen at the spotless stainless-steel table, workstation, and appliances. The spice rack caught his eye, and he walked over, smiling at how everything was in alphabetical order with neat little labels. Underneath it was the large sugar container, and Joe’s heart swelled. How had he not noticed it before?

The container was labeled, like everything else, but instead of saying sugar, it said “Joe,” and next to his name a little heart had been drawn in permanent marker. Joe chuckled. That goofball. Bea was right. He had to take a chance. Liam had asked Joe to wait for him, and that’s what he would do. If it meant a chance with him, then Joe would do what he could. Joe needed Liam, and he was pretty certain Liam needed him too. They could make this work. He had to have faith in Liam, and although he wasn’t accustomed to it, he had to have faith in himself.





Chapter Ten


THIS was all so surreal.

Joe sat in his garden, the sounds of the city almost muffled. He wasn’t paying attention, too lost in thought. Bea had shooed him away from his own shop, demanding he take a break. She’d even threatened to lock him out if he didn’t take some time off. From sunup to sundown, Joe was on his feet working away, keeping himself busy until he was too exhausted at the end of the night to do more than shower and go to bed.