Page 108 of Delicious (Delicious #1)

Chapter One

Pete

I adjust my hat, wiping the little bit of sweat from my brow before heading back into the dining room, pulling my notepad from my pocket. It’s a Saturday night which means Pete’s Slice should be wildly crazy but there’s something about today that has us slower than usual. When I get back to the kitchen, I’ll have to ask Roe if some event is happening in town.

About three years ago, I decided to take a chance. I moved away from my small town where everyone knew my name to a big city where I was metaphorically just one in a million. I wanted a fresh start where no one knew me and I was able to just be myself. I pulled everything I had from my savings, bought a little building, and made Pete’s Slice.

It was slow going at first, no doubt people not wanting to take a chance on a new pizza place, but eventually, word got out how good our food was and after that, our little pizza shop took off.

Is it a little pretentious to name my pizza shop after myself? Maybe, but if I’m going to make a name for myself, I’m going to do it in style. Balls to the wall. I’m going to go all in, just like everything else in my life.

I dive head first when it comes to everything but one thing. My love life. Or lack thereof.

I stop at my one and only table, making sure they’re doing alright and have everything they need. I hear the door jingle, letting me know someone’s just walked in. For whatever reason, it’s been slower than usual tonight. By this time we’re usually overflowing with orders, but if I remember correctly, we only have this one table who’s finishing up and getting ready to leave and two pizzas in the oven. Weird.

Making my way back towards the front door, a smile spreads across my face as a familiar figure stands, waiting for me. He turns towards me, grinning, showing off the adorable little gap in between his front teeth. My stomach flutters.

Rodney, my roommate and very best friend is here, his shoulders and hat covered in white snow. My eyes dart to the front window, seeing giant white flakes falling down in thick sheets.

Oh, that would be why it’s so slow tonight.

“Hey,” I greet him with a smile. “I didn’t know you’d be stopping by tonight. Why didn’t you text me?”

Rodney snorts. “You’re never gonna believe this but I did, in fact, text you before I left our place. I think you’ve been too busy to check your phone.”

“Oh,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Did you want something to take home?”

Rodney shakes his head. “No, I’m here to help so you can send your workers home early. This snow storm isn’t supposed to let up until the morning and I want them getting home safe.”

My heart swells in my chest and it suddenly feels about a million degrees hotter all of a sudden. Rodney makes it so fucking hard to keep my feelings for him locked away when he does stuff like this regularly. He’s constantly making sure I take care of myself, constantly asking if I’ve eaten or taken a break today. He jumps at every chance to help me with anything, especially when it comes to my business.

He’s everything I’ve always dreamed about having in a partner, and yet, for whatever reason, we’ve never crossed that line.

“Have you eaten tonight?” I shake my head and he puts a hand on my shoulder, steering me towards the back. “Eat something quick, I’ll keep an eye on the phone and make sure your table is okay.”

Rodney grabs an apron from the hook and places a hat over his head to make sure his hair is covered. I’m powerless to do anything but what he’s gently asked of me. I watch as he goes back to the sink and starts washing his hands.

Just one of the many things I love about him. I’m constantly working myself to the bone and I’m not afraid to admit I’m a bit high-strung. Rodney on the other hand is laid-back and chill. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him raise his voice before. Well, except for that one time in high school he punched a transphobe who was picking on me. I think that was the moment I actually fell in love with him.

When I decided I needed a fresh start, Rodney volunteered to come along with me. There was no way I’d turn him down.

“Alright,” I call out to my kitchen crew. “Which of you lives the furthest away?”

Marigold raises their hand. “Probably us? I think? We’re out in the country.”

“Fuck,” I breathe out, “the country roads are probably going to be shit. You two get off the clock now.”

“Are you sure?” Roe asks, looking at the ticket line. “We still have two more pizzas to get into the oven.

“That’s what I’m here for,” Rodney says, jumping onto the pizza line after washing his hands. “I’ve got it. You two get home.”

“Rodney!” Benjamin calls out, swaying his hips back and forth to whatever pop song is on the radio. “I’m so glad you’re here, man! I love it when we get to work together but it’s also sad because it’s usually only when there’s some sort of emergency!”

Rodney chuckles, shaking his head. “Pete keeps me locked away until he really needs me,” he says, turning towards me and winking, getting out dough and putting it through the roller so he can start forming the two pizzas that still need to be made. “Hey, Benjamin. Can you put some cheesy bread into the oven for Pete? A little birdie told me he forgot to eat today.”

I roll my eyes, sticking my tongue out at them both. I walk over to the back of the kitchen, checking on Bella.

“Dishes are all done,” she tells me. “Since it’s been so slow I got them done early. Except what’s being used, obviously. Do you have anything else you want me to do?”

I shake my head. “I can’t think of anything. You can get off the clock as well. I want you all getting home safely in this snow.” I look out the back window. The snow is kinda pretty but I still feel a little baffled. “I rode my bike here today. I didn’t even know it was supposed to snow.”

Bella stares at me for a moment. “Really? They’ve been talking about this snow storm on the radio for like a week, Pete.”

I shrug. “I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I’m so glad Rodney came or I’d be walking through the snow back home.”

“Like he’d let you walk home. That man is always around to take care of you.”

I feel my cheeks flame at her words. They’re innocent enough but they strike a chord inside me. She’s right. Rodney is always there, making sure I’m taken care of. Whenever I need a hand in the shop, he doesn’t even volunteer, just does it without me even having to ask. He’s been by my side for years and I can’t imagine what life would be like without him.

Maybe I don’t have to.

“You’re right,” I say with a smile, “I’m one lucky man.”

Marigold, Roe, and Bella all clock out and grab their things. “Good night,” Roe calls out, waving at us.

“Have a good night and make sure you drive safe,” Rodney says, finishing up the pizza he’s working on and handing it over to Benjamin to slide into the oven.

“I’ll see you three on Monday!”

They head out the back door to their cars. I really hope they’re safe. I didn’t realize the snow was getting so bad and once again, I’m struck with how thankful I am for Rodney.

“Here you go, boss man,” Benjamin murmurs, handing over a plate of cheesy bread with a little cup of warmed up pizza sauce for dipping. I sit down on the stool that’s in the corner of the kitchen, away from everything yet close enough to keep talking to Benjamin and Rodney.

“When are you gonna ask your neighbor out on a date?” Rodney asks Benjamin.

Benjamin groans before asking, “when are you gonna bring me another plate of those turtle brownies? I’ve been dreaming about them, man.”

“Maybe I’ll bring them as a reward for finally asking them out.”

They’re at a bit of a stalemate with this argument. I smile as I eat my cheesy bread, my insides feeling warm and gooey. I love my shop, I love my workers, and most importantly, and the thing I do my best not to think about but can’t deny, I love Rodney .

Since the last pizza of the night is in the oven, Rodney begins to clean out the pizza tables, label all the food, and puts the food away in the walk-in cooler. He knows his way around the shop, he knows exactly where everything goes and how it should be done. He fits into my life with such ease it makes me lightheaded.

Once I’m done eating, I grab the last two tickets from the line and put them into the front of my apron. After washing my hands, I cash out my last table and start cleaning the dining room. Benjamin and Rodney make quick work of cleaning the kitchen and getting everything ready to close down early.

It doesn’t take long until everything is done. All that’s left is waiting for our final order to come pick up their food.

“Benjamin, you should head home too.”

He looks out the window with a wince. “Are you sure? Maybe I should be the one to close up tonight since I just have to walk across the street.”

“Absolutely not. You know the rules. At least two people here for closing and we live at the same place. It makes sense for you to go.”

“If you’re sure,” he says slowly. Rodney and I both nod. “Alright.” Benjamin clocks out and gets his stuff. He throws on some snow boots, a jacket, hats and gloves. Apparently I really was the only one who didn’t know about the snow.

I go through my checklist in my head. The dining room is clean, the dishes are done, the ovens are clean, the pizza line is all pulled apart. the sinks are drained and cleaned out. I think we’re all good to go once this final order is picked up.

Rodney flips the radio to a different station and I can’t help but chuckle. He’s always hated the pop music that Benjamin prefers to listen to.

“There we go,” he murmurs, humming to the song. “Much better.”

“Did you know there was a snowstorm tonight?”

“Obviously. As soon as it started coming down, I drove over because I just knew you’d forgotten and rode your bike here,” he says, chastising me, yet his mouth is curled up into a soft smile.

I lean back against the desk where our phone sits, crossing my legs at the ankle. Rodney steps over to me, leaning just the same, mirroring my posture. He’s much taller than me but like this, side by side, it feels like we’re equals.

Rodney is always here, always right next to me. It feels so domestically natural. What was I supposed to do, other than fall completely and utterly in love with him?

“You’re always doing that,” I murmur under my breath, feeling my heart pick up speed.

“Doing what?” Rodney asks, just as softly, nudging my arm with his elbow.

“Taking care of me.”

“Obviously,” he says, turning to look at me. His face is so close, close enough I can feel his breath on my face. “You’re easy to take care of, Pete.”

It’s been years since I fell for Rodney and in all those years, I’ve done my best to keep those feelings pushed away into a little box at the back of my mind. I’ve kept them locked away so they wouldn’t fuck up our friendship. But right now, as we’re side by side in my little pizza shop as the snow outside continues to pour down, all of those feelings come surging up.

I raise my right hand, touching his cheek. His permanent five o'clock shadow is rough against the pad of my thumb. His eyes are locked onto my face. He’s so still, like he’s afraid to move, afraid to break this little spell.

Has he been holding himself back just as much as I have?

I feel like my eyes are clearing and I’m seeing him for the very first time. Sure, he might just be a very dedicated best friend but the way he’s always going above and beyond for me, the way he’s so gentle with me, the way he’s always taking care of me, it feels like maybe there’s more than friendship here. For the first time in years, I let myself hope.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my eyes snapping up to meet his. “Thank you, Rodney.”

His lips quirk up and I’m hit square in the chest with such intense longing it steals my breath. One moment, I’m holding his face and the next, I’m inching forward. Rodney doesn’t move, doesn’t pull away. That’s all the permission I need.

My lips press softly against his cheek, touching the very corner of his mouth. If he asks, I could simply tell him it was a thank you kiss, that it didn’t mean anything. I know that's a lie. This is everything I’ve wanted for so fucking long. It’s better than I’ve dreamed because it’s real and it’s Rodney that I’m kissing.

I pull back, both of our eyes blown wide. I open my mouth to say something, to say anything when the phone rings.

“Fuck,” I breathe out before picking up the phone.

Rodney jumps back in surprise and I immediately miss his warmth pressed against my side. I let out a long breath, trying to will my hands to stop shaking. I pull the phone off the hook, ready to tell whoever it is that we’re closing early for the night.

“Thank you for calling Pete’s Slice, how may I help you?”

“Hi, Pete! This is Candy! I’m so sorry but there’s no way I’m going to make it to pick up my order tonight. I thought I could nip out before the storm got too bad but my car is legit stuck in the driveway.”

“Oh gosh, that’s totally fine, Candy.”

“Can I still pay for the pizza over the phone? I feel so bad that I’m not able to come get it.”

“Absolutely not,” I say with a warm chuckle, shaking my head. “You don’t have to pay for something you can’t eat. You just promise me you’ll be safe and we’ll call it even.”

“Are you sure? I’m happy to pay!”

“Nope,” I say right away. “This is actually perfect because I forgot to have dinner so I’m going to eat this instead. It wouldn’t be right for me to eat the pizza you paid for.”

Candy lets out a long sigh. She’s one of my regulars and I can’t imagine taking her money like that. “Fine. Thank you, Pete. Next time I come in there I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

“We both know you don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but you’re the sweetest and I want to,” she says. “You be safe, okay?”

“I will. You have a good rest of your weekend, Candy.”

I hang up the phone and turn towards Rodney. He’s got a soft smile on his face that quickly disappears when I look over at him. His cheeks flush and he quickly looks away.

Fuck.

I can’t help but feel like I’ve fucked everything up by kissing him. Are things going to be awkward now? Are we going to fumble at being friends now that he knows I have feelings for him? Have I ruined everything?

Rodney turns away, like he’s going to head into the kitchen to grab that pizza we’re taking home but I stop him, grabbing his wrist. He freezes, staring down at my hand. Slowly, his eyes move up until our eyes lock.

I stare up at him, hoping my eyes say all the things I’m too afraid to admit with my mouth. A moment passes. Then another.

Fuck, he’s not saying anything and I’m not saying anything and I’ve somehow fucked it all up.

I open my mouth to apologize but what comes out instead is a surprised gasp as Rodney tugs me forward until our chests are pressed together. His hands move to my face, pulling me into a kiss. This one is square on the mouth and there’s absolutely no questioning what this means. This isn’t a gesture of gratitude between buddies. This kiss is earth-shattering .

Rodney’s palms are so big and warm against my cheeks, holding me in place. It’s like he’s afraid I’m going to run away but in reality, there’s not a single place I’d rather be than right here with him.

Our lips fit together just right and it feels natural, like everything in our friendship was building up to this moment. All the longing and pining and love presses against my insides before bursting out. My arms move around Rodney’s back, holding him tight, willing him to stay like this with me forever.

My head is spinning, my chest is bursting, and my knees are weak. This is everything I’ve wanted for so long. Warmth builds behind my eyes and despite how much I’m trying not to cry, tears slide down my cheeks.

Rodney pulls back, both of us panting. His thumbs slowly move against my cheeks, pushing the tears away.

“Hey,” he whispers, his breath fanning across my face. “Don’t cry, Pete. I’m sorry if--”

I cut him off by surging up and kissing him again. There’s no way in hell I’m about to let this man apologize for kissing me. Now that we’re here, there’s no going back.

“I’m not sorry,” I tell him, murmuring against his lips, his stubble tickling my face. “I’m crying because I’m so happy .”

“Oh,” he breathes out, his face splitting into a smile so radiant it would rival the sun. “Are you? Really? You’re sure?”

Rodney is still cupping my face, like I’m something precious. Like I’m something worth cherishing. More tears spill down my cheeks which in itself is a feat because I very rarely cry, but these feelings are all hitting me so quickly, so forcibly.

“Yes, you silly man,” I say, letting out a wet chuckle. I reach up, placing my palms against the back of his hands. “I’ve wanted to do that for years.” His eyes widen in surprise. “I’ve been holding myself back because I didn’t want to lose my best friend, but tonight, seeing you come in from the snow storm, seeing you get to work in my pizza shop, seeing the way you slot yourself into my life so fully, I realized you’re already my partner in everything but name.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Rodney says seriously. He leans down until his forehead is pressed against mine. “My place is right here, by your side, for as long as you’ll have me.”

“You really mean that?”

“Every word.”

I’ve been holding myself back for so long, but not any more. I lean up and kiss him again, realizing that I could so easily grow addicted to kissing him. Who needs to eat or sleep or work when you could simply kiss Rodney?

“Hey,” Rodney whispers against my lips. “We should stop.”

I pull back and pout. “What? No! I’ve only just started kissing you, I’m not stopping now!”

He chuckles and the noise washes over me, making a shiver race down my spine and warmth flood my stomach. “We can keep kissing once we’re home.” Then a look crosses his features. “If you want to. No pressure or anything. I don’t even know what this all means, but it’s still snowing and, yeah,” he finishes lamely, waving a hand in the direction of the window.

I run my fingers down his arms, over his shoulders, and up his neck. I hold his face in my hands, a mirror to how he was holding me just a moment before. “Rodney,” I say slowly, needing him to understand. I’m about to lay it all on the line. “I want you. All of you.” I swallow thickly, ignoring the way my voice is shaking. “I love you.”