Page 29 of The Bro Date (Best Bros Forever #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

TOBY

“ T onight is going to be so much fun!” I practically squeal, so excited that Shane agreed to cook for the dinner party that I’m planning for our friends. Every single one of them has been there for us in one way or another, and I’m excited to tell them that we’re officially dating now.

As in, we’re actually boyfriends.

Shane and me.

I still have to pinch myself when I think about it sometimes.

He’s cooking a three-course meal to celebrate, and tonight he’s featuring his favorite dishes from Coastal Cuisine. Spencer and Jake are upstairs getting ready, and Tate and Daija should be here any minute.

The doorbell suddenly rings, and I hop up from the island, where I was sitting and keeping Shane company.

I offered to help, but he said he didn’t trust me with how sharp his knives are.

“ They’re here! ” I announce to everyone and no one, scampering off to the front door and greeting two of my best friends with hugs and cheek kisses.

I usher them into the kitchen, where Shane is stirring the seafood risotto he’s cooking for his main dish. He gives them both a silent nod, heading over to the wine rack. “I have red and white. Whichever you prefer. They both pair well with dinner.”

Tate and Daija look at each other and giggle, absolutely delighted by the white glove service. “We’ll take the chef’s recommendation,” Tate says with a wink and a big, flirty smile.

Shane doesn’t even flinch at the flirting, robotically pouring two glasses of red wine and handing them over. “If you all want to take a seat in the living room, I can bring out the appetizers when they’re ready,” Shane offers before going back to shucking a bowl of oysters covered in ice.

We follow the chef’s instructions, and I give him a quick kiss when everyone’s out of the kitchen. “Thank you for doing this,” I whisper before heading to the living room to entertain our guests.

Shortly after, Jake and Spencer come stampeding down the stairs in a wave of hair gel and cologne.

“’Sup, everybody,” Jake says, plopping down right next to Daija. “How are we doing on this fine evening?”

“Hey, Toby,” Spencer says sweetly. “Thanks for putting this together. I’m looking forward to dinner.”

“You’re welcome.” I beam. “Thanks for showing up.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Spencer takes the open spot next to Tate on the love seat, and I don’t miss the way Tate’s bright blue eyes eat him up.

“How are you, Tate?” Spencer asks kindly, clearly still worried about him after the encounter with Alex.

“I guess I’m okay,” Tate says with a shrug and a half-smile.

“You sure?” Spencer presses, placing his palm on Tate’s bare thigh and staring him directly in the eyes. “It’s okay if you’re not.”

Is something going on between them?

My eyes dart over to Daija, but she’s too busy being chatted up by Jake to notice what’s happening over here with Tate and Spencer.

“Yeah,” Tate breathes out, twirling a lock of hair around his finger. “Thank you for checking on me, though.”

“Good,” Spencer says with a satisfied nod. “Of course.”

Tate clears his throat awkwardly, which is something that doesn’t happen often. He’s never flustered by guys and never shy. I mean, we’re talking about the boy who wears sequin booty shorts and a leather harness on the regular.

“So, what’s the big news tonight, honey?” Tate asks, switching the focus to me. “Are you pregnant?”

My friends chuckle, and I can feel the blood rush to my cheeks. I know my face is bright red right now.

Ugh. Damnit, Tate.

Luckily, Shane saves me from having to respond. He’s carrying a multi-level oyster tower filled with ice, lemon slices, and tons of raw oysters.

“ Ooo, ” everyone murmurs in unison, making way for Shane to set it on the coffee table that I decorated with a beach theme earlier. I even added some cute little origami crabs, fish, and seahorses that Shane made for me.

“I present to you, hand-shucked oysters with fresh lemon and shallots.”

“Oh my God. This looks absolutely amazing, Shane,” I compliment him, and everyone else follows. “Thank you.”

Shane nods, passing out small white plates. Everyone loads their plates with oysters, being well-acquainted with how to eat them, living in Crescent Bay.

“You know what they say about oysters?” Jake says, waggling his eyebrows at Daija before messily slurping one down.

“No. What do they say, Jake?” she deadpans, clearly messing with him while she sips her wine.

“Oh, um. You know?” he says awkwardly, wiggling his eyebrows again before looking to Spencer for help.

“Do I?” she asks innocently, tipping her head back and sucking another one down.

“They’re an aphrodisiac,” Jake whispers out the side of his mouth.

“Well then, I guess we're all going to be horny now because of Shane,” Tate blurts out, making everyone burst out laughing.

Shane shakes his head in exasperation, but I don’t miss the little smile tugging at his lips.

He eats a few more oysters before standing up and excusing himself.

“Please continue to enjoy yourselves, I’m off to plate up the main course.

You can head to the dining room when you’re done.

” Shane’s professional chef voice gets me just as hot as his chef coat and apron do.

Add in the aphrodisiacs, and I’m ready to jump his bones later.

Jake sucks back the last oyster before we make our way to the dining room that I also decorated.

Sheer white fabric flows down the center of the table like an ocean wave.

Beautiful seashells dot the fabric as well as sand dollars and a few starfish.

A small lighthouse-shaped lantern glows in the center, creating a relaxing ambiance.

“ Baby boy, ” Daija gasps. “This is absolutely gorgeous. You did so well!”

“Thank you,” I say shyly, taking a seat across from her.

“You really did. You could think about pursuing design,” Tate insists, making me beam with pride.

I really enjoy planning parties and decorating, but I love playing violin even more.

We’re all laughing and chatting about upcoming finals when Shane confidently strolls in with a steaming plate in each hand. Low hums fill the room, everyone’s mouths likely filling with saliva.

“I present to you, seafood risotto with locally caught lobster, crab, and shrimp.” Shane sets a plate down in front of me and Daija first. I breathe in the delicious smell and smile up at him. “Thank you.”

Daija and I both wait for him to go back two more times and serve the rest of the plates before we begin to eat. Shane takes his seat next to me, holding up his glass of water for a toast. I do the same, and our friends follow.

“To good friends, good food, and the best partner I could ever ask for,” Shane says, leaning down to press a kiss to my lips, completely catching me and everyone else off guard.

“I’m sorry. Did you just say partner ?!” Tate shouts, the first one to speak. “ As in boyfriend?! ”

“Yes,” Shane replies evenly, rubbing my lower back with his opposite hand.

Tate squeals loudly, nearly tumbling backward out of his seat.

“Hell yeah! Cheers! ” Jake shouts, clanging his glass against Shane’s and then mine.

Spencer follows, and then they’re all cheering us on.

“That's why I planned this dinner tonight. I wanted to announce it to you guys—our best friends—and celebrate together. I love Shane, and I wanted to share that with the people that mean the most to me,” I say, attempting to hold back the tears.

I’m just so happy right now.

“Aww, babe!” Daija shouts, jumping out of her seat and rushing around the table to hug me.

“I love you so much, and I’m so happy for you.

Shane is an amazing man, and you finally found what you deserve.

” She wraps her arms around me and squeezes, before whispering in Shane’s ear.

“Take care of my baby boy,” she warns. “Or Tate and I will come for you in your sleep,” she threatens, and I smile at her cute little snarl.

“Got it,” Shane confirms with a nod and a small smile.

“Good,” she says, holding her head high and returning to her seat across from us and blowing me a kiss.

“Well, now that that’s settled,” I giggle. “Everyone dig in!”

Shane’s risotto is perfectly cooked and deliciously creamy, filled with fresh seafood he picked up from the pier himself. The tender lumps of buttery lobster are my favorite thing about it.

“Mmm. That was amazing,” I say to Shane, rubbing my full belly. The entire table agrees fervently, nearly licking their bowls clean.

“Thanks, guys. I’ll go grab dessert.” Shane rises from his seat and disappears into the kitchen with a stack of empty bowls.

I’m so full, but I always have room for Shane’s banana pudding.

It’s my absolute favorite dessert.

“So, does this count as our first date?” Jake asks Daija with hearts in his eyes.

“Did you pay? Or cook?” she asks with a raised brow, swirling her wine around her glass and peering at him out of the corner of her eye.

“Uh, no?” Jake replies with a question, looking confused as if he’s unsure of the right answer.

“Then no, this doesn’t count as our first date, Jakey-poo.”

“Are you saying I have a chance, though?” Jake’s face lights up like I’ve never seen before.

Daija shrugs noncommittally, pushing her braids off her shoulder and taking a sip of wine. Jake clasps his hands together and looks up at the ceiling, mouthing thank you, Jesus .

“You need to watch your boy before he ends up heartbroken,” I hear Tate whisper to Spencer, and I can’t help but listen in.

“Jake’s a big boy; he can handle himself,” Spencer chuckles.

“And what about you?” Tate asks, lowering his voice.

“What about me?”

“Are you a big boy?” Tate’s question is so breathy, I almost don’t hear it.

Rolling my lips inward, I press them together to stop from laughing. I don’t know why Tate has always had a thing for straight guys, but Daija confirmed he’s been like this since high school.

What I’m not expecting is Spencer’s husky response. “I can show you later and let you be the judge.”

“Challenge accepted,” Tate murmurs, sucking on his lower lip.

“Dessert is served,” Shane announces, and I quickly shut my gaping mouth before my friends notice my eavesdropping.

But seriously though, what the fuck is going on? Does this old house have some sort of magical powers to turn straight boys gay?