“Okay, he didn’t. But Bur and the other bandmates did. They were anticipating seeing this kiss between Simon and Cal. They’re fans of Simon.” Hector hugged Simon’s shoulder. “My actor has lots of fans.”
“Stop it,” Simon grumped.
With anyone else, Simon would preen at being a well-known actor who was in high demand. But with Hector, Simon didn’t like the praise.
“Sim, I’m proud of you, and I get to say so.” Hector got a stubborn look on his face.
“Fine, but that’s enough of that,” Simon warned.
Hector rolled his eyes and focused back on Harper. “You should have seen Bur and the others. They were really looking for it to happen. They thought there was going to be a lip-lock.”
“I told Bur it wouldn’t, but he didn’t believe me. Your reaction when you found out the band was moving here made him believe you were really going to lay a tongue kiss on Cal,” Harper said.
“I don’t kiss any man on the lips but Hector. Not when acting, and nowhere else.” Simon’s tone was firm.
“I know, Sim.” Hector kissed the side of his face.
Harper stared at them. Simon noticed and sighed, then rubbed the side of his face.
“The studio wants me to take a role that would involve me kissing another man. I turned them down, but they’re threatening to supposedly end my career for my refusal. Saying I’m being difficult,” Simon said.
“Can they do that?”
“Not with my lawyers.” He patted Hector’s leg. “Law firm’s ready to make them wish they hadn’t fucked with me. Hector, with Dante as backup, is all ready to go in there and give them hell. We’re working it out. I’m thinking of retiring while I’m on top.”
Harper was shocked. Simon was versatile and known for his ability to play a variety of roles, and making them all genuine.
“What would you do if you did?”
“Open a restaurant. A place with good food, comfortable to be in and just chill.”
“You’ve been thinking about this.”
“Hector and I’ve been talking about it,” Simon admitted.
“Then do it. You’d be good at it. Tell me more.” Harper leaned against the couch and listened as Simon did.
He thought about Del and wondered what new unexpected thing he would learn about him on their date. Harper was eager to find out.
HARPER PACED as he waited for Del. The doorbell rang, and he went to the door and opened it. He studied Del, who was dressed in a pale-gray button-down shirt. The top three buttons were open, revealing the strong column of his throat. His slacks were a dark gray, and on his feet were loafers.
“Harper.” Del kissed him, a fleeting brush of lips.
Harper wished for a deeper one, but didn’t take it. He picked up the bags of books for the boys, handing them to Del.
“Thanks. The boys have been talking about this all day. When I left, they were listing reasons I should let them come on the date with me.” Del laughed.
“Who are they staying with tonight?”
“Clarita, my housekeeper.”
Harper stepped outside and closed the door, and they went to Del’s car. The black CTS-V Sedan was not like the SUV he’d seen him in. Del went to open the door. Harper stopped him with a touch on his arm. Del took the hint, backing off and going to his side. Harper opened the door and got in. Del sat next to him and started the car, then drove down the driveway. Del pushed a button on the dash, and soft music filled the car.
“You seem like you have something on your mind. What is it?” Del’s quiet voice asked.
Harper decided to just ask. “Simon mentioned he had met you a few times before.”
“He has. I remember him at the parties. People tend to flock to him. He comes across as personable, but I could tell he would have rather been somewhere else. Also, he’s shy unless it’s something he’s passionate about.” Del turned the car left onto a main street.
Harper glanced at him, shocked he had realized it. Not many who didn’t know Simon picked up on the shyness. They saw him as this famous actor who was so gregarious, but in reality, he’d rather be in a room with only his friends or alone with Hector.
“I’m an observer and notice these things.” Del glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road. “It has helped me well in my business. Being able to gauge people and figure out what would make them fit or not is what I’m very good at.”
The way he phrased it made Harper recall the picture and what Simon had said. “Did you buy a magazine because they took your picture and published it?”
“Simon told you about that too.” Del smiled. “Yes, I did. And despite the rumors, no, I did not fire everyone and replace them. I did meet the photographer, who also had written the article. When I spoke with him, I realized he was very undervalued in what he was doing and asked him what he wanted to do. He wanted to run the magazine he was working for. Once I got him talking, I found out he had some great ideas. So I bought it and put him in charge. Together, we restructured it into a better magazine. And before you ask, no, he never included my picture in any more articles the magazine wrote about me.” Del looked at him again and winked.
Harper was intrigued by what he said. “Is that what you do? I know you’re a businessman, but not what that business actually is.”
“Was. I’m retired. My CEO runs my holdings for me. We are vast and have interests in many markets. Real estate, different businesses including computers, software, R & D, and so on. Magazines, as you know. Name it, and I probably have something along those lines that is part of my company.”
“Why do you have so many types of industries?” Harper enjoyed hearing Del talk about what he did. There was so much passion in his voice when he did.
“Jerrod taught me diversity makes your business stronger. If there’s a downturn in one aspect, there are others that prosper.”
“Makes sense. How is Jerrod? We haven’t seen him in Mapson in a while.” Harper tapped his fingers on his leg in time to the music.
“Sheldon says he’s fine. I haven’t personally spoken to him in a while. He’s not returning my calls. If it keeps up, I’m going to have to track him down to find out why.” Del grinned fiercely.
“Looks like you’re looking forward to it.”
“Yes, because if I find Jerrod, it will piss him off. He likes his privacy, like I do, and likes to say no one can find him if he doesn’t want to be found. I prove him wrong all the time,” Del said.
“Does he usually just not have contact with you?”
“No. When I go find him, he usually challenges me to. His being incommunicado with me is strange. But since Sheldon knows where he is, I’m not worried.” Del made another left turn. “So, you saw Simon. How is he?”
“Good. Thinking of retiring and opening a restaurant.” Harper still couldn’t believe it. Simon was really serious about it too. He and Hector had discussed it with the family, and the Rodriguez clan was behind Simon doing it.
“A restaurant?” Del said.
Harper filled him in. By the time Del stopped the car, the conversation had segued to the boys and their antics. Harper chuckled, then looked at what seemed to be the back of a building.
“Isn’t this Finley’s?”
“Yes. We’re going here for dinner.”
“Okay. But why are we at the back?” Harper asked.
The sound of a door opening made him glance at Del. He had left the vehicle. Harper turned, opened his door, and stepped onto the sidewalk. He closed the door and waited for Del to join him.
“Wait and see.” Del placed his hand on Harper’s back and escorted him to the back of the restaurant.
At the door, Del pulled out his cell and placed a call. “We’re here.”
Moments later, the door opened, and they stepped inside. Harper stared at the huge man before them. He thought the Berkus brothers were tall, but this man was more so.
“Jacob, this is Harper.”
“
Hello, Harper. Welcome to my kitchen.” Jacob’s voice was deep and growly.
“He’s the chef here. At least until he decides to finally open his own place.” Del poked Jacob in the shoulder.
“Which I’m ready to do.” Jacob shrugged.
Del looked surprised. “What about waiting for Rory?” Del glanced at Harper. “That’s his cousin. He’s also a chef. He’s traveling in Europe.”
“Was traveling. He’s back in Mapson. Working at Bacchus Sloan,” Jacob said.
Harper interjected. “Is he the visiting chef who’s working for Mackenzie?”
“Yes. You know about Bacchus Sloan?”
“Yes. Mac is a good friend,” Harper replied.
“Ahh… you’re one of his crew he considers family that he’s always going on about. Rory and Mac are buddies. Although Rory didn’t plan on it, Mac talked him into cooking for him temporarily. Well, at least until we could get with you on the financing for our restaurant.” Jacob turned, leading the way back into the kitchen.
“And Damian? Is he on board too?” Del put his hand on Harper’s back. “He’s another cousin.”
“Yep. On his way already.” Jacob took them to a table set up just beyond the busy area of people working in the kitchen.
“Good. With you and Rory in the kitchen, and Damian at the bar, we have a good start for the restaurant.” Del held Harper’s chair. When he was seated, Del sat in his own chair, his attention focused on Jacob. “I know someone who would be great to run the pastry part of the kitchen. His name is Kenton Provenza.”
Harper glanced at Del, startled. Del wasn’t even looking at him.
“Kenton wouldn’t leave the café,” Harper said. “We just became partners in the store.”
Del looked at him. “I know.”
“How?” Harper demanded.
“Kenton told me when I went by to talk to him.”
Harper frowned. Kenton hadn’t mentioned Del coming by, or them talking.
“And no, he didn’t know what I was asking him questions for. I agree he won’t leave the café, but I know he’d love working in the restaurant the Anderson cousins”—he gestured to Jacob—“are starting. He’d make his own hours and be able to showcase his talent. He’s a great pastry chef, even if he had no actual formal training.” Del glanced back at Jacob. “He’s good, and would be able to make sure your pastry people do well.”
“None of us know about pastry, so that’s good. I trust your judgment. I’ll talk with him.” Jacob paused, then added, “Unless you want to do it.”
“I’m retired,” Del protested.
“From your company. But you can’t resist matching people up when you see they could work better somewhere else. It’s in your blood.” Jacob crossed his arms over his chest, grinning.
“Not getting involved.” Del paused a moment. “But I do know of someone who’s also interested in opening a restaurant. He could be a possible partner that would fit with the three of you. He’s shy when not passionate, but for this, he would be. You and the others could take care of kitchen and bar. He’d be good with the wait staff and being the one who handles patrons, since you louts would frighten them away.”
“Humph. I’ll have you know we’re gracious when we need to be.” Jacob sounded snotty, but then chuckled. “But we hate it. Leave us to create, and we’re good. So who is this savior that could be a possible partner for the restaurant?”
“Simon Harris,” Del stated.
Harper had already figured out who Del was referring to when he had described Simon.
“The actor? Fine. You can take care of getting us all together. We already found a building, but it will need to be totally rehabbed to get it the way we need it for the restaurant,” Jacob said.
“That’s it? You just take Del’s word for it and go along?” Harper looked back and forth between the two men.
“Yeah. That’s what Del does. I swear, since Jerrod introduced me to this snotty-nosed kid, he’s had this uncanny ability to match people up. He’s like a business matchmaker. Sees people who can fit together. And you know, this man”—Jacob slapped Del on his shoulder—“never fails when he matches someone up.”
Harper looked at Del and saw a smug smile on his lips. Del returned his attention to Jacob, and Harper absently listened as they made some plans. Eventually, Jacob was called by someone who needed his attention.
“Sorry about that. I didn’t plan to come talk business,” Del said.
“It’s okay. You’re excited that he’s finally starting his restaurant.”
“Yes. I’ve been trying for years to have him and his cousins do it. As with the others I mentioned before, the Anderson cousins are close to me.” Del paused, then put his hand on the table. Harper laid his on top of it. “I hope you didn’t mind me mentioning Simon, but what you said in the car made me think they were a good fit.”
“What part?” Harper wanted to know how his mind worked.
“I don’t know. I just knew,” Del said.
Jacob returned with steaming plates of something that smelled delicious. He placed the plates before them and left.
“How was work?” Del asked.
“Good. I’m thinking of starting a children’s book club for the store. We have an adult one, but not for kids.” Harper picked up his fork, digging into the pasta on his plate.
“The boys inspired you,” Del stated.
“Yes. It’s so great that they love to read. Made me think it would be wonderful to foster reading in kids. I checked around, and there isn’t a book club anywhere in Mapson for kids.”
“Then go ahead and do it. Maybe set up a website section in your store just for them,” Del suggested.
Harper nodded, excited about the idea. They chatted about his plans as they ate. Jacob or one of the kitchen staff came by from time to time, bringing them various foods to eat. The owner of Finley’s stopped by, since he knew Del through Bur. Harper listened as Del made some suggestions on things for his business. As he did, he realized that Jacob was correct. Del had a knack for seeing things others didn’t. After they were alone again, they continued to talk about various topics, getting to know each other.
Later, Del escorted him back to his door. Harper opened it and faced him.
Del grinned sheepishly. “Sorry there was so much business tonight. I—”
“It’s okay. You see something off, and you just have to fix it. It’s as Jacob said. You have a knack for it. It excites you, and that is a major turn on.” Harper pulled him close.
He kissed Del, licking inside his mouth. Del moaned, rocking his hips against his. Harper spread his legs, rubbing against him. His cock was hard, and he enjoyed the friction they were crafting. Harper pulled back, breathing hard.
“Have a good night.” He stepped back into the doorway.
“You too,” Del replied, turning and going back to his car.
Harper closed the door smiling. Even as Del had conducted his unexpected business, he’d kept him in the conversation. Seeing him interact with Jacob had been fascinating. Still smiling, Harper went to get ready for bed.
DEL OPENED the door and entered the store. It was Tuesday, and 2H Book Nook was still as busy as if it were a weekend. The store was a very successful business, and Harper’s savvy impressed him. Del glanced around for him, spotting him talking with a customer. He walked closer, and Harper glanced up. The pleased smile and surprise on his face made Del’s breath catch. Harper said something he couldn’t hear to the woman he was speaking with, and then came to Del.
Del resisted touching him. Harper took his hand and led him through the store. Del was pleased and surprised as he followed him. He saw the curious looks they were getting, and he even saw Kenton, who gave him a thumbs-up. Harper lifted the counter, and they continued to the door and into the back. He didn’t pause as they passed a few rooms, before going into one. Del saw it was his office. Harper kissed him thoroughly before stepping back.
“I was thinking of you,” Harpe
r admitted.
“So my dropping by without advance notice is appreciated this time?” Del teased.
“I’m getting used to your surprising me,” Harper said.
“Do you have time to go to the park with me for lunch?”
“Sure. I usually take my lunch around this time,” Harper said.
“I sort of figured you did. You mentioned seeing me and the boys on your way back, so I assumed it was from lunch. What do you usually eat?” Del asked.
“If I don’t bring something, Kenton normally makes me a sandwich. Let—” Harper stopped as the phone rang. He looked at it, then back at Del. “Give me a minute while I get that.”
“Hello… what? No, I need… wait, hold on a minute.” Harper covered the receiver. “This will be a few minutes. I—”
“Tell me what sandwich you want, and I’ll get them from Kenton, and we can go when you’re done,” Del said.
“Okay. Just tell Kenton the turkey and avocado. He knows how I like it prepared. I’ll be there soon.”
Del nodded and headed for the door.
“You don’t need to go back out front. When you leave my office, turn left and go down the hall to the end. The kitchen for the café is around the corner. Peek your head out the door and get Kenton’s attention,” Harper said, then went back to his conversation.
Del did as he instructed. As he walked, he realized the place was bigger than he’d thought. He turned the corner and stopped, impressed with the kitchen that had lots of gadgets. The setup kept the bookstore separate from the café. Del strolled around, looking at everything.
“If you’re done gawking, you could tell me what sandwich you want,” Kenton’s voice said behind him.
Del turned to face the man. From the pictures he’d seen at Harper’s place, Kenton looked a lot like his brother Karl.
“Harper wants—”
“I know what he wants.”
Del wondered at his abrupt tone. It was very different from the friendly tone when they’d first met.
“He likes the turkey and avocado.”
“I’d like the same, please,” Del said politely.
Something in Common (Dreamspinner Press Bundles) Page 53