Page 62 of How Not to Date a Griffin

With Reid, at his restaurant.

He had barely paid attention all day, instead reliving every moment of last night, every touch and the damning words Nolan had breathed to life, his guilty admission whispered in the safety of Reid’s presence.

As his father droned on about the hotel to a group of suits, his mind drifted. He wondered if this was what he really wanted. Did he truly expect to do this for the rest of his life?

It suddenly seemed an awfully long time to remain miserable.

“Don’t forget about the brunch mixer this Friday,” Chase reminded him. “Noon, in the Gold room.”

“Yes, I know,” he responded, as if it wasn’t on the itinerary of the convention’s app.

Before he could stray too far, the day was over, and he rushed back to his hotel to change, as he had promised to meet Reid at his restaurant.

It was nearing six p.m. by the time his rideshare dropped him off. He went through the large wooden doors and located Reid next to the host stand.

The restaurant was alive.

That’s the only way he could describe it. The warm tones were welcoming, waiters and hosts were scurrying around, and the low hum of the patrons added a buzz to the room that made chills race up his arms.

“This is lovely,” Nolan said softly, leaning into Reid as he rounded the podium.

Reid’s grin was priceless, and his employee was looking at him as if he’d never seen him before. “C’mon, we’ve got a table in the back.”

He wasn’t kidding. They wound their way through tables and chairs and booths until the loud hum of the crowd was more like a murmur, and they were tucked away in another room that was empty, spare a few large booths for groups.

“All for us?” Nolan asked, a little shocked.

“Yeah. We don’t book this back room often anyway, so it’s no big deal,” Reid assured him.

“You sure?” Nolan asked, sinking into a booth.

Reid cleared his throat, following Nolan in and sliding close until their thighs touched. “Positive. Hi.”

“Hi,” Nolan breathed, then Reid was leaning in and Nolan couldn’t help but meet him halfway.

The kiss was chaste and sweet and far too short, Reid’s beard brushing Nolan’s cheeks with that delightful tickle again. He followed him for a second and third kiss, cupping his cheek until Reid chuckled.

It was bright and everything he needed.

“How was the conference today?” Reid asked.

Nolan wrinkled his nose. “Awful. I’m much happier right here.”

Reid stared back at him for a long moment after that, before clearing his throat and motioning to the menu before them.

“Alright, then, Business Man, do your worst.”

“Me?” Nolan asked, arching a brow. “What’s this got to do with me?”

“Well, you’ve been to quite a few fancy places, I imagine. I wanna know if I can keep up.”

Nolan let his gaze wander around the room, taking in the decor and greenery and warm lighting and exposed brick. “You’ve already got them all beat with the atmosphere.”

“Oh yeah?” Reid asked, voice low and gaze focused on his menu. But Nolan could see the rising color in his face.

“Absolutely. There’s none of that… fake, we’re better than you air here. It’s refreshing,” Nolan admitted with a soft smile. “Now, what’s your favorite thing on this menu?”

“That’s cheating,” Reid said, scandalized. “I’m not telling you. You’re on your own,” he declared, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms.