Rob Catteneo takes charge of his family’s business, selling ice cream in a British seaside town, and finds their oldest competitor, Bianchi’s, is now being run by the youngest son, Chez. Chez was once a schoolmate but never a friend, because of their old family rivalry.<br><br>Rob’s interested in both a business partnership with Bianchi’s and a more personal relationship with Chez. But Chez is deep in the closet, terrified his very traditional family will discover he’s gay. A night together in a hotel gives Rob insight into Chez’s fears and vulnerability and he’s sure he can help, but Chez resists further business and personal overtures.<br><br> On an important summer weekend for both firms, Rob keeps a cool head in an ice cream emergency and helps Chez out, leaving Chez open to future propositions. Will this be the first step on the road to a sweet future together?

99 Problems

“I can’t have anyone see me here. If it gets back to my family…”


“Come here.” Rob grabbed him by the arm and steered him to the ice cream van awaiting its service. Fortunately the back door was unlocked. Rob urged Chez inside and climbed in after him. Both ended up kneeling on the floor, peeking over the sliding window serving hatch. A small door beside the big roller door opened and a man came in. Rob relaxed. Just one of his drivers, Sam. He had one of his kids with him, a teenage girl.


“Wait here,” Sam said to the kid. “I’ll be two minutes.”


He headed off across the floor. At Rob’s side, Chez ducked down out of sight, his breathing very fast. Sam went on through to the staff areas. Probably picking up something from his locker. The kid stayed by the door, messing about on her phone. Neither of them noticed the two men in the van.


“Why are youhiding?” Chez whispered.


Good question. Rob was the boss and could be here any time of the day or night.


Chapter 3