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 told you that in confidence.” Chez ground the words out. “In a private moment. I don’t appreciate you using it against me.”


“That’s not my intention,” Rob said. “I swear. But Chez, you’re unhappy and you don’t have to be. I can make it change.”


“Why do you care about whether or not I’m happy?”


“Because I like you. I want to be with you.”


The words were out before he could stop them. Chez took a step back, staring. Rob flushed, heat prickling up his back, sweeping up his neck. His face grew hot.


“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I’d better go.” He turned for the door. “Are you going to be at the motor show at the weekend?”


“Yes. I—I mean, we’ll be there.”


“Maybe I’ll see you then.” The wind snatched away the last of his words. He could only wish it had done the same to those earlier ones.


Chapter 9