A/N: Hello again everyone! Time to check back in with Shane and Giovanni! :D

Before we get started, I would to thank everyone that read last chapter! I would also like to give a huge thank you to winterschild11, Anno1701, Side1ways, Guest, and RainbowDiamonds for reviewing!

I hope you all enjoy!

I had the next two days off work so I caught up on some much-needed laundry. I found myself missing Giovanni and wishing I was at work instead. I decided to kill some time by giving my apartment a good cleaning.

I had tried to make the small space homier by painting the walls bright colors and hanging pictures of my family. Using nice throw pillows and blankets on the furniture, but nothing could hide the water stains on the ceiling or the cold wind which swept through the ancient windows. I sighed as I scrubbed the olive green stove that should have died in the late 70s but somehow kept hanging on. Perhaps now that I was earning a hefty salary at Russo's, I would be able to set enough aside for the deposit on a nicer place.

I had just finished scrubbing my bathroom when there was a knock on the door. I looked through the peephole and smiled widely, unlocking the door to allow James to come in.

James' smile reflected my own as he went to hug me.

"Hold that thought," I said, holding up my hands to block him. "I just finished scrubbing the toilet and need to wash my hands like you wouldn't believe."

He chuckled as he followed me to wait outside the bathroom door as I washed my hands. When I stepped back out we hugged each other tightly. We were both very affectionate, having been raised in a loving home by parents who never hesitated to show us how much they cared.

"God, I've missed you." I studied his tired face. "Where have you been all week?"

"The band had a couple gigs in Cincinnati. They have some great clubs there and the crowds seemed to like us."

"Of course they did." I smiled at him, loving how modest he always was. The truth was James was a musical prodigy. When we were only two years old, he was beating out songs on the drums that had been a Christmas gift for Landon. At four years old he climbed up on our grandparent's piano bench and began playing full songs after hearing them only once on the radio. As we got older his sweet, melodic voice had only gotten better and stronger, which had all the girls in school swooning when his high school band performed at our senior prom. Unfortunately for them, James was one hundred percent gay. "I'm sure they loved you. It won't be long before you get a recording contract, I just know it."

"You really think so?" His eyes lit up at the prospect.

"I'm positive," I answered honestly. James and his band had worked so hard to get to the point they were at and I really hoped they would get rewarded for it.

"Thanks, that means an awful lot coming from you. So what's up with you? How's the new job?" James settled on my couch, tucking his legs up under him.

I plopped down on the couch next to James, pulling my legs up in the same fashion without thinking. We often mirrored each other's gestures and finished each other's sentences without even realizing it, until someone would point it out. Mom always shrugged and told people it was a twin thing.

"The job is everything I was hoping for and more. I really love working at Russo's. Everyone gets along great. They treat each other like family. Oh, and let me just tell you," I gushed, using my hands as I talked, the way I often did when I was excited. "I couldn't have designed a better kitchen in my dreams. It has every imaginable fixture and gadget a chef could hope for."

James smiled widely at my enthusiasm. "What about your boss? Is he scary like that chef on TV that's always screaming at people and making them cry?" he asked wrinkling his nose.

"No, Giovanni's nothing like that at all." I felt a fluttering in my stomach as I said his name.

James tilted his head to the side as he studied me closely. My brother had always been very perceptive. "What aren't you telling me?"

I stared at him for several moments considering my options, but I knew that I could never get away with lying to my twin. Besides, James was my best friend and I honestly wanted to share what was happening, so I began telling him all about Giovanni.

"So you didn't know he was your boss?" James asked incredulously.

"Nope. We didn't exchange names that night."

He stared at me, his mouth hanging open. "I can't believe you finally did it."

"Did what? You know I've had sex before, it's not like I was a virgin." I heard the defensiveness in my voice.

"You might as well have been," he mumbled under his breath. Seeing my glare, he hastily added, "Oh, come on, what you and Andrew did in high school barely counts."

"At least we cared about each other. When was the last time you slept with someone who you didn't meet by sticking your dick through a hole in the wall first?"

"Once! I tried a glory hole once! I never would have guessed a podiatrist could suck dick so welll." I laughed as his eyes took on a faraway, dreamy look. "Look, all I meant was that you've only been with one other person in your entire life and you were in a committed relationship with him. I just want you to enjoy all that life has to offer. There is a huge buffet of men out there just waiting to hook up with you."

"I'm not looking for random hookups, though. You know that's not who I am."

"Well, you hooked up with your boss, right?"

"Yeah," I admitted quietly.

"Oh man, you're falling for him aren't you?" He accused.

I could have denied it, but it would have been pointless. James had always known me better than any other person on the planet. We could read each other's minds most of the time and even had our 'twin-speak' as children.

"He's an amazing guy," I answered simply.

He studied me for a long moment before saying anything. "Well, it sounds like I need to get to know him then, don't I?"

I smiled at him, a wave of tenderness for my twin washing over me. Even though we had very differing views on sex and relationships, I never doubted that James would support my feelings and do whatever he could to help me find my happiness.

"I would love for you to meet him, but it's not like that. Not for him, anyway." I could hear the disappointment in my own voice.

"What do you mean?" I saw the concern shining in his eyes.

"He shares your feelings about relationships, meaning he doesn't want one. I don't think he's a sexual deviant like you, though." He smacked me lightly and I smirked at him. "He was married once and his wife hurt him pretty badly. I don't think he's allowed himself to get close to anyone since."

"Well, if anyone can get him to take a chance again, it's you. You're the best man I know."

"Thanks, that means a lot to me," I said sincerely. "We agreed that we want to keep spending time together, but just to have fun, no commitments."

"Please promise me you'll be safe, not just with your body, but also your heart. I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I will, I promise…" I trailed off as his words sunk in. I narrowed my eyes at him in a glare.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?!" he yelped as I pinched the soft skin under his arm, hard.

"That is for almost putting a possible end to the most incredible sexual experience of my life!"

"What are you talking about?" He asked as he rubbed at the red mark I had left on his skin.

"The smiley face condom? It was so embarrassing! Where the hell do you even find shit like that?"

He began laughing so hard he nearly fell off the couch. I swatted him lightly at his head as he clutched his stomach trying to catch his breath.

"Sorry man, I just wanted you to be safe," he said when he could finally speak. "I noticed you said I almost put an end to it. So, can I assume things ended well?"

"Hell yeah it did," I said, slapping his raised hand in a high five. We looked at each other and then began laughing. "This doesn't mean you're off the hook, though. I will get you back eventually," I said in all seriousness.

"Bring it on, little brother. I don't think you could ever do anything to embarrass me though. There's not much I haven't done, sexually."

"I don't want to hear about your sex life," I said emphatically, covering my ears.

James just laughed. "Come on, let me tell you about the threesome I had with those guys you saw that night at the club," he pleaded.

"I'm serious dude, don't make me hurt you." I pointed my finger at him threateningly.

"They were hot! I'm telling you, at one point they had me between them, do you know what a spit roast is?"

"Stop!" I yelled as I threw a hand over his mouth and tackled him, both of us falling to the floor in a laughing heap. I got him in a headlock and was getting ready to administer an impressive noogie when there was a knock at my door.

"Hey, son!" Dad said as he brushed past me into my apartment. David Diamond was a larger than life kind of a man. Standing tall with broad shoulders, thick salt and pepper hair, and laugh lines around his hazel eyes. His exuberant personality drew people to him. My dad was the kindest, most loving father I could ever hope for. The unconditional love he showed each of his kids and the complete adoration he had for our mom helped hold our family together throughout the years. It was easy to understand why all his kids idolized him.

"Hey, Dad, what are you doing here?" I asked as I shut the door behind him.

"What, you don't want to see your old man?" he said, feigning hurt.

"You know I do and you're not old."

"That right there is why you're my favorite," he joked as he hugged me.

"Hey! I heard that," James said as he hugged our dad. We laughed, knowing that Dad had said the same thing to each of his kids at one point or another.

"Hold that thought," Dad said as there was another knock at the door. James and I looked at each other questioningly and I moved to the door. I opened it, surprised to see my older brother Landon, holding four pizzas. Behind him was my sister Michelle's husband, Jason, and my sister Emma's husband, Mark, each holding chips and a case of beer.

"Are we having a party I didn't know about?" I looked around in confusion.

"The women all went out together tonight so we decided we should have guy's poker night, so here we are," Jason explained.

"Besides, it's been so long since we've all been together. We needed to celebrate the fact that you're finally back home, where you belong," Landon added, throwing his arm around my shoulder. "I missed you, squirt."

I wrapped my arm around his waist as I glanced over at his handsome face. He looked the most like our dad, while James and I favored our mom.

"I missed you too, all of you." I smiled as I looked around at my family. As much as I had enjoyed traveling, nothing could compare to being surrounded by the people you loved most in the world.

It's so good to be home.

"Okay, let's play some poker," James said, rubbing his hands together. "I need to win some money tonight."

"What else is new?" Mark teased, elbowing him in the ribs lightly.

Two hours later, James looked up from his cards, a smug smile on his face. "Full house, kids." He gloated as he fanned his cards out on the table. "Hey, don't worry about the money. We're family," he continued sweetly. "That means I'll also accept personal checks."

We all groaned as I went to the fridge to get another round of drinks. "So, what are the ladies doing tonight?" I sat back down, passing beers out to everyone.

Mark and Jason chuckled as Dad told us that they went to dinner and a movie. "They went to see that movie about the millionaire that likes to tie that girl up and spank her."

Landon sputtered around a mouthful of beer. "Isn't that the one that's like porn for women?"

"Yeah, they all say it's a love story, but it has all kinds of bondage and kinky shit in it," Mark said rolling his eyes.

"Hey now, don't knock the bondage and kinky shit," James snickered as Landon cocked his brow at him.

"Well, your mom's read all the books, and believe me, it has spiced things up for us in the bedroom. Not that we needed any help there." You could have heard a pin drop as we all looked at Dad in horror. He just smiled at each of us, as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb in the room. "If she got that worked up from just reading the books, then I can't wait to see what she's like after actually seeing it on the big screen."

"No, just no!"

"I think my ears are bleeding!"

"I will never be able to look at Mom again!"

We all shouted at once as we jumped up from the table, having unanimously decided that poker night was over.

Dad laughed loudly as he followed the guys out the door, quite pleased with himself. "Goodnight, son, it's great to have you home again." He pulled me in for a hug. "I love you so much and I'm proud of you."

Glowing under his praise, I hugged him back. "I love you too, Dad." I watched them as they made their way out to their cars.

"Dad, please stop!" I heard Landon shriek as Dad apparently said something else inappropriate and I shut the door, chuckling to myself. My family was crazy, but I loved them.

After cleaning up the kitchen and taking a quick shower, I climbed in between my sheets, tired from a busy day. I picked up my tablet to read for a bit before going to sleep. I couldn't wait to dive into the next installment in a series by my favorite romance author. The sex scenes were always hot and the Gram character really cracked me up with all the crazy things she did and said.

I had just settled in when my phone dinged, letting me know there was a text. Reaching for it, I felt a thrill go through me as I saw Giovanni's name on the display.

You awake?

Yes.My heart beat wildly as I sent a text back.

Everyone missed you at work tonight.

I beamed as I read his text.

Who's everyone? I texted back coyly then held my breath as I waited several minutes for him to respond.

Me, he finally responded.

I'll admit, I let out a very unmanly squeal before answering, I missed you, too. I thought about you all day.

I'll see you soon. Sweet dreams, Shane.

They will be now. I tacked on a winky face emoji.

I lay there for a while longer, thinking of how crazy I was about the man that I was falling in love with. Finally, as I drifted off to sleep, with a smile on my face, I prayed that he'd be there to catch me as I fell.

I smiled as I read over the texts between Shane and me for about the hundredth time today. I had no idea how someone that I hadn't even known for very long could hold such power over me, but as I worked yesterday in Shane's absence, I found myself replaying our time together on a loop through my mind. Especially in my office where we'd shared an incredible night of passion.

I tried to keep busy by placing purchase orders, going over the budget with Ashley, and paying bills, but Shane was always in the back of my mind.

I wonder if Shane would be willing to work every day we were open so I wouldn't have to experience this torture anymore.

I turned my phone off again and wandered out of my office, hoping to find a distraction.

I spent the next hour helping Marco get everything ready in the kitchen, then went to see if I could be of any assistance to Ashley in the dining area. As I walked in, I saw her standing near the front door speaking to someone.

"We're not open yet, but if you'll wait here for just a minute I'll see if he's available." Seeing me walk in she smiled. "There you are. I was just coming to find you. There's a gentleman here who says he's a friend of yours." He's hot! She mouthed to me, gesturing over her shoulder.

Curious, I stepped forward so I could see who it was. I took in the short, cropped hair, the broad shoulders, and the trim waist as the man stood ramrod straight in the foyer. He turned as he heard me approach and I stood frozen in place, my jaw hitting the floor in shock.

"Micah?" I whispered.

"G!" He smiled broadly and stepped forward to pull me into a tight hug. "God, it's so good to see you, man."

I stepped back, taking his face between my hands so I could get a good look at him. "You look good," I smiled.

"You haven't changed a bit."

We stood there smiling at each other until we were interrupted by Ashley. "I take it you two know each other?"

I stepped back from him and turned to make introductions. "Micah, this is Ashley Jacobs, a dear friend of mine and my right-hand girl here at work. Ashley, this is Micah Hamilton, my best friend since we were seven years old and my brother in every way that counts." Micah's eyes softened at my words.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ashley," Micah said as he extended his hand to shake Ashley's.

"You too, I can't wait to talk to you some more and hopefully hear some humiliating stories about G as a kid," she winked playfully at me as he walked over to answer the phone as it began ringing.

"Let's go into my office so we can talk." I led him back through the restaurant. After making introductions once again between Micah and Marco, we finally entered my office and I shut the door to give us some privacy.

"This place is beautiful," Micah said proudly as he sat down. "I am so happy for you that you finally got to open your own restaurant and you're obviously very successful." There were very few people whose opinion mattered to me more than Micah's, so his words filled my heart with pride.

"Thanks, it's been a lot of work, but I love it as much as I'd always hoped I would." I smiled at him, still feeling shocked that he was really here. "How are you? How long are you here for this time?"

After high school, I went to college while Micah had enlisted in the Navy, quickly moving through the ranks and becoming an elite Navy SEAL. His visits, though always short and infrequent, were spent catching up with each other as much as possible. We spoke on the phone often, but it had been three years since he'd been able to come for a visit. As a matter of fact, the last time he was home was right after Juliana left me. He helped me pick up the broken pieces of my life and figure out what to do with my future. I couldn't have made it through that dark time in my life without him. I had missed him terribly.

Micah leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands across his stomach as he gave me a small smile.

"Actually, I'm home to stay. I've retired from the SEALs." At my shocked look, he held up his hand to fend off any questions. "It was time for me to get out and no I don't want to talk about it, but when I'm ready you'll be the first one I tell," he said solemnly.

I didn't miss the pain in his eyes, but I nodded my head in silent agreement. I knew from experience that pushing would only make him shut down, so I would wait for him to approach me when he was ready to open up.

"So, what happens now? Where are you staying? What will you do for work?"

"I found an apartment in the city and I've decided to start my own private security firm."

"I can't tell you how excited I am to have you home again. I've missed you so much." Emotion caused my voice to shake.

Micah smiled at me warmly. "I've missed you too, G. Now tell me how you've been."

"I'm good. This place takes up most of my time, but I'm happy."

"Have you ever heard anything from Juliana?" he asked, watching me closely.

"Not a word." I knew my tone was clipped, but I really hated thinking about her-not because it still hurt-but because thinking about her was a waste of my time and tended to piss me off.

"You know, once I get my private security firm up and running, I can search for her if you want. Maybe finally get some answers for you, get you some closure." Micah had spent many nights talking me through my bouts of depression and feelings of self-doubt after Juliana left me, so I knew he was only trying to do what was best for me, what he thought I wanted.

My eyes moved around my office as I considered his offer seriously for a few minutes before settling on the couch where I'd held Shane, feasting on his exquisite body just two short nights ago. I felt my body warm with thoughts of him.

"No, thank you. I wouldn't want to see her even if you were able to track her down." My answer surprised me when I realized I truly meant it. Just a couple of weeks ago I would have jumped on any opportunity to find her and get the answers I had so desperately craved for the last three years. I would be a fool not to recognize what had caused the sudden change in me. Once again, I was bewildered and more than a little frightened by the impact Shane was having on my life.

Micah cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes at me. "Well, I'll be damned! Somebody finally chipped away at your wall. Who is this angel I need to personally thank?" A broad grin flashed across his face and I could see more than a hint of relief in his eyes. I felt more than a little guilty as I realized how worried Micah had been about me.

I chuckled slightly. "Don't get carried away now, I'm not getting into a relationship ever again. I'm just having a bit of fun with someone, but we've agreed to keep things casual."

"You need to learn to trust again, G, someone just might surprise you someday. Not every relationship ends like yours and Juliana's. Although I'm glad to hear you've at least moved on from random hookups to casually seeing the same person. Now come on, I want details."

I smirked at him. Micah was like a dog with a bone when he went after something and I knew there was no way he'd ever let the subject drop. I knew I might as well tell him enough to placate his curiosity.

"His name is Shane and he's my head chef." Micah whipped his head toward the door so fast it was comical. I held up my hands to stop him from jumping up out of his chair. "He's not here tonight, so settle down," I chuckled.

"Damn! Guess I'll just have to come back tomorrow. I need to check out this workplace romance." He teased me before turning serious. "Seriously though, if he makes you happy, then I'm happy."

"It's just fun, nothing serious," I insisted again, but Micah just smiled a knowing smile at me. It was obvious he didn't believe my protests and I was starting to have doubts myself.

Deciding it would be best to change the subject, I took Micah into the kitchen so I could feed him one of our signature dishes. His eyes teared up a bit as he tasted my mom's lasagna for the first time in probably five years.

"Man, this takes me back to sitting in your mom's kitchen. Mama Russo always made the best lasagna. She'd be real proud of you, G, real proud." His words were like a balm to my soul and we smiled at each other as we cleaned our plates.

"So, you want to get out of here and go get a drink somewhere?" Micah asked me.

I was just about to tell him I couldn't leave the restaurant when I heard Ashley speak up behind me. "Yes! Please take him. He's been doing nothing around here but getting underfoot and moping for the last two days since you know who has been gone."

I spun around in my chair to shush her when Marco chimed in. "Seriously, Boss, get out of here. Shane will be back tomorrow and you can be happy again." I stared at him incredulously making him laugh loudly. "I may be older, Boss, but I know what a man who's crazy about someone looks like, I see it in my mirror every morning, and it's pretty obvious when that started happening. Right about the time our adorable new chef started working here." Marco stood back, folding his arms across his chest with a smug look on his face, as if daring me to deny his accusations. I couldn't.

"I think you just got told," Micah mock whispered.

I reached over and swatted the back of his head. "I plead the fifth, but I'm out of here. I'll see you brats tomorrow."

"Yay! We won!" Ashley gloated as she hurriedly escaped to the dining area. I hung my head, shaking it back and forth in resignation while Micah and Marco laughed.

Done! So it looks like Giovanni's friend Micah has enetered the picture. We also got a family moment with Shane and his family!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, as well as if you happened to have a favorite part/moment!

Again, I hope you all enjoyed and that you all are doing well and staying safe! The next chapter of this will be up sometime next week, next weekend at the latest!

Until then!

-Epically Obsessed