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Sanjay frowned. “I love Deep Dish, and Roman is a great cook, but why would she hire a diner to cater a kids’ party? I mean I don’t know anything about a kids’ party, but do parents cater them?”
Jake leaned an arm on the fridge, above Sanjay’s head. His mate was pocket-sized, and Jake loved it. He also liked how close Sanjay was letting him get.
“I think it’s an excuse,” Jake whispered dramatically. “My source said she’s having a party because Mr. Fron is away on business and she’s got a thing for Roman.”
Sanjay spit out his coffee, which made both of them laugh. “I can’t believe I just did that.” Sanjay mopped up the mess with some napkins. “It’s not professional of me to gossip about my clients.”
Jake took the soiled napkins and threw them in the trash. “You’re off the clock, and Mrs. Fron is a notorious flirt. Everyone knows.”
“And you know this how?” Sanjay asked, eyebrow raised in question.
“I own a bar,” Jake said with a shrug. “You’d be amazed at how much people talk when they’re drunk.”
Sanjay snorted. “I believe it.”
The tension from earlier had dissipated somewhat, though Sanjay still didn’t mention the M-word. As long as the little baker was fully aware that they were mates, Jake could wait to hear Sanjay call him that.
“But doesn’t she know that Roman is dating someone already?” Sanjay asked.
“Mated,” Jake corrected. “He’s mated to a fairy.”
Sanjay’s black brows shot up. “If she isn’t careful, that fairy is going to obliterate her.”
Jake chuckled. “Have you seen Roman mean-mug someone? I think he can make her back off without starting an incident at the party.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.” Sanjay sipped the coffee, and Jake was pleased when he saw a blissful look crossed his mate’s face. “Or I wouldn’t want to be in Roman’s shoes having to dodge her advances.”
Jake smiled, glad to see Sanjay slowly relaxing in his presence. “I’m sure Roman can handle Mrs. Fron. He seems like he doesn’t take crap from anyone.”
Sanjay nodded, leaning back against the fridge. “Yeah, he definitely gives off that vibe.” He took another sip of coffee. “This is really good, by the way. Thanks.”
“No problem.” Jake studied his mate, taking in every detail—the elegant arch of his neck, the soft waves of his dark hair, the warm hazel of his eyes. He was the most beautiful creature Jake had ever seen.
“So”—Sanjay shifted his weight—“about yesterday morning in the café. I’m sorry I freaked out on you. Finding out we’re mates is kind of a big deal, and it caught me off guard.”
Jake’s wolf rumbled happily at the apology. “I get it. I was surprised too. But, Sanjay, you have to know I would never hurt you. My only goal is to cherish and protect you.”
Sanjay held his gaze, uncertainty flickering across his face. “It’s not you I’m worried about,” he said quietly.
Jake frowned. There was definitely more to this skittishness than he realized. “What is it then? You can tell me anything, I promise.”
“Because you’re a bartender?” Sanjay teased.
“Listening and keeping secrets is part of who I am,” Jake admitted.
“You told me about Mrs. Fron’s fondness for flirting,” Sanjay pointed out.
His mate had him there.
With a sigh, Sanjay set down his coffee cup. “It’s stupid really. Just old fears flaring up again.” He wrapped his arms around himself. “Can we talk about it another time?” He managed a shaky smile. “I promise I’ll tell you the whole story soon. Just...give me a little more time? I want to get to know you better first, without my past haunting everything.”
Jake ached to pull Sanjay into his arms, but he sensed his mate needed space right now. This was a big step, letting his guard down even this much.
“You can have all the time you need,” Jake said gently. “We’ll go at your pace.”
Sanjay plastered a smile on his face. “Enough about that. Here. Try a blueberry muffin.”
His mate handed Jake the biggest damn muffin he’d ever seen. “I wasn’t aware they came in this size.” He handed it back. “Being completely honest, not a fan of blueberries.”
