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“You look sexy when you’re wet,” Beckett teased as he walked out of the house, a plate in his hand. “When you dry off, I made a sandwich for you.”
Forget waiting. Santee was hungry. He snatched the sandwich from the plate, sinking his teeth into it, groaning at how good the turkey with lettuce, pickles, and mustard tasted. He wasn’t a big fan of mayonnaise.
“Will you make me a sandwich if I let Milly hose me down?” Duncan asked.
“Only if she drowns you,” Beckett replied. “I think Santee can finally come inside.”
Milly looked doubtful, and Santee thought she was about to say no. “Just as long as he doesn’t sit on the furniture. I would never get the smell out of the fabric.”
“I’ll take what I can get,” Santee said. Anything was better than spending another night outside, worrying that his brother would find him. So far, Santee’s nights had been peaceful, sharing the outdoors with Beckett, though his mate had refused to get too close to him.
“All right!” Ducan pumped his arm. “Stinky can finally come inside.”
Beckett snarled as he lunged for Duncan while Santee stood there uncertain how to feel about being made fun of. Marvell had done that to Santee his entire life, but Duncan wasn’t Marvell, and Santee was sure the guy meant no harm.
“If you want,” Milly whispered to him, “I can put some itching powder in Duncan’s underwear drawer.”
Santee grinned. “Tempting, but no thanks.”
“Never say I didn’t offer.” Milly shut the water off by turning a switch at the nozzle. “It would have been hilarious to see him scratching his groin all day. He would think he has fleas.”
That made Santee burst out laughing. Beckett stopped going after Duncan and turned to look at him. “That sound suits you, conejito. I’d love to hear it more often.”
“It also makes your eyes sparkle.” Milly smiled as she walked toward the back door. “Remember to stay off the furniture.”
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Duncan followed Milly inside.
“Thank you for the sandwich.” Santee licked the mustard on his fingers. “I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”
“Water tends to make people hungry.” Beckett set the empty plate on the small table next to the plastic pool. “You really do look good when you’re wet.”
If his mate kept saying things like that, Santee would blush himself into a fiery haze. He liked that Beckett was so nice to him. It was a refreshing change from being constantly put down.
“You’re probably ready to go inside.” Beckett held his hand out, and Santee took it.
True to his word, his mate had spent every night under the stars with Santee, though Santee suspected it was more out of concern of his safety than wanting to sleep next to someone who reeked of skunk.
The only time Beckett ever left his side since Santee arrived after being sprayed was to make him something to eat. They’d spent so much time together that Santee now craved Beckett’s presence.
The guy was so strong, so self-assured, as if nothing in life ruffled his feathers. Santee knew better. They’d spent the last three days and nights together, mostly talking, but the silence was just as comforting.
His mate feared losing another family member. Beckett also worried about Bran and his recovery, though he was certain that Hayden wouldn’t let his mate fall into bad habits again. Beckett had also confessed under the stars that he’d been lost, and not just because of his parents’ deaths.
He'd felt as if he hadn’t had a purpose, until he’d stumbled across a snared little bunny who’d changed his entire perspective on life.
Santee had been stunned that he’d affected Beckett so deeply. No one had ever said he’d changed their life. That only made Santee’s feelings toward Beckett deepen.
He’d already felt a connection toward his mate when they’d met. Now Santee felt as if he’d known Beckett forever.
“I want to get out of these wet clothes.” He walked next to his mate as they headed inside. No one was in the kitchen. Santee had no idea where the brothers were, though he knew that Hayden had worked last night, so he was more than likely asleep upstairs. Bran was at work, and Santee was looking forward to the guy bringing him some sweets when he returned home.
“The smell really has faded,” Beckett said when they stepped into his bedroom. “I don’t know what Milly is fussing about since I doubt you’ll make the furniture smell.”
“You don’t have to coddle me,” Santee said. “I know I stink. I’m not embarrassed about it, though I really wish I’d thought my plan through.”
Beckett cupped his face. “You were in survival mode, babe.”
“I was just kidding,” Santee said. “I do have a sense of humor.”
