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“And Cormac,” she reminded Duncan.
“Have you heard from Austin?” Orion grabbed a plastic container and filled it to the brim. Paloma didn’t seem to mind considering she’d made enough food to feed a small army. He also liked how she gazed at her son. There was definite pride in her eyes, as well as love.
“He texted me and said he was hitting the road,” she replied. “He should be here tomorrow morning, if you include stopping for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. Plus, he said he was getting a motel room tonight since he didn’t want to drive while drowsy.”
Duncan was dying to ask if she’d found out why Austin needed to stay with her, but he wanted to get going while the getting was good. He didn’t want to slip up and say something that might make her change her mind about Orion staying with him or have to lie to her about something else.
“Call or text me when he gets here,” Orion said. “I’ll feel better knowing he made it.”
“My offer to send my attack kitties to fetch him still stands.” Duncan cracked the lid on the container and took a deep whiff, damn near drooling. He’d only planned on stopping at Orion’s house so his mate could grab some things, but the food was a definite bonus. So was Paloma’s warm and caring personality. From the way Orion had complained about her overbearingness, Duncan was expecting to meet an unreasonable and possibly hostile woman.
She was a goddamn delight.
“You have an offbeat sense of humor,” Paloma said to him.
Duncan felt Izel tugging on his arm. It was time to wrap things up. “My curse in life.” He kissed her cheek, smirking at Orion when she blushed. “It was truly a pleasure to meet such a beautiful young woman.”
“I’m gagging over here.” Orion made a choking noise, clutching his throat with one hand. “Stop kissing up to my mom before she swears you’re not gay and tries to steal you away from me.”
Paloma smacked Orion’s arm. “I don’t see why you kept such a wonderful man from me. You should have brought him home sooner.” She looked at Duncan. “I swear I taught my son manners.”
“They’ll return when we leave and I don’t have to watch Duncan flirting with my own mother,” Orion said.
Duncan chuckled as Paloma waved them away. “Shoo. Go take care of Cormac. Let me know how he’s doing.” She eyed Duncan, as if silently telling him to keep his word about watching over Orion.
Orion headed for the front door, his own container—a lot smaller than Duncan’s—tucked in his arm while his backpack was slung over one shoulder. Duncan still couldn’t get over how stunning Orion was or how he’d gotten so lucky with both mates. He rubbed his chest, wondering if he was feeling the beginning of love toward them or if it was just lust after the night they’d shared.
It was probably love, because, whenever he looked at his mates, when they weren’t paying him any attention, Duncan felt something powerful fill him.
He could totally see himself falling for both men and might have already fallen if how he felt toward them was anything to go by.
“You really do care about Orion,” she said when Orion was out of earshot. “Only a man in love has that look in his eyes.”
Duncan cleared his throat, wondering if he was really that transparent. “I do care about him, and don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him. Thank you for trusting me with your son.”
“Thank you for being such a kind and caring man,” she replied. “I don’t normally trust a stranger with Orion’s safety, but my gut tells me you’re an honorable man, Duncan.”
Yep, Duncan was going to hell for this.
She hurried to the counter and pulled open a drawer, coming back with a piece of paper and a black marker. “If you don’t mind, I want your address. I’ll sleep better at night knowing exactly where Orion is.”
Duncan set the container down long enough to scribble down his address and phone number before he grabbed his bowl, tucking it safely in his arms like it was a treasure that everyone was after. Milly was a great cook, but her paella and churros never smelled this good.
Of course, Duncan would never admit this to Milly. It was strange, considering her age of a few hundred years, but Paloma’s dish smelled even more delicious.
“Don’t be a stranger,” she said to him.
“I won’t,” Duncan said before he hauled ass to the door. When he was outside, he breathed a sigh of relief. At least the lies were behind him now.
Orion spun to face him. “If you ever flirt with my mom again, I’ll turn you into a kitty throw rug.”
“What?” Duncan looked wide-eyed at Orion. “She agreed to let you stay at my house, though I still don’t understand why we went through this. You’re an adult.”
“Because he respects his mother,” Izel said somewhere close to Duncan. “It was more about her blessing than her permission.”
Duncan knew why. He just liked seeing Orion worked up because his eyes sparkled with passion when he was that way. It was a sexy as hell look on his mate.
“Exactly. See, Izel gets it.” Orion looked around, as if trying to pinpoint where Izel was standing. “I might be an adult, but it’s plain old consideration since she’s so worried about me.”
