“Definitely. If you want me there, I’ll be there.” I rub his arm comfortingly. “Any step of the way, as long as you need or want me to, I’ll help you through it. Promise.”
He smiles up at me, practically melting in my hold.
“We can go as soon as tomorrow. It’s only a two-hour drive, and up the coast.”
“Thank you.”
“What else would you like to know about me?” I ask, holding my breath. If he asks me what I am, I won’t lie.
My heart races as he thinks over my words.
“How old are you?” he asks, chuckling. “It isn’t fair; you know so much about me already. You know I just turned twenty-six, but I have no idea how old you are. Do shifters even age?”
I laugh. “We do age. Just slowly. I’m thirty-seven.”
“Hmm.” Kaleb hums. “I thought you were a lot older.”
His answer has me tickling his sides, causing him to squeal. “Are you saying I look like an old man?”
Kaleb laughs, squirming against me. “What!” he shouts. “No! That’s not what I meant.”
The pure happiness and joy displayed on Kaleb’s face have me lighting up inside. I continue exploring his body with light touches and wandering fingers. Gods, how I wish it were my tentacles touching him, my suckers teasing all his sensitive spots. Kaleb squeals, trying to wiggle away. He sinks into the soft cushions of the sofa. The next thing I know, he’s lying under me, my body pressing against his.
I lean down, about to press my lips to his, when a throat clears behind us. I scramble off his body as if we aren’t grown adults. Shocked, my head whips around. How the hell did someone sneak past my shifter hearing?
A young lady about Kaleb’s age stands there, hands on her hips and a wide grin on her face. She’s wearing a pair of tight jeans, a festive-looking red sweater, and a few ribbons in her hair, which is pulled back in a high ponytail. “Well, doesn’t this look cozy?”
Laughter sounds down the bond. “Stacy! You’re finally home. I want you to meet Darius.”
I stand, extending my hand and meeting her halfway. She eyes me curiously, eyebrow cocked and a slight smirk on her face. “Ah, yes. Mr. Sexy Worried.”
Kaleb chokes. “Oh my gods, Stace. That’s not going to be a thing. Don’t call him that.”
“Mr. Sexy Worried?” I laugh. What on Earth? “How have I been bestowed with such a nickname?”
Kaleb shakes his head frantically. “No, no, no, no. Don’t encourage her. Not unless you’re prepared to have that nickname for life.”
Even though I know he’s joking, my stomach gives a happy little flip.For life.Can he really see me here with them for life? My kraken whoops.
Stacy nods. “Oh, it’s so a thing. Mr. Sexy Worried is the same guy from Club Sip, right?” She glances at me, and I nod.
“Stacy—”
“No, it’s okay, Kaleb. I remember how worried Darius was when he was looking for you on the dance floor after you took off.”
“It’s true,” I confirm. “After you took off, I was afraid you got hurt.”
Kaleb waves a hand down his body in a dramatic sweep. “Well, as you can see, I’m all safe and sound.”
“Darius, are you joining Kaleb and me for dinner? I bought enough takeout to feed an army.” She points at the kitchen counter. Sure enough, there are bags filled with Chinese takeout containers. A lot of them.
“Sure, if that’s okay?” I pose it as a question, just in case Kaleb needs an out.
“You should stay for dinner.” Kaleb blushes before biting his lip. “And maybe you can stay the night?”
“Kaleb!” Stacy gasps, clearly shocked.
Kaleb stands up and rushes over to Stacy. They whisper in hushed tones, but with my supernatural hearing, it really doesn’t matter if they whisper.
