“You noticed too?”
Scott rolled his eyes. “Yes, and my coyote has been adamant that we were mates from the very first time I caught your scent.”
“Are you okay with that?” Justin held his breath, waiting for the answer.
“Yes.” Scott nodded. “Are you?”
“I’m not a shifter.” Justin put his fear out front despite Liam’s reassurances. “I didn’t know shifters could be fated mates with non-shifters.”
“I’ve heard about it,” Scott replied. “And you’ve got some psychic stuff going, so you’re not a ‘regular’ non-shifter. However it works, I’m glad.”
“I am too,” Justin admitted. “I just didn’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I don’t,” Scott said. “The bond is more like an endorsement, but it’s up to us to explore it and make it our own.”
Justin sighed in relief. “Wow. Good. I was a little nervous about bringing that up.”
“Thank you, I’m glad we got it out in the open. I like it better than dancing around a topic and guessing wrong.” Scott squeezed Justin’s hand before releasing his hold.
“That’s more my speed too,” Justin confirmed. “If you wonder about something, just ask.”
Maybe Scott really will be the one. So far, so good. Now I just have to not mess things up.
When they got back to the hotel, Scott paused after Justin parked the car. “Would you like to come up for a glass of wine?”
Justin smiled. “That sounds perfect.”
They walked together to the elevator, and Justin wondered if Scott felt the same frisson of sexual tension. Their shoulders bumped on the ride up, and as Justin followed Scott to his room, he enjoyed the view of Scott’s very nice ass.
“The room isn’t huge, but it has a lot of character.” Scott stepped aside to let Justin enter.
“I’ve eaten in the dining room plenty of times, but I never had a reason to be in a guest room.” Justin looked around at the retro-resort-chic furnishings that looked comfortable.
“It’s got good pillows, and the shower is hot, so I’m happy.” Scott gestured toward the two chairs next to a small table. He turned the TV to a music channel, then fetched a bottle of wine from the top of the dresser and two glasses, pouring both generously.
“Thanks.” Justin accepted the red wine with a nod. He glanced at the bottle. “Good pick—local winery, gets great reviews. Reasonably priced considering the flavor is great.”
“Wine connoisseur?” Scott settled into the chair across from Justin. Their knees touched, and neither man moved away.
“Hardly.” Justin chuckled. “I just know what I like.”
They chatted about recent shows and favorite bands. Scott refilled their glasses. “To new possibilities.” Scott lifted his glass, and Justin clinked theirs together.
“And new beginnings.” Justin hoped his internal read proved right, that Scott very well might be his forever person.
Scott got up to grab the bottle for another refill, and Justin rose to stand behind him. He made sure he wasn’t crowding Scott, but edged close enough that their bodies pressed together, back to front.
Justin nosed Scott’s hair, liking the mix of shampoo and aftershave. He wondered what Scott’s more sensitive coyote senses picked up from his scent.
If he’s reading arousal, he’s spot on.
Scott turned toward him, leaving the glasses filled on the dresser. “Is this you, or the wine?”
Justin leaned in to press a light kiss to Scott’s lips. “All me. Although the wine is a nice addition.”
“Good. Because this is all me.” Scott returned the kiss with fervor. Justin’s hands came up to cup Scott’s shoulders, and Scott shifted so that Justin could feel his bulge.
Justin let his tongue slip along the seam of Scott’s lips, and Scott opened to him with a quiet moan.Maybe it’s been a while for both of us,Justin thought.
