“I know.” Ian let out a long breath and then he snuggled against Rick’s bicep, taking care not to disturb Rick’s driving. “They are who they are, and I know they love me dearly. They just have a bit of an issue with change. None of my siblings mated an alpha.” He looked up and winked.
“They’ll get used to me and us,” Rick said. “They won’t have any choice, because I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know they’ll come around. It just takes a bit of time. Believe it or not, they did the same thing when Winston found his mate. And they really weren’t pleased when Maisie found hers either, because her mate wasn’t an alpha and Mom thought he should be. Mom really improved with Rupert. She only calls him useless behind his back now, instead of to his face, especially since Alfie was born. Poor guy. She just needs time.”
“Well, that’s one thing we have got, babe,” Rick said turning into their driveway. “We’ve certainly got plenty of time.”
Chapter Fourteen
Ian
Ian continued cloud walking at how supportive Rick was with his family. The head shakes at how his family really thought they owned all his time had continued since Sunday lunch the week before last.
Ian had held firm, and he could see that his family were finally understanding that he meant what he said. Yes, they had gone around to Winston’s the night before—Friday—just for dinner, and it had been fun. Heck, there had been no mention of babysitting, not once. When they’d left, he’d been waiting for the other shoe to drop, but nothing happened. It was just dinner.
Rick really was such a dominant influence, and it would seem he was winning over Ian’s family one sibling at a time. That and Rick’s presence gave Ian more of a backbone to say no, which didn’t hurt. Actually, it did, but in the best possible way, his free time was for Rick—his free bedroom time.
Ian had grinned all the way home and then shown his appreciation to Rick in the living room, before they’d made it to the bedroom,when they’d gotten a second wind. Something else that was as easy as breathing in the presence of his mate.
He shivered at the ache in his ass as he moved to reach for a fork to turn the bacon. The reminder didn’t allow him to forget exactly how much he’d demanded Rick make him feel it the next day. He’d be the one walking like he’d ridden a bull all day—in his case his bull was a bear.
“Why aren’t you in bed snuggling with me?” Rick’s rumbled question brought his attention from the pan, eyes widening at having been so lost in his thoughts he’d not heard Rick come downstairs.
He licked his lips, his hungry gaze trailing over all the tanned, naked flesh. The gorgeous hunk in front of him was wearing nothing but boxer briefs that left his body exposed to Ian’s gaze. His hair was a mess, and there were sheet creases down one side of his face. His eyes were heavy-lidded from their late night, and he looked well fucked. He was damn yummy.
“What’s yummy?” Rick rasped, rubbing at his bristly jaw.
“You.” Ian smacked his lips together, but the spitting bacon made him return his gaze to the pan. “I thought I’d make us breakfast before you head to work.”
He sometimes had to pinch himself at how lucky he was when Rick stopped on his way past and laid a kiss on him that left him breathless and deciding breakfast could be his tasty mate.
But before he could consider turning off the heat under the pan, his mouth was released, and Rick went to the coffee pot Ian had filled.
“How did I get so lucky?”
Ian watched Rick’s backside flex with open admiration as he filled a mug and then sighed in disappointment when Rick turned to rest his firm backside against the counter, sipping the black brew and groaningin a way that had Ian’s mind head straight for the gutter and his cock think it was playtime. “I was thinking the same thing.”
A rumbled chuckle was Rick’s reply as he eyed Ian over the rim of his mug. “Mutual appreciation society of two.”
“Only two required!”Ian pointed out, reaching for the plate holding the fresh rolls he’d sliced and buttered and placing the crispy bacon inside, handing it to Rick before doing his own. They moved things to the table.
Ian loved these quiet moments of closeness and shared togetherness through the simple things.
“Want me to come and help today?” Ian still hadn’t spoken to Ernest about using one of his spare rooms. He wouldn’t feel right just turning up without the conversation, despite Rick’s daily encouragement.
“You gonna speak to Ernest?”
They were becoming much more in sync with each other, and Ian nodded. “I know you need to help sorting flowers for shipping, and I thought if I help, Ernest could see the benefits of me being close by.”
Rick reached over and placed a hand over his, squeezing gently, a thumb circling as he replied, “You don’t need to do anything to make Ernest feel like it’s worth his while. He’s not like that.”
He came closer and brushed their mouths together, holding his gaze, wearing a dreamy smile. “He knows how much I need you close.”
Ian’s cheeks heated as he felt all of Rick’s feelings flowing through their bond. A month, and he could not say what life had been like without Rick.
“It’s the same for me,” he whispered and kissed Ian once more.
“How long before you have to leave?”
