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But I clocked Phineas’ posture. It was the same careful stance I’d come to recognize. His eyes though… They lit up the moment they found me.

Fuck me sideways. I’d never had anyone look at me like I was the brightest spot of their day. Made me want to wrap my arms around him and never let him go.

Also made other parts of my body stir to life.

Down, boy. He’s not ready for anything beyond a smile. Behave.

“Need caffeine?” I said, unable to keep the smile off my face. “Poor bunny looks like it needs an IV of coffee and a few espresso shots.”

I glared at the machine briefly.

“It told me it would rather have some croissants.” He stepped inside, letting the door swing shut behind him. The café was empty except for us, the last customer having left ten minutes ago.

Phineas glanced at the case, but his eyes slid toward me before quickly darting away.

Look all you want, kitten. I flexed then grinned at my body’s reaction to my mate checking me out.

Phineas blinked, his face turning a gorgeous shade of pink.

“Got a few stashed away.” I didn’t give a crap if I was down bad. If he asked, I’d gladly bake some fresh ones.

Try not to embarrass yourself, champ.

“I ate all of the ones we made.” His smile knocked me on my ass. “I have no regrets.” He pursed his lips. “Except maybe the stomachache.”

“Worth it?”

“A thousand percent.” He approached the counter with less hesitation than before. Still careful, but the caution felt different now. Less like fear and more like someone testing the waters instead of expecting to drown. “Why do you think I’m back? You got me addicted, buddy.”

The pastry might’ve been part of the reason, an excuse to walk through the door, but the shine in his eyes gave him away. My wolf preened at our mate’s smile. It wanted out so it could rub its scent all over the human.

Worst idea ever, idiot.

My wolf gave a throaty growl.

“I called yesterday because I wanted to thank you. For the baking lesson. For the—” He gestured vaguely, a small wave of his hand that I wanted to capture and kiss. “For being patient.”

Patient? The offer from my packmates popped into my head. You shouldn’t have to thank someone for not exploding.

“Nothing to thank me for.” I leaned my forearms on the counter, closing some of the distance between us without crowding him. “Real glad you came back, Phineas with a P-H.”

A faint flush crept up his cheeks. You’re flatlining me, kitten.

“Me too.” The words came out soft, almost surprised, like he hadn’t meant to say them out loud.

“I was thinking,” I said, straightening and reaching for a clean mug. “You might want to try something different today. Expand your coffee horizons beyond cold brew.”

“Different how?”

“Dangerous how.” I winked at him from over my shoulder. “Life-changing how.” I held up the mug like a trophy. “Ever had a flat white?”

“Never had it.” His gaze lowered then snapped up like he’d caught what he was doing, only to do it again. No lie, I flexed as I moved, secretly smiling when he licked his lips.

“Then you’re in for a treat. It’s like a latte’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin.”

“I get to drink sophistication?” Phineas grinned so widely dimples popped free. “I feel so fancified.”

“You have to drink it with your pinky out.” I started his drink, silently ordering the machine to do its job.