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“There’s no such thing as too much,” I told him, placing a kiss on the soft hair that covered his chest. “And I’m not worried about our age difference, if anything it’s something I find very attractive.”
My cheeks flushed at that admission, his hands sliding down to cup the undersides of my ass and lift me up so he could kiss me until I was gasping once again.
“I’m looking forward to finding out all the ways to make you blush,” he said, setting me back down.
He finished washing every inch of me before he guided me over to the seat in the shower and washed himself off quickly.
It was one hell of a show, one that I’d definitely use later. But for now I was officially satisfied and wore out for the next couple of days. I needed to give my girl garden a break.
After drying me off completely, Miller offered me one of his shirts. There was no way in hell his boxers or shorts would fit me so he led me to Bash and Dean’s room, where I promptly stole a pair of Bash’s shorts that had a drawstring, pulling it tight.
As we walked downstairs the mixed scent of savory bacon and the tart, citrusy sweetness of lemon poppyseed pancakes filled the air. I stopped mid stride and took a deep breath, humming happily. Pride flushed through the bond with Cole and I chuckled, happy to know without seeing the food that he'd nailed it.
Everyone was gathered around the large dining room table. They hadn't noticed me yet, talking amongst themselves with that comfortable familiarity I loved about this pack. Bash said something that had Miles blushing and Dean and him cackling.
My presence didn't go unnoticed for long. Dean was the first to see me, his bright smile was welcoming as he scooted over to make room for me. Miller didn't protest as I moved their way, sinking down onto the empty chair.
"Coffee?" Miles asked. I gave him a nod and the beta was off, making it just the way I liked before sliding it my way. I hummed at the mix of bitter and sweet, urging it to chase away the last lingering bits of heat that had come over me.
The heat.
That was a lot to process. I'd come out of it with two bonded mates, and a pack that hadn't lied when they said they were all in. Honestly, I had never felt more loved or cared for in my life.
Cole and Miller brought platters of my favorite foods to the table and before I could make a plate, Cole took care of that too.
It was halfway through my pancakes that I was hit with a huge wave of mom guilt.
Cole and Miller looked at me curiously and suddenly, it was all too much. I wasn't going to run, I loved all of this, but I also needed my son and a bit of breathing room.
Somehow they got all that without me having to say a word.
"You can take my car to Beatty's," Cole said easily. "We'll be here getting ourselves back to reality too and will be here whenever you’re ready."
"Thanks," I said, eating with renewed enthusiasm. The prospect of seeing my sweet boy had me filling my stomach, finding clothes, and pulling on my shoes in record time.
"You just told me not to drive," Cole mused. I winced, but his teasing laughter told me it was just him being playful. "You've had fuel and coffee, if you think you're safe, I believe you."
"I am, promise," I said, pulling him down and pressing my lips to his in a kiss that reminded him we were both safe. He sighed into it but pulled back when it turned a bit too heated.
"Get out of here before I drag you back upstairs, Shortcake," he growled, swatting at my ass. I laughed but slipped out the door, calling out a hasty goodbye to the others. “And know we’re following you.”
I snorted at that but sure enough, Miller and Cole were behind me the entire way.
The drive through town, with the windows down, and the sweet summer breeze blowing in, was exactly what I needed. I took deep lungfuls of it and let it bring me back to life a bit. The lingering exhaustion was replaced by excitement.
It was actually a bit of a healing experience, having this heat end so differently than the last. I knew this was the start of a new chapter.
When I pulled up to the driveway at home, Beatty and Theo were outside. I waved to Miller and Cole, the two of them driving off as I focused on the two people I’d missed fiercely this week.
She was pruning the garden like she was still young enough to get up and down easily while Theo drove his cars through the grass. When the crunch of the tires on gravel caught his ears he looked up and was on his feet in seconds. I parked quickly before he could run my way, but he was in a full sprint by the time I had my door open.
I swept my sweet baby into my arms and crushed him in a hug. His curls tickled my nose and I laughed at his squeals of happiness, voice chattering away to catch up on all I'd missed.
"We ate at the diner and I met all the people here and I got chocolate cake for dessert! At bedtime I wassucha good boy and Grandma Beatty let me play all day!"
She laughed at that and I met her eyes, both of us shaking our heads.
"He'll tell on me so quick. I won't get away with anything," she joked, coming over and crushing me in a hug. My grandma was strong, and breathing her in, I felt even better. I'd missed her this week. "Have a seat, I'll grab tea."
