Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

H e was having a party.

With his mate.

Jake had come home a little over a week ago and announced that they were hosting a small get-together. The guardians and their families. Amber and Mari. His old neighbors, the twins. A few other folks.

But looking at the guest list now, he thought half the wing might be coming. And what did one serve at a winter dinner party in the desert?

He was no cook yet, and they couldn't grill out or make fish…

So he called the one person he really knew. Lars.

"Samuel, my love, I was just thinking about you!" Lars said when he picked up the phone.

"Were you?" He looked down when Bumper nudged him. That big, shaggy head always amazed him, and the wolf was so gentle. Always. He fed Bumper a piece of the grilled cheese he'd just burned to a crisp. The inside was still nice.

"I was! I was going to call and see if you'd like some help cooking for the party. I'd love to come over and plan, if you're interested."

Samuel huffed out a laugh. "Interested? Try desperate and needy. I'm still working on grilled cheese…"

"Oh, honey! I'll help. I'll totally help. When should I come over?"

"Soon? How do you feel about soon?"

"I can come over this afternoon if Jake won't try to kick my ass."

"No, he had to go down to Santa Fe."

"Ah. Well, then, we'll get our planning on. I'll bring my book." Lars had a planner from hell, one that he used to organize all things. It was pretty amazing, really, and he wanted to learn how to do a little of that kind of organization to keep the household running.

"Sounds good." He would make a cheese and pickle platter. That he could do without burning anything. Oh, and cut and bake cookies.

"I'll be over in half an hour or so."

"Thank you. Seriously."

"Of course! I'll bring pastries. We can nosh and plot."

"That sounds great." He loved that Lars understood. He had no idea what he was doing, and he didn't want to embarrass Jake at all in front of his new wing.

He checked on Grant, who was playing happily with his toys in the living room, corralled in his baby jail. "Uncle Lars is coming over today. We love him, don't we?"

"Laaaaaaaaaalallalala."

"Exactly." He chuckled. "Watch him for me, Bumper? I'll give you cheese later."

Bumper settled down, muzzle on his paws.

"Good boy." He needed to pull out a couple of entertaining cookbooks and clean up the mess from the grilled cheese disaster.

He toodled around the kitchen, happy that it was finally arranged to his liking. Jake had adjusted very easily, just asking to make sure the grilling tools could be found come spring.

Jake had been easy about most things, but?—

But the touching part.

Jake hadn't been into touching him. Oh, they'd snuggled on the couch, but that was it. If they were mates, why didn't Jake want to…to kiss him?

Maybe he was…unpalatable.

He didn't want to be, though. He wanted to be amazing. Desirable. Sexy.

Especially since, now that he allowed himself to look in that way, he felt that Jake was stunning. Maybe he would ask Lars to help with ways to make himself more attractive too.

Maybe omegas here needed to look different. Maybe he should cut his hair…

He heard Lars pull up before he could finish up his chores and grab his scissors, which was probably a good thing.

Lars flew in with pastries and cookbooks and a new fuzzy blanket for Grant and a lasagna. "This is for your supper tonight."

"Oh, wow. Look at that." Garlic bread and salad he could make. So this was lovely. "Thank you."

"I just know how hard it is to make food when you've been busy." Lars handed him the box of sweets. "Is there tea?"

"There is. I put the kettle on when you said you were bringing pastry. I was going to resort to cheese and pickles."

Lars nodded sagely. "Also a good choice, but I just happened to have all this." He waved at the box he'd brought.

"You rock. Thank you very much." He couldn't help but smile.

"Now, tell me your ideas." Lars hunted the cabinets, pulling out mugs for the tea.

"I found a book about charcuterie boards. They seem pretty, but I can't embarrass Jake, you know? I want him to…like me." He needed it, when all was said and done.

"Oh, honey, he does. Logan says you and Grant are all he talks about." Lars patted his back.

"Yeah, but—this is important to him. Do you think I should dress different? Cut my hair?"

"What? No. Not unless you want to. That's not up to him."

"No. No, I don't want to, but—I want to be attractive to him, and I don't know what that means, here."

"It means whatever it means." Lar chuckled. "Have you talked to Jake about this?"

He shrugged, his shoulders tight. "I don't know how. My father would never stand for it."

"What?" Now Lars was frowning at him.

"Being questioned."

"Oh, sweetie, for all of his growling, Jake is not that kind of alpha. In fact, I would bet anything he's trying give you time to get to know him."

"Do you think so? I like him, a lot. He's very kind."

"He's something." Lars winked. "Seriously, Jake and I may have bumps, but we're friends. He's a good guy."

"He is. He's had some bumps, and I think he wants you guys to like him so much…" And Samuel understood.

"We do. He just needs confidence. And to remember his friends won't blow smoke up his ass when he's wrong."

"No. No, of course they won't. You won't." That didn't help, did it?

"I know how he felt. And I'll talk to him at the party about it. I do owe him an apology for being so impatient and not seeing how hurt he was over Susan and Jolie."

"You rock. So…do you think charcuterie boards are a good idea?"

"I think they're a great idea. And maybe a dessert board, too. We can order that from the bakery."

"Oh, yeah? Okay. So, let me show you what I read about…" He opened the cookbooks, and they put their heads together.

Before an hour had passed, they had a budget, a menu, and simple decor. He clapped his hands. "This is wonderful."

"I'll be over Saturday to help. What are you going to wear?"

He had no idea. "I have one formal suit…"

"No. No, wear a sweater and jeans or some kind of warm pants."

"Oh, you think? Just casual and easy?" He liked casual and easy.

"Oh, yes. This is not a formal house. And there will be children. Dakota's. Jason's grandkids." Lars laughed, spinning him about. "This will be fun ."

Oh, he hoped he was good at that. He didn't feel particularly fun. He couldn't help but laugh with Lars, though, because there was so much joy. Lars seemed to enjoy having him around.

"So casual clothes, music. We're going to get flowers to scatter about and fairy lights."

Lars nodded. "Then some big charcuterie boards. It's perfect because we place them around the kitchen, and we just leave them. It's just so easy. Everything can be done in advance, and then we can just be. We'll let one of the alphas take care of the bar."

"That sounds perfect." Samuel didn't mention that Lars had just said alphas like he was an omega because he felt as if there was something secretive going on about all that.

He wasn't sure he understood what it the problem was, but he did get that it was important to Lars to keep it quiet, so he could just file that bit of information away and stop babbling about it.

He assumed it didn't matter that he spoke to Jake, because Jake was his mate, and they didn't have secrets, or they shouldn't, or maybe they just wouldn't. He didn't know.

"So we'll need ice."

Lars winked at him. "There's plenty of that outside. You know, eventually, we're going to have to get you and Jake together so that the snows stop. Eventually, spring is going to have to happen, Persephone."

"Shut up. Jake isn't the king of the underworld."

"Hmm, he's more like Hephaestus if he was creating with wood instead of steel? That really doesn't work, does it?"

Samuel cracked up. "No. I guess he could be Zeus."

Lars shook his head. "No, he doesn't really seem the lightning type. He's way more earthy. Hey, he could be Dionysius."

"I think I would have him just be Jake."

Lars beamed at him. "And that is exactly what I would want a mate to think."

"Yes." Okay, so if that was the case, which it was for him, then he would have to trust it was the case for Jake. Samuel just needed to be himself. No haircuts or new wardrobes.

And maybe he needed to ask for what he wanted. Maybe he needed to make the move, if Jake was trying to give him time to adjust to the new living situation.

"Do you think I could make cookies? I mean, I'll order the cupcakes and croissants and all, but…"

"If you want to try, do it! Talk to Dakota. He makes good cookies."

"Oh, that's a good idea." And he would bet that Jake wouldn't object to a few cookie trial runs. "Peanut butter?"

He loved peanut butter in every form and cookies were the best.

"And chocolate chip, too, because they're always a win."

"Okay. I can try both." He would see what he had in the pantry, too. He could make an order, but why do that when he'd just have to turn around and make another?

He opened the pantry and Lars peeked in.

"Oh, it's beautiful. Logan told me you'd made things gorgeous."

Well, that was a surprise. "He did? Why?"

"You're a guardian's mate. We're curious to get to know you, hmm?"

"Oh." His cheeks heated. "I didn't know that."

"People here want to be friends with you, Samuel. Everyone has just been giving you and Jake some time. But you will see how the wheel of life turns here very soon." Lars winked at him. "Assuming you ever let the snow stop."

"I will. I don't mean to." He chewed his lip. He hadn't even thought it was him at first. But now he knew it was his…emotional state that was keeping them buried in snow.

"It's okay. Great for skiing. Just…believe in yourself. Believe in the bond. You're going to be fine."

"I'm trying." Oddly enough, he believed in Jake. He really did. It was him he worried about. He was so…not a New Mexico dragon, he thought.

His phone buzzed, and he grabbed it to see a text from Jake.

On the way home

"Jake is coming home."

"Ah, then I should head out. I don't want him getting grumpy."

"But you will talk to him this weekend?" Samuel asked.

"I will." Lars kissed his cheek, then went to rub Bumper's ears and kiss Grant. "I don't want things to fester."

"No, no, festering. Festering is…unpleasant at best." He kissed Lars on the cheek. "Thank you so much. I really needed the help."

"That's what friends are for. I can't wait. I'll see you on Saturday. If you have any questions, just give me a call and remember, trust yourself!"

Samuel waved goodbye to Lars and went to check on Grant. He was sound asleep, still cuddled under the blanket that Lars had brought him. Such a sweet baby.

Jake came in soon after, stomping snow off of his boots. "Hey, I'm home. Is there coffee by any chance?"

"The kettle is on, if you'd like tea. I even have lemon."

"So long as it's warm, I don't care. Snow out there is deep as an elephant's butt."

He winced as he waited for the kettle. "Yes, Lars mentioned that. I'm very sorry. I don't try. I'll think sunshiny thoughts."

Jake gave him the wide, panicked eyes. "Oh, Goddess no. Then we'll all just be burning alive. Just think normal thoughts. Just average everyday March-y thoughts? All right?"

"Okay. Of course." Normal thoughts? He went and plunked a teabag in a mug, feeling so unsure. What were these March thoughts? Didn't March march in like a lion? In like a lion, out like a lamb? But what did that mean, practically?

Where he came from, there just simply wasn't a lot of weather, rain and not rain. He lived on the ocean.

Oh, he didn't want this to be awkward. He didn't want this to be weird. He wanted it to be okay. His hands were shaking as he cut another slice of lemon.

"Hey." Cool hands landed on his shoulder. "No one's blaming you. You're all right. Breathe."

"I just want you to like me. I just want everyone here to like me, that's all," he confessed, the words tumbling out of him. "I want you to…to really like me. It's important to be with me intimately." He was an adult; he might as well act like one, right? Even if he was a shy one. "I'm hoping that someday you might want to kiss me. And be with me in a…a more adult way. Not that I'm pushing, I understand if you don't. I mean, I really do, but?—"

Jake turned him around and caught his eyes. "Oh, my sweet silly dragon."

Then those lips crashed down on his. The kiss was wild and sharp, pointed on all edges.

Samuel was still for a second, but only that long before he pushed back, welcoming Jake in and begging him not to stop. Not yet. Because this is what he had craved.

Not just the kiss, which was perfect and wonderful, but the connection, the burn, the knowledge that he wasn't alone here in this wild sensation. He wasn't all by himself in this need.

Not alone. Not even close. I need you more than breathing.

You never said.

I was waiting for you to catch up. Jake lifted him up against the kitchen counter, pinning him in place for more of those toothy, wonderful kisses.

He wrapped his legs around Jake's hips, drawing him in so he could bring their bodies closer together.

It was as if asking for the kiss had broken a dam, and now Jake wasn't holding back. That mouth was scorching on his. If the snow wasn't melting out there, he'd be surprised.

"Dada! Me! Me!"

The little voice had his eyes opening, and he groaned. No fair.

Jake moaned too, forehead against his. "Dammit. Here, let me…" He set Samuel on his feet, then gave him one more quick kiss before going to Grant. "Hey, little man."

"Dada! Me! Me!" Those little arms were held up, demanding his attention.

"Oh, do you want hugs too?" Jake lifted Grant and swung him around, earning a squeal of pleasure.

"Da! Da! Ammu! Me!"

"Does your daddy have you, sweet boy?" he laughed, filled with joy.

"Me!"

"He's pretty definite about that. How was your day, honey?" Jake walked Grant to the couch after taking a good sniff to see if he needed changing.

"Me! Laalaalaa! Bankie! Me!"

"Oh, that was so good! That's right. Lars brought you a new blankie!" He applauded, so pleased.

"Lars was here?" Jake's gaze sharpened.

"Just to help me plan the party. He told me to tell you what I needed." And it had worked.

"Then I'm grateful." Those lips curved in a sensual smile, one like he'd never seen.

"He's a good friend." And Samuel adored him. "I was thinking about cutting my hair, but he said only if I wanted to. You liked me as I am."

"I do like you as you are." Jake studied him. "And I want to run my hands through your hair."

"Oh." He shivered, smiled. "I like my hair. It makes me feel…sensual."

"It's beautiful. I want to touch you, honey. When we put Grant to bed…"

"Me!" Grant shouted when Jake said his name.

"You!" Jake lifted him high, kind of tossing him. "You, Grant! My sweet baby!"

"DaDa!" Then Grant looked at him, making grabby hands. "Ammu!"

"Come sit with us, honey."

He headed right over, bringing Jake's tea along with a sippy cup of juice for Grant. "I would love to."

He took Grant so Jake could have his tea. "Did you show Daddy your new blanket?"

Grant pointed into his pen. "Blankie!"

"Oh, I like it. I do." Jake winked. "Lars is good to you, huh?"

"Lalaaaaa." Grant beamed at his daddy. "Blankie! Me!"

Jake kissed Grant's head. "Maybe tomorrow we can go for a walk, all of us together?"

He would love that. "Yes, please. That would be lovely."

"Good deal." Jake leaned over to kiss his cheek, so he turned his face to let their lips meet.

It wasn't a wild kiss or a deep one, but it was another kiss. Hello, mate. I—I would like to spend the night in your bed tonight. Please.

Yes. Oh, yeah. We'll spend the night together now and from now on.

That statement had his heart beating fast, his body trying to ready itself for Jake. But this was baby time, and teatime, and not sexy time.

Sexy would be after supper and?—

"Oh! Lars brought us a frozen lasagna to put in the oven for supper tonight or any night this week."

"Did he? That's…unexpected."

"Why?" He frowned, not sure what that meant.

"It's just very nice of him to bring something for me too."

"He says he's going to talk to you at the party." Something about Lars was still making Jake grumpy.

"Okay. I'll look for him. I do love his lasagna."

"He likes you too. A lot. He introduced us. That will always be amazing to me."

"Yes. He was pretty determined, even when I was an idiot." Jake's grin was so warm. So happy.

"You weren't an idiot. You're fine. It's just—" Samuel shrugged. Things had been changing, in flux and uncertain, and for Jake, that had been a long time. "Everything has been hard. Hopefully now it will be better."

"Right." Jake grinned at him in between blowing playful kisses against Grant's chubby little hands. "Of course, and starting tonight, with you in my bed, it will be amazing."

He flushed, his cheeks going hot. "I'm looking forward to it." He was. His body wanted to be with Jake as much as his mind did. It kind of shorted him out in the best way.

"Me too." Jake's gaze was scorching hot, and he swallowed hard.

Then he cleared his throat. "So between now and then…"

"We have baby time. A nice long walk. Lasagna." And I think we can sneak some kisses in at the same time.

"Good." Jake reached over to grab his hand and hold on, Grant kind of tipping over between them and giggling madly.

He tickled that little belly, pulling out another of those laughs.

It felt blessedly…normal and wildly special in the same breath.

"That's perfect."

And it was.