Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Hunter’s eyes and smile widened. “That’s great!” He grabbed me by the back of the neck and shook me around like a big brother would do. “I never thought I’d see the day when you fell in love. I’m so happy for you, Tal. Did he say it back?”
“Not yet.”
“It’ll come,” he assured me with another little shake. “Come on, let’s get back to him before Felix and Enzo get their paws on him.” I knew he was only teasing, but I hustled back to the lodge as Hunter snickered behind me.
I placed the box on the floor next to the front door before stepping into the dining room, where I found my friends all huddled around my mate, smiling and laughing. While I was thrilled everyone was getting along, I couldn’t fight the territorial streak in me that wanted to be the one to make him smile. But that streak was whisked away when our eyes met; Brandon’s grin stretched and he patted the seat next to him, inviting me over.
Just when my ass hit the chair, the oven timer beeped and the rest of the guys took their spots around the table. Cedric pulled out a large dish of pot roast and vegetables, placing it in the center of the tabletop.
“That looks delicious,” Brandon complimented, and Cedric beamed.
“Thank you.” He picked up a knife and added, “You get the first serving.”
“I’ll do that,” I insisted, leaping from my seat. I couldn’t cook worth a shit, but the least I could do was serve my mate. I got teasing laughter from Felix and Enzo, but an understanding smile from Cedric as he passed me the knife.
I cut a huge chunk of beef and placed it on Brandon’s plate, along with a generous portion of potatoes and carrots. After I loaded up my own plate, Felix held his up, but I just rolled my eyes and handed over the knife; I was still pissed at him for putting his lips on my mate. Cedric intercepted and served around the table until everyone’s dish was full.
As we ate, my friends asked Brandon an endless line of questions about himself, but he didn’t seem to mind. He told them all about his grandfather, their shared love of comics, and his art degree, which he’d be receiving soon. Everyone asked to come to cheer him on at his graduation, and when my mate’s eyes welled up from the overwhelming support, I squeezed his leg under the table and got a squeeze in return.
As soon as Brandon’s dish was empty, I offered him more food, but he politely declined. His eyes widened a bit at the amount of food the rest of us ate; we devoured serving after serving until there wasn’t a speck left on the platter.
But he didn’t mention anything. Instead, he placed his silverware on his plate and complemented Cedric, “That was the best meal I’ve eaten in a very long time. Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you,” I chimed in, wanting to show that I could have manners too. Enzo snickered again at my effort to charm my mate, but Hunter helped me out by slapping the back of his head when Brandon wasn’t looking.
Felix ignored all of us and added, “I can’t wait to see what’s for dessert.”
“For dessert, we’re having homemade strawberry ice cream, but it isn’t ready yet,” Cedric answered, and Felix groaned.
“How am I going to make it without something sweet?”
“Oh, I have something that may hold you over,” Brandon piped up, digging his hand into his jeans pocket. He pulled out a wrapped hard candy and offered it to Felix. “It’s butterscotch.” Oh my god, he is my precious little papaw.
“I bet it’s not as sweet as you,” Felix said with a wink as he took the candy. When Brandon looked away, I nodded at Enzo, who slapped his brother’s head for me. It wasn’t as satisfying as doing it myself, but it was something.
Brandon asked Cedric, “May I help you with the dishes?” and my pink haired friend appeared surprised by the question, which made me feel like an asshole. He liked taking care of us, but I couldn't remember the last time I offered my help.
“You don't have to do that.”
“It’s the least I can do after you worked so hard on that meal.”
Cedric smiled wider and nodded. “Thank you.”
The two of them worked together on the dishes; Cedric washing and Brandon drying, talking and laughing while I stared in awe at my perfect mate.
“Brandon is lovely,” Grady said quietly, leaning into my space. “Congratulations.” I thanked him with a smile; unlike the twins, Grady didn’t have a mischievous bone in his body, and was offering a sincere compliment, not trying to piss me off.
“Wow, that went really quickly since I actually had some help,” Cedric announced with a pointed look at the rest of us. Even though he was just teasing, we hung our heads in shame and he turned to Brandon with a smile. “Can we see your artwork while we wait for dessert?”