“Considering we are a pair of grown-ass adults, we can do what the hell we like. Food will be another fifteen minutes or so. Why don’t you go make yourself comfortable and I’ll bring the drinks through in a bit.”
Bryn ambled away, humming to himself, and Gunnar got busy with the hot chocolate. When he took it through to their seating area, Bryn was on the couch, his feet tucked up under a blanket.
“That looks cozy.” Gunnar handed him a mug and Bryn blew on it before taking a sip.
“It is and this is really good.” He raised his mug in a toast. “Why don’t you get under here?” He held up a corner of the blanket. Gunnar didn’t say anything, just went to join him.
“You haven’t put anything on the TV.”
“I thought we should talk first. There isn’t just an elephant in this room, there’s a massive hairy mammoth.”
Gunnar snorted hot chocolate. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Give a guy some warning, won’t you?”
Bryn snickered. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not. So, what do you want to talk about?”
“Me. You. Us? All the excuses you gave me earlier today for us not being together were a pile of bull crap.”
“Do you ever get to a point with subtlety?” Gunnar asked.
“Nope. Dancing around a subject doesn’t get me anywhere generally. Look, all I want to know is whether you agree that there’s something between us.A spark. When I touch you, your future intent swings from bike rides in the open countryside, to running as hard as you can, to bending me over the nearest flat surface.”
Gunnar sighed. “Not sure all of those surfaces were flat, but I like the idea of all three of those.”
“And if you had to choose?”
“Don’t push your luck, brat. Yes, there’s a spark, I’m not gonna deny it.”
“But?”
“Look, I think we should get the Walmart case out of the way. Focus on work while we get to know each other better. We’re collecting a lot of enemies and I don’t want to lose my focus when I’m supposed to be protecting your very cute ass.”
“But that’s not a never?”
“No. My willpower isn’t that good.” Gunnar nudged Bryn’s shoulder. “Denial. Anticipation. Think how good it’ll be when I finally get my hands on you.”
“Oh God.” Bryn moaned. “Try to remember I’m a twenty-one-year-old healthy male, Gunnar.”
“I’m twenty-seven, my dick isn’t fossilized just yet.”
“Bet it gets hard as rock, though.” Bryn snorted with laughter.
“Christ, you need a spanking in the worst way. I’m going to dish up.”
“The food or a paddling?”
“Fuck’s sake.” Gunnar ran for the kitchen. He stuck his head in the fridge and sucked in some chilled air. Then grabbed a bag of peas from the freezer compartment to press against his crotch.Why the ever-loving heck am I doing this to myself?
After he’d plated two dinners he stood in the doorway for a minute, watching. Bryn had chosensomething on the TV and was smiling at whatever was on.He’s mine. Soon. If I was an actual wolf I’d be howling right now.Gunnar chuckled then headed over to the couch.
* * * *
The following morning Gunnar was up early and he ran longer and harder than usual. His dreams had been full of Bryn. That he was sleeping in the next room was torture and Gunnar needed to run it out of his system. He was back, showered and dressed before Bryn emerged from his room.
“You want eggs?”
