Emmett frowned. “You think there are any ursines out there?”
“Not that I know of,” Bryn said. “And I’ve seen plenty of gene-affected people, but who knows. Never say never.”
“I kinda like the idea. Bears have the cutest fluffy ears.”
“And massive claws,” Gunnar chimed in, getting a baleful look from Emmett. “Sorry.”
They took their drinks and cookies through to the couch. “Warden gave us the rest of the day off,” Gunnar said. “Which means you’ve got the day off too, Emmett.”
“Me? Really?” Emmett munched a cookie.
“Of course. You work just as hard as we do.”
“It would be nice to go do some shopping for the apartment… Not that we don’t like your stuff, Gunnar, but Talbot and me want to add some homey touches of our own.”
“Then you should do that.”
“What are you guys going to do?” Emmett asked.
“Use the gym in the basement, maybe. Catch up on some personal admin, that kind of thing,” Gunnar said. “Order in later.”
“Sounds way too productive,” Bryn said. “I’m having a bubble bath then vegging in front of the TV. I need to catch up on all the daytime dramas.”
Emmett swallowed the last of his coffee. “Well, have fun. I’m glad you’re not dead. I’ll see you in the morning.” He grabbed another cookie before he left.
“That boy has zero social skills,” Gunnar said. “Though I’m glad we’re not dead too.” He flopped onto the sofa next to Bryn.
“If Everard Templeton or Salvatore Russo get their way that might change.”
“Both problems for another day,” Gunnar said.
“You know what I want right now?” Bryn said.
“Tell me.”
“You’ve kissed me twice and both times have not been in the most romantic circumstances. I want you to kiss me again. Right here. Right now.”
“Oh, you do, do you?”
“Yes, I do.” Bryn swiveled around to straddle Gunnar’s thighs. He pulled Gunnar’s hair loose from its messy bun. “I’ve been wanting to do this for so long.” He ran his fingers through the long strands. “I knew it would be soft.”
“You’ve been thinking about my hair?”
“Mmm.”
Gunnar laughed. “You’re full of surprises.”
“And you’re wasting time,” Bryn countered. “What are you waiting for?”
Gunnar’s gaze flicked to Bryn’s lips, then back to his strange but beautiful eyes. He gripped Bryn’s hips, steadying him. “I should still be mad with you.”
“You can yell at me again later.”
Gunnar leaned in and Bryn’s teasing smirk gave way to a hopeful smile. “Stop talking.” Gunnar brushed Bryn’s lips with his own then deepened the kiss. Bryn melted into him and the kiss grew hungrier, more urgent. Gunnar didn’t want it to end but it had to. He pulled away, breathless. Bryn’s expression was one of dazed satisfaction.
“Better?” Gunnar asked.
Bryn laughed, his cheeks flushed. “Much better.”
