“Ryder …” Jax gasped.
Ryder’s eyes fell down to the floor. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he whispered. Then he pushed past Jax and hurried out of the kitchen.
Jax was frozen to the spot as his mind tried to wrap itself around what had happened. He slowly touched his lips with his fingers as a smile broke through. He hated that Ryder had run off the way he did, but the kiss had been a start. Not to mention Ryder had called him and Tabby his family.
His mate wanted him.
Ryder wants me.
Chapter Four
Ryder
Ryder groaned, pacing back and forth in the living room.Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.He shouldn’t have done that. But the thought of having his family, Jax and Tabby, leave him … He refused to let it happen.
But he’d promised himself he would let Jax set the pace. Let Jax make the moves, and then he’d done …Well,the opposite of that.
“Okay, so damage control, Ryder. You need to do damage control and fast.” Before his mate bolted as far and fast as his legs could carry him.
But damn, he’d wanted the kiss, and it’d been hell pulling back. He should never have initiated it, especially not when Jax was talking about leaving.That probably hadn’t helped.
He wasn’t sure what he’d been thinking, but at that moment, it had seemed like the only way to stop Jax from bolting.Way to go.
You probably just gave him a reason to get himself and Tabby out of here.
Ryder wasn’t sure how many minutes passed with him pacing in the living room. “This is not helping.” He finally took a deep breath and headed towards the kitchen. It was time to have an honest conversation with his omega.
And grovel if need be. You will grovel.After that stern talking to, he opened the door to the kitchen.
When he entered, Jax was seated at the kitchen table. He must have been waiting for Ryder because he looked up and quickly got to his feet.
“I’m sorry,” Ryder blurted. “I’m sorry that I kissed you. I shouldn’t have done that; it was out of line.” He began pacing again. “But you said you were leaving and I kind of lost it. But that was a poor attempt to try and get you to change your mind. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Jax’s eyes were wide, and he took a step towards Ryder. “So, that’s why you kissed me?”
Ryder hesitated. Goddess, he really didn’t want to lie to his mate. But was Jax ready for the truth? “Yes, sort of … I guess. I don’t know … It’s complicated.” He released a breath. “Honestly, I guess the thought of you taking Tabby and leaving—” Ryder had to catch his breath and shook his head. “I can’t imagine not having you here, both of you.” He wiped his face and blew out a breath. “I guess I was a little rattled.”
Rattled?Way to underemphasize, Ryder.
Jax held his gaze, his eyes narrowing for a second before he spoke. “I know how much you’ve grown accustomed to having Tabby here. And I promise I’m not taking Tabby away from you. You’ll be able to see her anytime you want. I know the two of you have bonded over the past two months, so believe me, I have no desire to keep you away from each other or”—he pursed his lips like he was searching for a word—“disrupt that part of your life … or hers.”
How he wanted to correct Jax. That was barely scratching the surface of the story. He’d bonded with Tabby. She was his in every way that mattered. He loved her. Loved her papa. And he couldn’t imagine his life without the two of them in it.
“She isn’t the only one I’ve grown attached to.” Ryder finally settled on. “I’ve grown attached to her … and you.” He felt like he had to say it. “And I can’t imagine you two not being here. I know the whole reason you moved in is because you were sick.” At least, it was the reason Ryder had used to get his mate home. “And I know there’s technically no reason for you to stay anymore … but I want you to stay. Both of you … I love having you here. I can’t imagine you guys not here … and I guess I kissed you because”—he gestured, trying to find a more suitable reason than ‘I wanted to’ —“just please stay, okay?” Ryder looked down, suddenly feeling very exposed. “I guess that’s mostly the reason I kissed you. I just didn’t want you to leave.”
“Oh!” He could swear Jax’s lips curved in a small smile, but then he looked away. When Jax finally brought his eyes back up, their eyes held. “I didn’t exactly pull back from the kiss.” Jax’s cheeks reddened. “And I guess that I’ve grown attached to you, too. Sticking around a little while longer wouldn’t be the worst idea. I do get a little winded sometimes, and maybe I should be monitored a little more thoroughly.” If Jax said the word, Ryder would gladly give him a thorough examination.
“So, you’ll stay?” He didn’t even try to hide his smile.
Jax shrugged. “Maybe a little while longer. Just to make sure everything is still okay.”
Ryder was just relieved to have bought some time. As long as Jax was there, then Ryder could keep him close by. “I’m glad to hear that.” Ryder tried not to dance a jig. “So how about I make us something for dinner?”
Jax held up his hand. “If I’m going to stick around with Tabby, then I should at least help you with the cooking. For two months, I have steered clear of the kitchen, of everything really, while you’ve done all the chores by yourself. If this is to be my home, I mean, as long as I’m staying, I want to help out a little bit more. Is that a deal?”
All he heard was Jax calling this his home. And if Jax was using that as a stipulation, Ryder would happily accept it, even though he personally didn’t mind doing the cooking. He nodded. “Okay, if that’s what you want.” He hesitated. “On one condition.”
Jax rolled his eyes. “What’s that?”
