“Well, most things might be too short for you,” Emil pointed out cheekily.
“You ain’t wrong there.” Makai flipped the last pancake. “Breakfast is almost ready. If you want to use the bathroom first, now would be the time.”
“Oh, right. Be right back.” Emil shuffled away, and Makai caught a glimpse of long, pale legs and the backs of Emil’s knees.
He swallowed hard and tried not to think what his brain—and dick—were hinting at. Emil was gorgeous. There was something alluring about him. It didn’t mean it was or would be anytime soon the time or the place. Well, maybe the place, but…. Makai shut the door on his thoughts and concentrated on pouring them both some coffee.
He had bacon, so he fried some of it. The scent lured Mouse back into the kitchen.
“No, this is way too salty for you, lady,” he told her.
“You need to get her actual cat treats to give her when she begs for people food,” Emil, who had luckily changed back into his own shirt, said.
“Yeah, might want to order those online while I order the cat tree.”
“It’s sad we didn’t find a good one in Woodruff.” Emil wandered into the kitchen and looked at the spread. “This looks great.”
“Thanks. Do you want bacon?” Makai gestured at the pan.
“No, the pancakes, fruit, and yogurt are just fine. Mmm, coffee….” Emil made a happy sound as he took a sip from his mug.
“Okay, well you can take yours and go sit at the table, then. I’ll be right with you. Unless you want eggs?”
“Oh, no thanks, but thanks for offering.” Emil flashed him a smile that warmed Makai right to his toes.
Once he’d fried enough bacon and put the rest away, and Mouse had gone back to her babies, Makai joined Emil at the table.
“No nightmares?” Emil asked carefully, avoiding Makai’s gaze just in case.
“Nope. None.”
“I think I started one, but Mouse woke me up,” Emil admitted.
“She’s great with that. I didn’t hear a thing, so she must’ve gotten you early.” Makai would buy the cat premium cat treats just for this.
“Yeah. I wish I could have some sort of pet that does that for me, it’s just that Mom’s allergic.” Emil frowned.
That did suck. Makai could see how much Emil would benefit from having a pet, especially one he could take outside with him too.
They ate and talked about the different kinds of service animals they’d seen online and tried to come up with more possible ones.
“Emotional support snake would be nice. It would keep everyone away from my bubble,” Emil mused, grinning.
“Tarantula!” Makai exclaimed. “Think about it. Anyone gets too close, and suddenly this palm-size spider crawls out of the hood of your hoodie, or something.” Emil did a full-body trembly thing, and Makai laughed. “Not a fan of spiders?”
“I guess that’s where I draw the line, yes.” Emil grinned.
Emil ate slowly, and Makai, having gotten used to eating fast in prison, was done way before him. “I’ll call the doc and take a shower. I doubt it matters if I get the stitches wet at this point.”
“I wouldn’t think it does.”
Makai went to his bedroom and sat on the bed to make the call.
“Good morning, Makai, everything good with the cats?” Doc Donovan answered, sounding worried.
“They’re all good as far as I can tell. Listen, Emil said you might be able to help me out?”
“Oh, do tell?”
