“Fox,” Ava groaned, throwing her head back in frustration.
He’d made a deal with her that he’d drive her but drop her off at the street corner instead of at home—something that didn’t sit well with him.
“What gave you that idea?”
“You’re kidding me, right?” Ava groaned. “Don’t try to deny it. Heck, I can smell how much you like him.” She screwed up her face as if she smelled something foul.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alistair said. “And anyway, why the heck am I talking to you about this?”
“Are you going to ask him out or what?” Alistaire didn’t respond to her question, keeping his eyes and mind focused on the road.
What part of I’m not talking about this with her, doesn’t she understand?
Ava flopped back in the passenger seat, mumbling loud enough for Alistaire to hear. “Don’t tell me you’re too shy to ask him out.”
“I’m not talking to you about this,” Alistaire snapped, pulling over to the curb.
“Fine, but if it’s any consolation, Fox really likes you.” She unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car before he could say another word.
Alistaire watched her run down the street before disappearing behind a couple of bushes. Everything in Alistaire was telling him to follow her, but he had to respect her wishes. He only hoped he wasn’t making a mistake by not following her. Alistaire drove off and headed home—tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Ava was right about a couple of things. He liked Crevan. The man was bold, and truthfully, Alistaire didn’t mind the shameless flirting between them.
It reminds me of how I was with Fox.
Crevan’s smile was contagious. There were times during their meal, he couldn’t stop staring at the other man’s enticing lips. Alistaire smiled as the image of Crevan taking care of his daughter came to mind. The fierce expression that crossed the man’s two-toned eyes whenever a stranger got too close to Genesis or tried to touch her without his permission.
Alistaire felt a bit flushed when he thought about Crevan breastfeeding Genesis at the table. Alistaire couldn’t put it into words how touching the scene had been seeing a father feeding his child with nourishing sustenance from his body. It did something to him that brought on various emotions, leaving him a bit dumbfounded at the jealousy that overtook him.
But who am I jealous of, the man or the baby?
Alistaire wasn’t going to deny he was attracted to Crevan Hannigan, the man was gorgeous, and anyone would be lucky to have him as their mate. Alistaire hadn’t found or dated anyone since Fox had died. Although they were never in a relationship, his guilt ate at him frequently, even knowing there wasn’t anything he could have done to save his càraid at the time. Until the day he’d held Crevan Hannigan in his arms, Alistaire hadn’t realized how much he craved a lover’s touch.
Maybe I should start dating again?
An image of Crevan Hannigan flashed through his mind, making him wonder if the fates were trying to tell him something. Since going to the man’s home, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him.
I can’t spend eternity alone. Fox is gone and won’t be coming back. No matter how strong magic is, it can’t raise someone from the dead. Maybe I should ask him out on a date.
Alistaire’s stomach tightened at the thought as cold sweat washed over him, and his mouth filled with nausea. He knew the feeling well—guilt. He’d never be able to move on with anyone if he couldn’t stop blaming himself for not saving Fox.
Gods, please help me get over my guilt. Help me let go of Fox so that I can move on.
* * *
Fox leanedagainst the back of the couch, watching over Genesis, who was in Odin’s arms. He wasn’t sure what happened or how she ended up in the man’s arms but was confident she was safe with him. He couldn’t explain the warmth he felt in the older man’s presence.
I swear the man just appeared out of thin air.
To Fox, it seemed as if the older man was glowing. His bright blue eyes reminded Fox of his own and the Hannigans. The only difference was, Odin’s eyes sparkled with a bit of mischief. Odin and Genesis stared intently at each other, and Fox wondered who would win between baby and man. Fox was about to say something when Odin’s lips curled into a smile, as did Genesis’s, as if they’d declared a truce with their war.
A relieved sigh escaped his lips—seeing the smile on the handsome older man’s face. He took it as a sign of approval into Boroson’s family.
What the hell am I thinking? Shit, I need to lay off the late-night mafia movies.
They’d shown up at the mayor’s mansion for Thanksgiving dinner. Fox had expected to see the Deputy but found out he had to work and might be late for dinner, but encountered Odin instead. Fox thought back to their meal from the day before and couldn’t help but smile. He could tell Vale was interested in him, but the deputy was still holding on to his love for his dead mate.
Maybe he’s not over his dead lover.Fox was starting to doubt if he was doing the right thing.Perhaps I should let him go? I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll accept my feelings for him? After all, to him we just met, and he probably sees me as a damn nuisance. Fuck, I’m already competing with a dead man, and we haven’t even made it past the I want to be your friend phase.
