“You’re never going to let me win an argument, are you?”
Fox shrugged his shoulders. “You might win one every ten years or so.”
Alistaire shook his head, chuckling. “How about this? We’ll take things as they come. As much as I want more kids, I want us to enjoy getting to know each other and build the bond between the three of us before we add more to the bunch.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” Fox agreed after a few minutes.
Soon after, their meal arrived, and they dug in with vigor. Fox had ordered spaghetti Vongole, and Alistaire got the chicken cutlet with an arugula salad. They enjoyed their meals while discussing various topics from why Fox wanted to go from being a tutor to a lawyer and why Alistaire enjoyed being a cop.
“My name,” Alistaire told him.
“You became a cop because of your name?” Fox recalled Alistaire was almost one hundred years old.Did he work as a cop all that time because of his name? Either he is truly dedicated to the law or doesn’t know how to do anything else.
“You look perplexed.”
“That’s because I am. I get your name means man’s defender…” he paused and looked at Alistaire. “Please tell me that’s not why you became a cop?”
Alistaire smirked. “Yes and no. Before she died, I promised my mother I would live up to my name, and I get it—she didn’t mean it literally. I’ve tried other jobs, but they weren’t fulfilling to me. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m damn good at my job. I like the challenges and serving, but most importantly, I prefer protecting my community and the people I care about.”
Fox understood where Alistaire was coming from. It’s why he was sure he couldn’t work as a tutor. He needed a job that would give him great satisfaction once it’s completed.
“You’re very admirable,” Fox whispered. “And I find that very attractive.”
“Don’t put me on a pedestal. I’ve made my share of mistakes, and I carry my own guilt and insecurities.”
“We all have insecurities.” He crooked a finger for Alistaire to lean closer to him. “I think that makes us human.”
“Damn. And here I thought I was a superhero.”
Fox snorted a laugh. “Sorry to burst your bubble, dear.”
Alistaire grinned. “It was bound to happen sooner or later.”
A couple of hours later,they made it back home. Fox got Genesis settled for the night and was impressed she hadn’t woken up during their entire date. Since they were home, he’d asked his parents to keep an eye on Genesis while he and Alistaire took a late-night stroll. It had snowed earlier in the day, and even though it was cold, Fox felt very warm being by Alistaire’s side.
They’d had a wonderful dinner, and it made Fox realize he didn’t know Alistaire Vale as well as he thought he did. He knew the man was kind and had a big heart, but he had a genuine love for his job and family. From that night on, Fox decided to wipe the slate clean of what he thought he knew about Alistaire and went with what he was learning.
“What are you thinking about?”
They stopped at the gazebo that was decorated for the holidays like everything else on the large property. Fox peered up into Alistaire’s handsome face then up to the holly that was hanging above their head.
“I was thinking about you.”
Alistaire wrapped his arms around Fox, pulling him close. “What about me?”
Fox wondered if it was the right time to ask about Euan Gillies. He’d been putting off the subject for a couple of days but didn’t want to ruin the mood. Not only that, the nagging question to know about Alistaire’s last mate kept coming back to him. He needed Alistaire to get over the man before they could move further.
Fox gasped when he felt warm lips against his. “What was that for?”
“I got impatient waiting for you to answer. I’ve been dying to kiss you all night long.”
“I thought it was the romance of the holly.” He pointed to the dark green shrub above their heads.
Alistaire looked up at the dark green leaves with red berries then back to him. “Then I guess we should honor the goddess with our kisses.”
Before he could say anymore, Alistaire claimed his lips in a kiss he was sure the goddess could feel the burning heat bubbling up inside of him. Fox wrapped his arms around Alistaire’s waist, deepening their kiss, making him forget everything else but the way he made him burn with lust and desire.
Chapter Twelve
