Just that morning, Carter had been in the middle of making breakfast for Aaron, Hudson, and Bastian when Leo had calleda meeting. Aaron had rushed out of the house, dragging a protesting Bastian behind him.
Carter might have been a little peeved as he and Hudson had sat down to eat the food that Carter had provided.
Hudson for his part had smirked at Carter from across the table before launching into stories about mates and how they have recently been found in the paranormal world.
And Carter was not a stupid man.
All the talking around the subject and hints thrown around by his brother led Carter to one conclusion. Carter was Aaron’s mate. Why Aaron hadn’t said anything was anyone’s guess. But as shy as Aaron often was, Carter wasn’t really surprised. Aaron’s haunted eyes told Carter more than words ever could.
Aaron was afraid of something. Carter didn’t think it had anything to do with him particularly. That just meant that Carter was going to have to give the man a little push into explaining what this meant for them.
Not that Carter was ready to go all into mating when he hadn’t even kissed Aaron, although he had tried, but dating sounded like a viable option. Hopefully anyway. Carter was interested in Aaron before Carter even knew about the paranormal stuff.
Aaron was super cute, cared about others, and was everything that Carter would want in a partner. That wasn’t enough to commit to a lifetime with another man he barely knew. However, it was a start.
Turning toward his home, Carter considered texting Aaron just to check in. Maybe Aaron would appreciate an update onthe puppies. Plus, Carter needed to find a way to get Aaron back to his house that night. The more time that Carter spent around Aaron, the easier it seemed to handle all the changes in his life. And they were big changes. Aaron made everything feel right though.
Yes, a nice dinner and some puppy time would be the perfect excuse to lure Aaron in for the night. And wasn’t a phone call better than a text? Carter pulled the truck to the side of the road before he scrolled through his list of contacts and found Aaron’s name.
He hit the button to dial and waited.
Carter was concerned that Aaron wouldn’t pick up when he finally heard the other man’s voice.
“Hey, Carter.”
“Hey.” Carter had to clear his throat. “Hey, Aaron. Got a minute?”
“Yeah, sure.” Aaron sounded distracted.
“If this isn’t a good time, you could call me back,” Carter offered.
Aaron sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s fine. Is everything okay?”
“I just got done with the vet,” Carter explained. He licked his lips nervously, not that Aaron would be able to tell. Why was he so damn anxious? It was just dinner. “I thought I could tell you about the visit over dinner tonight?”
“Dinner?” Aaron repeated.
“Yeah. We could talk about the vet recommendations and eat. You do need to eat.” Please say yes.
“The pups are okay though?” Aaron said quickly. “Do I need to come now?”
“They’re fine,” Carter assured him. “Need to put on some weight but healthy as can be expected for all they’ve been through.
Aaron blew out an audible breath. “Okay, good. I really didn’t need any more bad news.”
“I take it the meeting didn’t go well?” Carter asked. He was dying to know what Aaron had been up to all morning.
“It’s…fine. Just finishing up.”
Carter was getting tired of hearing Aaron saying fine when it was obviously not. “If you can’t make dinner I’ll understand—”
“No!” Aaron shouted. “Sorry. I mean no, yes, dinner sounds good.”
Carter chuckled, amused by Aaron’s excitement. And relieved. At least he wasn’t the only one. “My house?” They could go out, but Carter wanted Aaron in his space. And the puppies shouldn’t be left alone.
“I take it you’re cooking?” Aaron asked.
“Of course I am,” Carter replied. It was the one skill that Carter could use to try to impress Aaron. He seemed to have enjoyed the sandwiches that Carter had quickly put together the previous evening. This time Carter could really step it up. “Whatever you want.”
