CHAPTER 20
PERRY
I cometo in the sweetest way. Abel’s sitting cross-legged beside Buckle and dragging his knuckles so slowly across my arm, as if he’s trying not to actually touch me.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to wake you. I just like how soft your skin is.”
“It’s okay.” I grab his wily hand and kiss his exploring knuckles.
“I couldn’t sleep anymore, but didn’t want to leave either of you. It’s so cozy in here.”
I look around and Buckle has definitely added more cozy nesting type things to the room. More blankets and pillows, though they’re on the floor. The curtains are different. Instead of plain white, they’re bright green blackout curtains. A gentle glow of a nightlight in the corner makes me smile. It’s a honeycomb with a bee. How freaking adorable.
“I like it here,” Abel says.
“I do, too.” I brush my cheek across Buckle’s hairy chest. “We should wake our Alpha and get the DVD player set up.”
Abel swallows. “Should we still do that?”
“I don’t see why not,” Buckle says as he pulls us both closer.
Abel yelps at the embrace, but I saw it coming. I grin at Abel, who snuggles into Buckle’s chest again.
My mates. They’re so sweet. That’s exactly what I need in my life. That’s what I’ve always wanted. I sigh and rub my head along Buckle’s chest, scenting him.
“Scent him here and we can pretend it was me,” Abel says as he lifts Buckle’s arm and holds it closer to me.
“We don’t have to pretend,” Buckle says.
Abel’s big eyes go wide. “Oh! I know!” He leans in and licks a stripe down Buckle’s forearm.
I can’t help the laugh. Abel grins, and it’s like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
“Now I’m jealous.” I hold out my arm and he gives me the same treatment, keeping eye contact the entire time. I can’t wait to take him apart and put him back together. I’ll wait until the end of time if I have to.
“Come on, sweetness.” I nod toward the door. “Time to get ready for movie night.” I wink back at Buckle before ushering Abel out the door.
“Don’t call it that,” Abel groans.
“What else am I supposed to call it? We have a movie and it’s night.”
“But it’s more an educational night.” He rubs a hand through his messy hair, but he doesn’t seem overly annoyed or even anxious. He turns to me and stops. His hands go to my shoulders. My breath catches. I want to kiss him so badly, but keep my mouth to myself. There’s something he wants to say and I won’t ruin it for him.
“I’ve never done anything,” he says.
“We know,” Buckle says behind me. “And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Abel’s eyes flick back to Buckle before focusing on me again. “I’m afraid I’m going to mess things up when it comes to sex. Istill don’t think I’m ready, but Idowant to learn how to kiss.” He licks his lips. “Tonight.”
Buckle audibly swallows behind me and I nod.
I cup his cheek and thumb his bottom lip. “Now?”
“No. But some time.” He releases me and spins on his heel to continue marching to the living room.
Buckle and I stand in the hallway.
I’m still processing Abel’s request when I start back to the living room. Buckle’s warmth follows me.
