Page 45 of No Strings Attached

“You okay?” Morgan slid an arm around him. “You seem lost in your own head, and your eyes are filled with sadness, sweetheart. Want to tell me what’s going on?”

Sam hesitated because he didn’t want his mate to take things the wrong way. “I’ve been alone for so long, Morgan. I’ve never had friends, not really, and that’s made life a lot harder.”

Morgan pressed his lips against Sam’s temple. “You’re not alone anymore, Sam, but it might take some time to get used to having someone in your life, for that realization to fully sink in. Even after I became a deputy, it took a long adjustment period for me to accept the fact that my coworkers were also my friends.”

“But you had Kellen.”

“He’s more of a friend that you don’t see too often, and as you’ve witnessed firsthand, he can be a bit much. But you can’t ask for a better guy at your back.”

Sam looked over at Kellen, who was now sitting with the twink and laughing. “He really is a big flirt.”

“Just as long as he doesn’t flirt with you again.” A small growl rippled up Morgan’s throat.

Sam grinned. “Stop being so possessive.”

“Never.”

Sam knew it would take time to adapt to the huge changes that had occurred in his life. Morgan had rescued him in more ways than one, but his mate seemed almost too perfect to be real.

Turning sideways, Morgan straddled the bench then pulled Sam toward him. He rested his chin on Sam’s shoulder before he looked up at him. “You’re not the only one who has to let things sink in. I wasn’t always the guy you’ve gotten to know, Sam. My past has been brutal and dark. I keep expecting you to wake up and realize you’ve made a mistake bonding with me.”

A stray breeze whispered by as Sam ran his fingers over Morgan’s low-trimmed beard. “Dr. Baldwin was right.”

“About what?”

“He doesn’t think I was simply handpicked for you. It’s about you needing me as much as I need you.” He caressed Morgan’s cheek, trying to bring his mate comfort. “I don’t care about your past or the man you used to be. I only care about the man you are when you’re with me.”

A grin spread across Morgan’s lips. “You’re exactly what I need, beautiful, especially in my bed.”

With a laugh, Sam playfully shoved at Morgan. “You just had to make this about sex.”

His mate leaned back with a sparkle of humor in his pretty brown eyes. “I can’t help the fact that just thinking about you makes me hard as fuck.”

Sam rolled his eyes, even though he loved every second of their playfulness. “Try to restrain yourself in public before you get us in trouble with the cops.”

“I am a cop, sweetheart.” Morgan raked his heated gaze over Sam. “My coworkers or boss wouldn’t do a damn thing if I laid you out on this table and devoured you like a decadent dessert. Don’t forget. I have a huge sweet tooth.”

Sam’s breathing became shallow. “My thin shorts are starting to tent, Morgan. If you don’t stop talking that way, I’m going to embarrass myself.”

Morgan brushed Sam’s erection with the back of his hand. “I’d never let anyone see what’s only for me. If I have to, I’ll pick you up and carry you to the car.”

“Which would only be more embarrassing.” Sam moved Morgan’s hand away from his crouch. “As much as I love when you touch me, please let my body calm down.”

“I’ll go buy a cold can of soda so you can cradle it in your lap.” Morgan stood. “So you know, I’d never do anything that would embarrass you, beautiful.”

How much deeper could Sam fall in love with Morgan? His heart was already filled to the brim with how he felt about the guy. Any more and it would burst.

As Morgan walked to the order window, Sam glanced at the other table. Kellen watching him with a wistful look in his eyes before he turned away. Sam recalled that Morgan had said he’d searched his entire life for his mate.

Did all shifters do that? Was Kellen searching for his?

Morgan returned and handed over the can of soda, which Sam placed in his lap. He winced and lifted the can slightly. His shorts were too thin, and he was afraid of getting frostbite.

“You need my shirt for more insulation?”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “And have everyone drooling over your body?”

“Now who’s possessive?” Morgan scooted extremely close and pulled the hem of his shirt out, trying to tuck it under the can.

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