Page 22 of His Protective Bear

Sage leaned back to look at me, his head tilted, “About what?”

“About us,” I said, stroking down his side rhythmically. “Do you believe me now about us? That you’re mine.” I may have growled that part, but having him in my arms like this, the scent of me all over him, had my bear feeling extra possessive.

He leaned back into my chest, and he lifted his shoulder in a half shrug and burrowed further into my chest. “I want to believe you, and I think I do. I really do,” he whispered, “but I don’t know, can we… I just need a little more time to wrap my head around this, please. What you don’t know is I’ve wanted you forever, too. This is all like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from.” His arms tightened around my waist like he thought I would be upset by his words.

I squeezed him closer, “We have time, baby.” I would be as patient as my mate needed. “You’re more than worth the wait, so please don’t stress about it.”

I felt him draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly before nodding. I leaned back to see his face, then brought his mouth to mine. Our tongues mated and produced a contented sigh from him that I was coming to love. Only the need to breathe could separate me from him.

When he looked up at me, I couldn’t help smiling at the dazed look in his eyes. “Can I pick you up on Friday? I know you’re working all day tomorrow, but you’re only working until five on Friday, right?”

Sage nodded, and he looked a little stunned that I knew his schedule. At least he doesn’t think you’re a stalker.

“I would love for you to come to my house so that I can cook for you.”

Sage's eyes widened, “Really?”

I nodded, “Yeah, really.”

His lips curved, and he nodded, “Yeah. Yes. I would love that. Should I bring anything?”

“Just you. All I need is you.”

He flushed prettily and ducked his head. “Okay, then I’ll see you Friday.” He would see me tomorrow too, but I didn’t say that.

I got out and helped him out of the truck, and walked him to his front door. I even sneaked another kiss, “Goodnight, Sage,” I said.

“Night, Hunter,” he replied. Yup hearing my name on his lips would never ever get old.

* * *

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the whole way home. I hadn’t expected the night to go the way it had, but I definitely wasn’t complaining. I just hated that I had to go home without him. I wanted him in our house. But I hadn’t lied when I said I would be as patient as he needed me to be.

Now I just had to figure out what to cook for my mate.

Instead of going straight home, I stopped at my parent’s house. I wanted to cook for Sage, but my culinary skills were limited to eggs, bacon, and toast. And microwave oatmeal. My mate deserved better. And I only had a day to learn how to prepare a decent meal.

I knocked once before entering the parent’s house. “In the study,” Papa called out.

I walked down the hallway to the study just before the kitchen. When I walked in, it did not surprise me to see my Papa with his head resting against dad’s right thigh, his legs across the sofa. They’d clearly been reading. Papa’s book was now draped across his reclining chest while Dad’s book was face down on his left thigh.

“Hey, Son,” Dad said, “How are you?”

“Good. Good,” I replied, lowering myself into the armchair across from them.

“And your mate?” My Papa moved, so he was sitting up.

I grinned, “He’s great. Actually, that’s why I’m here.”

Papa smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corner, “Now there’s a smile that tells a story. I’m so happy you and Sage are figuring things out.”

“Me too.” And that was the understatement of the century. I was ecstatic. Overjoyed… there honestly weren’t enough words in the dictionary. “He’s coming over Friday,” I told them, “ and I would love to cook for him.”

Dad chuckled, “You don’t cook, son.”

I groaned, “I know, but I want to make something for him. You know it’s his first time in our house, and it should be special. Ordering something in isn’t special. Just something simple I can make for him.”

“I’m proud of you, Hunter,” Dad said. “Taking care of your mate and your family in every way should always be your first priority.”

---