Page 36 of Feels Like Home

“You can’t be without a car.” They reached Ian’s Navigator. “I might have a solution.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I’ll pay to have your car cleaned,” Ian offered. “Meanwhile, I’ll get you a rental.”

“That sounds expensive. I can’t have you spending that kind of money on me.” Jace wasn’t used to spending other people’s money, and it made him feel uncomfortable.

“Get in my truck.” Ian unlocked the doors, and Jace slipped inside, knowing he had no choice but to rely on Ian’s assistance.

Ian turned to him. “Babe, I’m 243.”

Jace’s jaw hit his chest.

“My entire life I’ve been looking for my mate. Now that I’ve found you, there’s nothing I won’t do for you, kitten.” He tapped the underside of Jace’s chin. “You’re gonna catch flies if you don’t close your mouth.”

“I… you…” Jace blinked several times, but words failed him.

“Once I claim you, you’ll live as long as I do. That’s a long-ass time to financially struggle.” Ian smiled softly. “It’s my job, as your mate, to take care of you.”

“No, it’s not,” Jace said. “It’s my job to take care of me.”

“If we were both human, I still wouldn’t agree.” Ian started the truck and turned on the AC. “As you are well aware, I’m not human. For my kind, the inability to take care of one’s mate is a great source of shame. Failing to help you in your time of need would be a personal failure for me.”

“Sounds like shifters have huge egos.” Jace shivered as the cold air blew over his body. Or maybe the shiver wasn’t due to the AC but rather the thought of not having to constantly stress about money.

But he still felt as if he were taking advantage of Ian.

“I can’t argue with that.” Ian’s intense gaze had Jace shivering even more. “We’re also very possessive.”

“I said I was sorry about my math teacher,” Jace groaned. “His appearance caught me off-guard. Just remember whose lap I was sitting in and who I was kissing.”

Jace wasn’t going to live that down for a long while. Without meaning to, he had hurt Ian and now felt terrible about it. “I’m sorry, Ian. But you have to know by now how crazy I am about you. You’re the only person I want.”

“I’ve noticed you’re opening up to me more,” Ian said, taking Jace’s hand. “You’re not as tense or reserved around me anymore. I like that you’re speaking your mind freely.”

“I’m comfortable with you,” Jace admitted. “Just being near you, being intimate with you, without pressure to change who I am, has helped me let go of my defenses and come out from under my protective shell.”

Which made Jace consider binding his soul to Ian’s. No one had ever made him feel this way before, and he doubted anyone other than Ian would.

“Then let me help you with your car.” Ian’s voice broke through his thoughts.

Right. Help. The fish car. The putrid stench. Jace needed a toothbrush and mouthwash stat. He’d probably curled a few nose hairs standing so close to Zeke and the ornery mechanic at the repair shop.

Not to mention his close proximity to Ian.

“Not because you have some caveman mentality,” Jace said, “but I’ll rely on your generosity this once, only because I can’t afford to pay for a solution myself.”

Ian playfully nipped at Jace’s finger. “This caveman wants to spread you out and generously lick every inch of you, sexy.”

Heat exploded like a grenade over Jace’s face and ears as he yanked his finger back. He’d nearly blown out an excited breath until he remembered he needed to drown his mouth in toothpaste.

“Your fucking blush is making my dick hard, kitten.” Ian reversed and pulled into traffic. “Too bad I can’t take you home and find a solution to my dilemma.”

“You can’t?” Jace turned to face forward before he crawled back into Ian’s lap or his breath caused the guy to crash.

“Sweetheart, if I get you in my bed, I promise nothing is going to stop me from sinking my dick into you.” Ian stopped at the traffic light then looked at Jace. “If that happens, I won’t be able to stop myself from biting you, which will bind us.”

Jace’s palms were so sweaty they should have been dripping with perspiration. “Green light.”

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