Page 40 of Feels Like Home

“Can we eat popcorn in here? Do you have any?”

“After that big dinner and sugary dessert?” Ian chuckled. “Yes, I have popcorn, and, yes, you can eat it in bed. I’ll go make it while you get comfortable.”

Ian left the bedroom door open in case Jace wanted to follow him, but his mate didn’t. When Ian returned to the bedroom, Jace stood in front of the glass wall, wearing nothing but his boxers.

But Ian could feel a shift in his mood.

“I was going to turn on the television, but I couldn’t find it.”

“It’s here.” Ian crossed the room and slid aside a concealed section in the wall.

“Nothing is what it seems.” Jace tilted his head as he followed Ian’s movements. “Secret doors, panels, and walls that hide the interior of your home. It’s like a fortress.”

“I like cool technology.” Ian set the bowl of popcorn and two bottles of water on the end of the bed, wondering where Jace was going with this. Just moments ago, he’d seemed fascinated by all the wonders.

“You said your house was a reflection of you.” Jace watched him closely, as if trying to unravel a mystery. “Tell me, are you nothing like you seem? Are you a fortress? Do you have secret doors and privacy windows that hide the interior of who you really are?”

As Ian carefully considered his mate’s words, he reclined in the chair by the door. “I could ask the same of you, kitten. Are you an open book, or do you also have hidden parts that you keep guarded from others?”

Jace sat on the bed, running his hand over the blanket. “You know as well as I do that you’re going to claim me tonight. I can’t help it if I see your house and wonder how much of it is really a part of you.”

Now Ian knew why Jace’s demeanor had changed. He pushed from the chair and sat next to him. “For the first time in my life, I’ve opened those doors…for you. I don’t want to hide anything from you, sweetheart.”

“I’m being myself, aren’t I?” Jace glanced up at him. “I’m overanalyzing while my insecurities are trying to take over.”

“You should have packed your butt quacks.” Ian chuckled as he slid his arm around his mate, knowing that his touch soothed Jace. “Right now, we’re just chilling. If it happens, it happens. If not, there’s no rush.”

“What kind of movie do you want to watch?”

“First, we have to get settled.” Ian pulled Jace onto the bed then they scooted back to the pillows. “The popcorn.”

His mate crawled toward the bowl. Ian should have gotten the popcorn himself. Hs cock jerked beneath his briefs, and he caught a purr before it rumbled free. Jace’s ass was perfect, just the right amount of flare. Hot sensations prickled Ian’s skin at the thought of sinking into his mate, those slim legs wrapped around his waist.

“Okay, got it.” Like a tether was tugging Jace back to him, his mate slid backward, the bottles in his lap, the bowl resting on his thighs.

Ian hadn’t been lying when he said that he was opening doors inside himself for Jace. At first, it was the thrill of finding his mate, discovering that undeniable attraction that made Ian push Jace to ride his thigh, to watch the passion burst across his gorgeous face.

But now, there was no denying that Jace did things to Ian’s heart. Sweet emotions burned inside Ian, leaving him all twisted up inside.

Jace handed him a bottle of water. “Have you decided?”

If they weren’t going to have sex, Ian needed a cold fucking shower. Jace was sitting so close, their hips nearly touching. Why on earth had Ian thought this was a good idea? Why had he fooled himself into thinking he could handle being in bed with Jace and things would remain PG?

“I’ll be right back.” Ian got up and walked to the bathroom, closing himself inside. Jace didn’t need him acting like a caveman. His mate had only said that in jest. Ian had said they were just chilling. That there was no rush.

Tell that to your dick.

He splashed some water on his face. He had to get his body under control, or he’d have to take Jace home.

“Is everything okay?”

“No.” Ian gazed at the water running down the drain, a representation of his control.

His muscles trembled when Jace placed a hand on his arm. Ian’s panther was close to the surface, demanding their mate be claimed.

Not gonna happen if Jace isn’t on board.

“I can’t stop thinking about it, either.” His mate slid his hand down Ian’s arm, leaving a firestorm in its wake. He squeezed his eyes shut, wondering if he looked as out of control as he felt.

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