Page 9 of Feels Like Home

“And a third, fourth, fiftieth, millionth, and so on.”

Julian brought their drinks to the table. “Sorry it took me so long. Things picked up quickly. I’ll be right back with your food.”

Ian hadn’t noticed how packed the place had become. He’d been too busy focusing on Jace. In less than two minutes, their food arrived.

“You guys need anything else?”

Jace simply shook his head.

“Looks good. I’ll flag you down if we need anything.” Ian stole a fry off of Jace’s plate, grinning when his mate scowled then snatched a broccoli floret off of his.

“Enjoy your food war.” Julian was off to the races, bouncing between his tables.

“That’s really good.” Jace licked his fingers.

Ian’s eyes devoured that pink little tongue darting out. His panther tried to purr. Ian forced it back, telling his cat to behave.

“Then we’ll share.” He scraped some of his broccoli onto Jace’s plate and stole some fries in return.

“You have two potato choices now.”

“Mashed and fried have totally different tastes.” Ian ate another one, wishing he’d ordered them instead of the mashed potatoes. The French fries were somehow better since they were Jace’s.

His mate kept glancing briefly at him before looking away.

“Something wrong?” Did large crowds bother him? If so, why had he chosen the diner over coffee?

“No. Nothing,” Jace said quickly. He used Ian’s steak knife to cut his burger into four even sizes. As if realizing what he’d done, he glanced up at Ian, slowly returning the knife. “It’s, uh, too big to handle. The mushrooms would have spilled out.”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me.” Ian cut a portion of his steak and set it on Jace’s plate, stealing one of the mini burgers. “I like bite-sized things.” Ian kept eye contact as he bit into the juicy burger. When he swallowed, he nodded at his mate’s food. “Try the steak.”

Jace’s lips were slightly parted. His breath was coming out in small pants as he concentrated on Ian’s mouth. It didn’t take a genius to figure out his mate wanted to kiss him.

A dish somewhere in the diner shattered to the floor. Jace jumped and looked over his shoulder. He turned back around and transferred his focus to his food.

Ian had never met anyone so shy. His foot kept tapping his mate’s in a slow tempo. The guy’s shoulders visibly eased. It was good to know their connection wasn’t lost on Jace, seeming to help him somewhat relax.

Ten minutes later, Jace groaned and sat back. “I’m stuffed. A burger, steak, broccoli, and fries just about took me out.” His hazel eyes turned mischievous. “Now I want ice cream.”

“Does that count as our walk?” Ian drained the last of his iced tea. What he really wanted was a run. That would have to wait. He could just imagine Jace’s reaction at seeing him shift into a black panther.

Jace lowered his head and picked at his thumbnail, seeming deep in thought. The question, when asked, was spoken softly, timidly. “Will you make me be sociable?” His head rose. He made eye contact with Ian. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m really not a people person. I’m stunned I’m talking to you so easily when we just met this morning. That’s totally out of character for me.”

It was the pull. Their deep connection as mates. A force that drew them together. Ian felt it, too. The need to be near Jace. To talk to him. The feeling of safety that flourished inside, along with Ian’s overpowering need to protect him.

Owen needed to consider himself lucky his throat was still intact after the way he’d spoken to Jace.

“As long as you don’t clam up around me, you don’t have to talk to a single person.” Ian waved a hand to gain Julian’s attention. “I told you, Jace. I’ll never force you to do anything you don’t want to, and I mean it.”

“Getting ice cream counts as our walk.” Jace seemed to have banished whatever plagued his mind moments ago.

Ian wanted to know what those thoughts were. It would help him better understand his mate. Had someone tried to force Jace into something?

After paying the check, Ian left a sizable tip for Julian’s blatant flattery and good-spirited service through the frazzling dinner rush. No sooner were they out of the booth than the table was cleared, wiped down, and re-occupied.

Ian walked ahead of Jace, making a path through the people waiting to be seated. His mate stuck close behind him, using Ian as a shield until they stepped outside.

“I think next time we have dinner an hour earlier or two hours later to avoid the mob.”

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