Page 8 of Feels Like Home

“Sweetened,” Jace and Ian said at the same time.

“Coming right up. Do you still need a minute to decide on your food?” He entered their order into his handheld device.

“Ready?” Ian’s left eyebrow rose a fraction. “I know what I want, but if you need more time…”

Why did Jace have a weird feeling the guy wasn’t talking about food? “I’ll have a mushroom Swiss burger. Well done. Fries on the side.”

“I’ll have the steak, medium rare, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and a side of grilled onions and mushrooms.” Ian’s foot tapped against Jace’s again in that slow tempo.

It was nice, almost like a secret thing between the two of them. Jace was probably reading too much into it. For all he knew, it could be a strange tic Ian suffered from. The guy might tap any random foot that was near his.

“I’ll grab your drinks.” Julian walked away.

Ian sat forward. His hair fell around his shoulders, framing his face and highlighting his strong cheekbones. Was it as soft as it looked? Would the strands glide through Jace’s fingers like smooth satin? Why was he so fascinated with Ian’s hair?

And his whiskey-colored eyes.

His voice.

Those tempting, sensual, kissable lips.

“If you’re not ready to ditch me after dinner, would you consider taking a walk with me?” Ian wiggled his brows.

The guy made it nearly impossible to turn him down when he looked so adorable and hopeful.

Unfortunately, Jace had been lured in by a playful smile once before, only to be left dejected and heartbroken. “Around t-town?”

The humor in Ian’s eyes faltered as his foot stilled. “Or wherever you’re comfortable with.”

Jace reminded himself that Ian wasn’t Tucker. The man in front of him shouldn’t suffer for someone else’s malicious mockery disguised as friendly teasing.

“Can I think about it?”

“I’d never force you to do anything you don’t want to.” Ian’s foot started tapping his again. “You’ll always have choices with me, kitten.” His grin resurfaced, reaching his eyes. “You look nice. Plum is definitely your color.”

Jace breathed easier. “You look amazing. Blue suits you.”

“Does it bring out the hue in my eyes?” Ian batted his beautifully thick lashes in an exaggerated manner.

Laughter seized Jace. “I hadn’t noticed, but maybe just a little.”

As hesitant as he’d been about his date with Ian, Jace was glad he’d agreed.

Chapter Three

Ian’s black panther purred at the sound of his mate’s laughter. A liquid sunshine sound that brought to mind bursting rainbows and shimmering diamonds.

“So much for trying to impress you.” Which Ian had been attempting to do since realizing the human was his mate. With one deep inhale, Ian had been transported back to the snowy slopes, crisp, clean air filling his lungs and waking his senses.

Ian was gut-punched in Jace’s presence. Intoxicated off the fact that his mate was right in front of him. Jace’s eyes had become guarded for a moment at the invitation for a walk. Ian had no clue what that had been about but was glad the wariness had slipped away.

“You d-don’t need to impress me.” Jace looked around the diner, his hands clasped in his lap. His body was slightly rigid as he chewed his plump bottom lip.

“I do if I want a second date with you.” Ian tapped his foot against Jace’s. It was the only contact he dared take liberty with. As skittish as his mate was, he might actually faint if Ian tried to kiss him.

Jace’s eyes rounded slightly. “You want a second date with me?”

A pink dusting spread across his mate’s cheeks, growing brighter as he maintained eye contact with Ian.

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