Page 15 of F Is for Honey Bee

Jonah tilted his head up and looked at Kijani, those teal-green eyes drawing him in again. “Flint isn’t getting out, is he? Deputy Kingsman said he has an outstanding warrant. Does that mean I don’t have to worry about him landing on my doorstep ever again?”

Not if Flint valued his life.

Kijani sat next to him and slid an arm around his mate’s shoulders. Jonah leaned into him with a heavy sag. “He’s going to be transported to Maple Grove for the charges against him. I honestly can’t say what’ll happen from there.”

Flint could receive anything from probation to jailtime. And if he was foolish enough to backtrack to Midnight Falls and go anywhere near Jonah, the asshole would have to get past Kijani first.

Chapter Five

For the millionth time, Jonah wondered what he was doing. He shouldn’t be leaning so heavily on Kijani, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.

One smile.

One ounce of concern.

One moment enveloped in strong arms.

That was all it had taken to reel Jonah in like a fish on a hook. It shocked him just how much he craved Kijani’s company, how protected and at ease he felt in his presence, especially considering their brief acquaintance.

Was this a case of the damsel in distress falling for the rescuer, except Jonah was the distressed dude? Or was there something more to the ache he felt for Kijani?

Since Flint was the first guy Jonah had needed rescuing from, he had no damn clue what to think. He buried his face and groaned. Why did life have to be so complicated, starting at birth?

Why hadn’t Jonah just lied when both Slater and Kijani asked how he knew about shifters? He could have said he’d had a friend who was one. Instead, he’d locked up inside, guilt and shame punching him in the head and gut like a physical blow.

Don’t start dwelling on the secret you keep locked inside.

Lying down, Jonah drew in a deep breath from exhaustion. The couch’s upholstery was infused with Kijani’s scent, a blend of dark oak and seduction. The smell evoked images of the warmth and temptation in Kijani’s russet eyes, of the way his powerful body moved so fluidly with every motion.

Of his thick cock nestled at his groin when the blanket hadn’t been wrapped around his lean hips.

Jonah never should have agreed to stay the night. If he had an ounce of energy, he would slip away and return home, putting distance between him and everything to do with the deputy.

Only, he didn’t want to go back to an empty house. After Kijani had gone on that call, the fight with Flint had replayed on a loop in Jonah’s head. He’d wandered from room to room, unable to feel safe in his own home, afraid Flint would somehow get off on some technicality and return.

Jonah flipped over and closed his eyes, breathing in the scent that reminded him of when he was safely cocooned in Kijani’s arms.

A noise somewhere in the house made Jonah bolt upright. Was he dreaming, or was the sun really filtering through the windows? He shoved aside the blanket and sat up, planting his feet on the carpet. He’d only closed his eyes for a second. How was it morning already?

Kijani walked past the living room like he was heading somewhere else in the house then stopped and gazed at Jonah. A soft smile curved his lips and reflected in his eyes. “Good afternoon, sleepyhead.”

Jonah’s heart leaped and twisted at the way Kijani seemed to brighten the moment the guy noticed he was awake.

Don’t even go there.

Wait. Had Kijani just said afternoon? “Did I really sleep that long?”

“You needed it.” Kijani chucked a thumb over his shoulder. “I just made a fresh pot of coffee.”

“God, yes.” Jonah headed toward the kitchen. When he passed Kijani, the guy playfully ruffled his hair. “Your hair is committing anarchy right now.”

Jonah scowled. “And you still haven’t won back those brownie points, so you’re not allowed to comment on my appearance.”

Kijani chuckled. “Someone’s a grump when they wake up.”

“I haven’t immersed my brain in coffee yet.” That ache flared, burning hotter than before. He refused to entertain any thought of how easy it would be to fall for Kijani’s kind heart and charm.

Jonah had just gotten out of a relationship, and Kijani didn’t deserve to become his rebound. But Jonah wasn’t trying to get over a broken heart, because he’d never been in love with Flint.

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