Page 20 of Kitten Kisses

Chapter Five

All through breakfast Alex couldn’t stop thinking about the situation with his father.

He couldn’t bring himself to call William “dad” because that title was reserved for someone deserving, something his father was not.

Why, after five years, had his father shown up insisting on a “mature” relationship with him? That was fucking rich coming from William. If Alex compared his father to a child, there was no difference. They both threw tantrums when they couldn’t get their way and used manipulation to get what they wanted.

But a child didn’t know any better. William was fully aware of what he was doing.

Slater raised his hand for the check, causing Alex’s thoughts to center on the guy. Now he was questioning his relationship with Slater, wondering if things were moving too fast.

They’d only met a little over twenty-four hours ago, and yet Alex was acting like he had no resistance around him. Should he continue at their current pace and see where it led, or should they slow down and give each other some space so they had time to think?

Although he still felt Slater’s beast trying to pull him toward it, what was he getting himself into? They were both aware Alex knew the truth, but what truth? What kind of beast lived inside Slater?

Most people would think it was just some personality issue, or they themselves were going nutty. But Alex had felt that strong pull toward it, had very clearly seen those amber eyes in Slater’s.

No one was going to convince him Slater didn’t have a beast dwelling inside of him.

But the human part of Slater was amazing. Funny, sweet, and caring. Alex really liked spending time with him, liked how the guy looked at him, treated him, and…everything. The thought of stepping back left an ache inside Alex.

“I wanted to take you to breakfast, but we never made plans beyond that. Did you want to hang out?” Slater asked as they exited the diner.

Glancing toward his car, Alex wondered what he should do.

“Hummingbird.” Slater touched his chin softly. “I’m sorry your dad put you in this mood.”

“He’s my father, not my dad.” That was only half of Alex’s turmoil. The other half stood right in front of him.

“Because a dad loves his child and cares about their wellbeing.” Slater nodded understandingly, his bluish-gray eyes conveying sympathy. “I get it. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure he stays away from you and your mom.”

That was exactly why Alex was so torn. The rational side of him was telling him to take a step back because, even though the beast had some kind of pull over him, it was dangerous.

But Slater wasn’t. He’d just proven once again how caring he was.

With a flutter in his stomach, Alex smiled up at him. “Sure. What do you want to do now?”

Slater grinned mischievously. “We could take a walk.”

That sounded perfect, but Alex couldn’t resist teasing him. “What is with you and exercise? You already tried to kill me yesterday.”

Slater snorted. “I think you have that backward, hummingbird. I’m surprised I’m not walking with a limp.”

Alex still couldn’t believe he’d done that. He’d tried his best to execute the kick as perfectly as Slater had, but it was clear he should buy a Taser instead.

“I think we’re even since a mountain landed on me and tried to turn me into a pancake. My pride is still recovering from being crushed.”

Slater crossed his arms and arched a thick brow. “You scared Marbles. She’s probably traumatized.”

“You’re blaming me for traumatizing her?” He stared incredulously at Slater. “My face almost collided with the house because of her.” He mirrored Slater’s folded arms. “I think she needs to apologize for terrifying me.”

“You’re adorable when you whine.” He chuckled softly and slid an arm over Alex’s shoulders. “Let’s walk off Roman’s delicious breakfast.”

“Or we could do some arm curls.” He playfully elbowed Slater in the gut.

“Ophf!” Slater bent slightly as if Alex had actually hurt him.

Alex laughed. “You’re such a faker! There’s no way my arm hurt those muscles.”

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