Page 6 of Spooks & Specters

Beckett shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll show up later.”

“You know what? That wouldn’t surprise me in the least.”

KIT SET the alarm on his smart watch to go off fifteen minutes before the limo was scheduled to pick him up. He didn’t give himself more time because, quite frankly, he didn’t want to sweat to death before it was time to leave. This was California, after all.

He folded his work clothes and placed them in the duffel. He had his hair in a French braid, but he undid it. He knew how much his mates liked his hair loose.

There was a knock at his door, and Kit checked his watch. It was straight up six o’clock. Tossing his coat over his arm, he picked up the duffel and the basket of chocolate. Walking to his closed office door, he opened it.

Once more Beckett stood there grinning. “Your chariot awaits.”

Kit thought about taking the flowers but decided not to. He really wanted to leave them in his office so he could admirethem when he was there. Putting a little pep in his step, he hurried toward the front.

“I’ll be ready at the regular time in the morning,” Kit said.

Since all of Hudson’s court lived at the compound, Kit rode to work with Beckett. Besides convenience, there was also the matter of safety—Kit’s safety. He was, after all, one of the mates of a dragon king.

“Why don’t you take the day off?” Beckett asked.

“But, but—”

“I can run this place for one day. Come on, Kit. Take the day off. Enjoy your mates.”

Kit glanced out the front of the bookstore to where Hudson and Connie were standing on the sidewalk by the limo. Both were dressed as he was—jeans and a sweater.

It was one of the few times he’d had the pleasure of seeing Hudson dress casually. The man did look good in a suit though. And Connie looked just as delicious.

“You know what? Yeah. I’m not going to be here tomorrow. And hopefully I can talk Hudson and Connie into taking a day off with me.”

“There you go.” Beckett nudged Kit forward. “Have fun.”

Kit hurried out the door, the duffel swung over his shoulder and chocolate in hand. He totally intended to have a blast.

“Hey!” First Kit kissed Connie, then Hudson when he got outside.

Connie took the duffel and basket, while Hudson opened the limo door. Hudson climbed in first, then Kit, and finally Connie. As soon as the door shut and Kit’s stuff was put away, Hudson sank his hands into Kit’s hair and pulled him in for a kiss. Kit sighed happily as Hudson’s eager tongue invaded his mouth, demanding a response.

Turning, he plastered himself against Hudson. Heat at his back made him moan into Hudson’s mouth. Connie pressed against him, his hand moving Kit’s heavy hair so he could nibble at the back of Kit’s neck.

Hudson devoured his mouth while Connie fanned the flames of his desire. Needing air, Kit gently pulled back from Hudson, sucked some in, then turned in Connie’s embrace and kissed him.

Where Hudson’s kiss was aggressive and demanding, Connie’s was sweeter and gentler. But both made him hot. Hudson blew into Kit’s ear, sending a shiver down his spine, while Connie sucked on his tongue.

If they kept this up, Kit was going to embarrass himself, and that definitely was not part of the plan.

He finally pulled back, gasping. Connie’s lips were wet and swollen. His dragon shone brightly in his eyes too. Kit loved it. He ran his thumb across Connie’s wet bottom lip.

Connie closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he was more in control, which was a shame but was probably for the best. Thank goodness either Connie or Hudson had thought to close the privacy window.

“Thank you for the teddy bear and the card,” Kit said. “I love them. The vase the red roses came in? Is that vase one of yours? Beckett thought it might be.”

Connie tucked a strand of Kit’s hair behind his ear. “Yes. It’s from my hoard.”

“Thank you. That makes it even more special. And thank you for the flowers too.”

“The flowers came from the both of us, but the teddy bear was all me,” Connie said.

“It was perfect.”

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