Page 270 of As The Shifter World Turns

Neil pulled me aside. “Congrats on the decision to have kids. You and Nate will be great dads.” He lowered his voice and leaned in close. “But have you and Nate discussed this?”

“Not exactly.” I looked over Neil’s head at my mate who had his arms crossed. “But he loves Charlie.”

“Daire!” Neil’s voice had an edge to it. “Don’t you think we should have talked about having children before you broadcast the news to all of Sunshine Manor?”

“Ummm yeah,” I agreed as I thought back to me blabbing without consulting my mate. That would account for his face of thunder. I shared what I wanted with our friends without asking Nate if he was ready to start a family.

“Go home. Apologize and make this right.” Neil shoved me toward my mate.

I outstretched my hand toward Nate but he ignored it and put down his beer. “I’m going home.” And he wished everyone good night and stalked down the stairs. I was on the official clean up duty thisevening but Neil who was holding a sleepy Charlie said he’d ask Martin to do it. I figured the fox shifter would agree ‘cause he'd done a lot of bad shit and wanted to make it up to Neil.

I followed my mate down the stairs, the memories of everyone who had lived in the apartments flitting into my head as we climbed down. But Nate didn’t wait for me when we were outside. He used the side gate I'd installed and it slammed in my face as he stalked into our building.

“I know you’re angry,” I burst out as I raced into our apartment. “And I was an inconsiderate ass. Sorry.”

Nate grunted and got out his weekender bag and threw some clothes in. What the fuck? He was leaving me ‘cause I was an idiot.

“Nate, please, let’s talk about this.”

With his back to me, he said, “I agree.”

“Don’t do this—” Wait, backtrack. He agreed with me. “So, why are you leaving?”

He strolled into the walk-in closet and tossed my bag at me. “Pack. We’re going to your folks’ lake house. Here someone’s likely to text you about going to the gym or Neil needs us to look after Charlie. Maybe Toby needs a ride to his friend’s place ‘cause Martin’s at work. We need to be alone and as your family rarely uses the lake house, let’s go.”

He gave me a peck on the cheek as he passed. “Hurry up before I change my mind and toss you out on your ass.” His smirk gave him away. That and him feeling me up.

“Yes, sir.” I saluted and grabbed clothes and toiletries, and we were out the door in ten minutes. We picked up groceries, though the lake house pantry and fridge should be fully stocked, and got take out because neither of us had eaten much on the manor roof. An hour later we were at the lake.

“Let’s go skinny dipping,” my mate suggested as he flung off his clothes and waded into the water. “We can heat up the food and eat later.”

“Or, we can eat now.” I rubbed my cock against his.

Nate tweaked my nipple as it hardened but pushed me away. “Talk first. Eat later.”

I waggled my brows. “Thai food or cock?”

“Daire. Stop messing about. We need to have a serious talk.”

Right. “I’m sorry for what I said on the roof. It was thoughtless and selfish and put you in an awkward position.”

He nodded. “It was and thank you for apologizing.” He floated on his back and I did my best not to stare at his dick and lick my lips. “I love kids. You know that because you’ve seen me with Charlie.”

I sensed a but coming but stifled a question, allowing my mate to continue.

“This is a huge decision. Once we make the commitment, it’s a lifelong one.”

“Are you saying you’re not ready?” I interjected.

“Still talking, Daire.”

Oops. “Sorry.”

“And I think Iamready.”

“Me too.” Once again, I’d cut him off. “Maybe you should spank me later for interrupting you.”

“I intend to.”

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