Page 9 of Forbidden Moon
Jonah followed her lead, arranging the fresh batch of candles by type and size. He noted several new scents and colors, wondering how Lilly found the time to scratch her creative itch. Like nearly everyone at Cooks, she worked long hours in the farm operation, along with taking care of her family. She’d also managed to meet regularly with Jonah as his unofficial counselor, helping him deal with his unmated status.
Their long talks over the last months enabled him to embrace his role in the pack and humbly accept what only Luna could change. It also brought him a dear friend who didn’t pull any punches when Jonah needed a kick in the backside instead of a listening ear. He liked to think she also benefitted from the relationship, drawing strength and comfort from a fellow Omega.
As they worked, Jonah asked about the new building he saw on the way in.
“You know Cliff Townsend, right?”
Jonah snickered.
“Yes, but not as well as Lance! Isn’t he working with the deer and rabbit operation?”
Lilly smiled, gesturing to the beautiful oak display case they were filling.
“He was until recently. He made this and several other pieces in here. By fall, he’ll have his own workshop and sales barn right next door. Ben loaned him the start-up funds, and he’s already secured a contract with the big furniture store in Escanaba.”
Lance had followed Jonah’s advice and hooked up with Cliff regularly. He liked the quiet man, who obviously possessed talents besides sexual prowess. A glance around the barn revealed numerous wood pieces—display tables, shelving, bookcases. In the corner, he noticed a stunning dinette set made of dark walnut. On top were colorful brochures advertising his new venture, aptly named Wood Creations.
“Wow! Is he taking orders? I want a full-sized dining room set like this for my new home.”
Lilly nodded.
“You bet! The waiting list gets longer every day, so if you’re serious, he’ll need a deposit. Of course, friends and family get bumped to the top.”
They finished the task in no time and then got busy with Jonah’s extensive shopping lists, stacking his purchases on a flatbed cart. They caught up on pack and family news, laughed at old jokes, and shared harmless gossip. An hour later, it was paid for and loaded in the back of the van. Lilly put on a pouty face when Jonah reached for his keys.
“I wish you could stay. Our busy season is coming up, and I won’t be able to see you very often for a while. Call me if you need to talk, or we can visit while I milk the goats!”
Jonah laughed, able to picture the intelligent, curious animals.
“You’ll be coming to movie night, won’t you? I promise to save you seats and lots of popcorn.”
“We’ll be there! Everybody’s been talking about it non-stop after Ben invited us.”
“Good. I don’t know much about science fiction, but Robert tells me Star Wars is a must-see classic. Hopefully, you can come to some of the others we’ve got planned. Listen, I know you have work to do, and I need to get going. Thanks for your help today!”
Jonah handed her a deposit check for the dining set and asked Lilly to pass on his congratulations to Cliff. They exchanged a final hug before parting, and Jonah headed home looking forward to a bit of R&R—assuming, of course, no one else made plans for him he didn’t know about.
####
ROBERT WAITED FOR ASHto finish his shower and join him in the dining room for the taste testing. He’d set up a variety of products, both sweet and savory, for this special occasion. Almost daily, he received samples of goods from all over the country, seeking a review. It not only kept his foot in the food-critic door, but it also brought scores of new followers to his blog,The Hungry Reviewer, every week.
There, his rabid fans could also purchase his first book,All in Good Taste—A Food Critic’s View of the World. Sales were so encouraging he’d begun research for the next one, a study of food and intimacy. Ash, being a fantastic, supportive mate, agreed to help Robert experiment and provide real-time feedback. Right on cue, his delectable, hairy, muscled man strutted into the room stark naked and half hard.
“Yum! You look better than anything I’m tasting tonight. Take your place, please, and we’ll get started.”
Ash pulled his mate in for a scorching kiss before climbing up on the dining room table to lie down on the makeshift cot. Robert made sure of his mate’s comfort and then set up his phone to record product information, impressions, technique, and Ash’s reactions. All strictly professional, of course.
“The first product is Big Dave’s barbeque sauce in two flavors: jalapeno honey and brown sugar garlic. One dollop for each nipple, and here we go!”
Robert licked and suckled Ash’s right nipple until the sauce disappeared, leaving only a wet, sensitive nub. He dictated his impression, cleansed his palate, and then went after the left side and did the same. Ash bucked and growled under the assault and suggested what Robert should do next. He ignored his mate’s comment.
Out came a jar of Sofia’s Super Salsa, which he spread over Ash’s quivering abdomen. Robert lapped up the delicious mixture, recording observations while his mate whined in frustration. More licking ensued to clean Ash’s pale skin, leaving whorls of wet hair and small chunks of onion trapped in his belly button. Getting those out required a bit of hoovering, and his chin bumped the swollen head of Ash’s engorged cock. Unable to remain neutral any longer, Ash reached out to palm Robert’s erection, hindered by the man’s clothing.
“Get naked. Now!”
Robert completed the task and stepped back to strip, dictating his observations while Ash caught his breath. He knew one thing—a lot of this would go in the book! Some scenarios would be geared for straight couples, others for same-sex pairings, and all delicious. He’d need volunteer tasters and began a mental list of those who might be willing to assist him. Katrine and Mandy, as well as Zane and Trisha, instantly came to mind.
Robert then moved on to sweeter items, spreading a mixed berry glaze over his mate’s toes. He hadn’t known Ash was so ticklish down there and made note of it for future reference. Once the glaze disappeared, Robert reached for the pièce de résistance—a thick, caramel amaretto ice cream topping. Pulling back Ash’s foreskin, he doused the man’s junk with the rich, creamy concoction and got busy.
