Page 23 of Bear Creek Father's Day
“Hi. You look…fantastic. Ready to go?”
Orrin winked and thumbed over his shoulder.
“We should say goodbye first, if that’s all right.”
Zak kissed Orrin chastely on the cheek before approaching the children. Zuzu was the only one missing—spending the day with the Cunninghams so they could get acquainted. Rayn and Kip hugged Zak at the same time, laughing when he gave each of them a tickle and a smooch on the head. Orrin got a similar goodbye, even though they saw him every day, and he reminded Rayn to take it easy on her injured leg. The other cubs gathered around to scent the men and ask where they were going, when they would be back, and what they were doing. Zak let Orrin respond, who adroitly sidestepped their questions.
“I expect all of you to behave for Tasha while I’m gone, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
Orrin put on his coat and gloves, and with a final wave to the children, the pair left the house. At the truck, Zak opened the door for his date, made sure he was settled, and then zipped around to get into the driver’s seat. He started the vehicle, turned up the heat, and adjusted the vents—but didn’t put the truck in gear. Instead, he leaned over to claim Orrin’s hot and eager mouth, sucking on the man’s lower lip. He received a sensuous growl in return, and the cab filled with pheromones.
Zak reluctantly pulled back, mere inches from Orrin’s flushed face.
“You taste even better than you look, and that’s saying something.”
Orrin responded with a wicked smile.
“So do you, but I think I need more practice. Maybe later?”
Zak let loose with a tortured groan.
“Definitely, but not in the truck, and if we don’t leave now, we’re going to miss lunch.Behave, Mr. Crosby.”
Orrin laughed as they straightened up and headed for downtown while Zak explained where they were going.
“I wanted something casual and fun for lunch, so I reserved a table at Bears & Beer. I figured you probably didn’t get to go there very often, and they have good food. No cooking for you today.”
Orrin appreciated Zak’s thoughtfulness. It was nice to be taken care of for a change.
“Thank you. I don’t usually mind cooking for the children, but not having kitchen duty is a treat.”
That reminded Zak to ask about Orrin’s time off.
“So, is Sunday your only free day?”
Orrin shook his head.
“Actually, I only have Sundayeveningoff and all day Thursday. Tasha and I cover for each other if something special comes along, and she’s off Wednesday plus Saturday evening.”
Zak nodded as they pulled into a parking space by the familiar bar.
“Good to know. I’ll have to thank her the next time I’m over.”
Orrin waited until Zak came around to open his door. It wasn’t necessary, but good manners should never be questioned or discouraged. Inside, the host showed them to a relatively private table in the back and they compared notes on the menu before ordering. Zak was surprised when Orrin chose the one-pound Bronto Burger and sweet potato fry platter.
“I haven’t had a burger for months, and don’t eventhinkabout pilfering my fries.”
Zak had to laugh, and since the man was smiling, he figured Orrin wasn’t entirely serious.
“I was under the impression you wouldn’t want that much for lunch. You’re not as big as most shifters I’ve met—which isn’t a bad thing. You’re drop-dead gorgeous just the way you are.”
Orrin pinked up nicely and moved his foot to rub against Zak’s meaty calf.
“Why, thank you. I don’t get those kind of compliments every day, especially from a man who is sex on legs.”
Their eyes locked in a smoldering gaze that approached spontaneous combustion—and then dissolved into mutual laughter. They were still giggling when the waitress brought their food, but she didn’t say a word. Zak gave Orrin time to fill his belly before engaging in conversation, which actually worked out better for both of them if they were going to talk. Since dates were designed to share personal information, Zak eventually got them started by asking Orrin about his family, background, and education.
“I grew up in Asbury—a subdivision on the outskirts of Erie. I’m an only child, but my parents run a private orphan home for shifters, so I grew up surrounded by other cubs. We’re still close, and my folks are very supportive. They don’t care for the BSA bureaucracy, but they cooperate with them to provide services in northwest Pennsylvania.
