Page 16 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“There is a small restaurant not far from here. I found it when I was learning the area.”
Apollo’s brow furrowed. “You mean Dev and Lou’s place, The Leaky Cup?”
“Yes. I’ve been working my way through their menu.”
“I’m happy to go anywhere as long as there is some warm food and a place to dry my ass.”
Jost giggled, then began walking. “Have you lived here long?”
“All my life, but our dazzle moved here when I was young. Lots of places to graze and soak up the sun in.”
“That’s why we like it. I like to find a sunny spot and let the heat soak into my fur.”
“We can do that one day. Soak up the sun together.” Apollo smiled and saw the way Jost’s eyes lowered. “If you want to. No rush though. We have plenty of time.”
“Thank you.”
Apollo slowed and looked at Jost. “What for? I know you need time and I’m more than willing to give it to you. You’re my mate. You’re worth it.”
“I wish I’d met you first.” Jost’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “I shouldn’t—” Apollo stepped closer and reached out to hold Jost’s hand.
“Me too, but you didn’t. We have now though, so let’s get to know each other. No pressure. We both know what it means to be mates, so let’s enjoy this time.” He squeezed Jost’s hand, then released it. “We’re not far now and I don’t know about you, but I need something inside me.”
“I am hungry now. Helping you was fun, though.”
Snorting, Apollo murmured, “I bet it was. The big bad alpha spent more time on his ass than on his feet.”
Jost moved closer and whispered, “I liked helping you.”
Now Apollo was more than happy to hear that he hadn’t ruined their date by being appalling on the ice. “Yeah? Want to do it again sometime?”
“After the paint thing we can.”
“You’ll probably beat me at that too.” Apollo pointed up the street. “There it is.”
Jost walked ahead and looked over his shoulder at Apollo. “Food is waiting.”
Laughing, Apollo caught up and then opened the door for Jost. Jost ducked his head, a faint blush on his cheeks, and Apollo wanted to keep that look on his face. The small smile, the wide green eyes like Apollo’s but lighter, the soft pouty lips he wanted to kiss.
Letting the door close, he followed Jost to an empty table and smiled when Dev waved over to him. Sitting opposite Jost, he took his coat off, then stretched his legs out, wincing from the numerous aches he felt. He caught the smile on Jost’s face and grinned back at him. “I think I’ll feel it tomorrow.”
“I’m glad we came.”
“You know what? Me too. You looked like you were having a good time and I’m sure the more times we go, the better I’ll be at falling on my ass.”
“I’ll help pick you up.”
Arching an eyebrow, Apollo refused to comment. Picking up the menu, he glanced at it then said, “I think I’ll have a burger with fries. What about you?” Leaning closer he whispered, “Just so you know, I have no problem with you picking me up.”
Jost’s eyes grew wide and the faint blush on his cheeks deepened. He looked at the table, glancing up at Apollo a couple of times, then murmured, “I like it.”
“Good. What do you want to eat?” Apollo figured that small admittance was good enough for now, so changed the subject. “The steak is good here, but I think I’ll have a burger.”
“I think I’ll have the same as you, but I’d like cheese with my burger.”
“Good choice. What drink do you want? I’m driving, so I’ll just have a soda. What about you?”
“A beer?” Jost nibbled his lip.
