Page 28 of Mane Full Of Stripes
Sighing, he sipped his drink. The past was the past and he couldn’t change it, but he could learn from it. “You okay?”
“It’s nothing.” Jost shrugged, then murmured, “I’m comparing. I’m sorry.”
“It’s going to happen. Your first relationship was abysmal, and you don’t want to be hurt again. It’s only natural to compare us.”
“It doesn’t make you angry?”
“No.” Apollo frowned. “A little. Maybe? But I understand why, so not angry as such. More sad that you went through that, and it makes me want to show to you how it should be.” Apollo paused and rubbed his lips with his fingers. “You know we will argue, but I want you to know I would never hit you. I would never say anything to belittle you. If you have to resort to that, then you’re not a man.”
“I know we’ll argue. We’re two different people and I hear my parents argue and they adore each other. Too much some nights.” Jost pulled a face. God, he needed to do something, so he didn’t hear them having sex.
“Nothing like thinking about the parents having sex to put you off it.” Apollo grinned and sipped his drink. “Do you want kids?”
“It’s kind of my destiny.” Jost smiled at him. “Being omega and all.”
“Not really. Just because you’re an omega doesn’t mean you have to have kids. I never liked the whole ‘because you’re born this, you have to be that’. You can be whatever you want to be.”
“Do you want kids?” Jost tilted his head, watching the slow smiled curve Apollo’s lips. “Is that a yes?”
“It is. I love kids. It’s why I chose to be a teacher. I love watching them figure a problem out and find the solution. The look on their face when it clicks. It’s great seeing them progress.”
“I like the little ones. The way their faces light up when they see their fave toys or when their parents come to pick them up. I get lots of cuddles too.”
“Bonus, then.” Apollo reached over and tucked a strand of Jost’s blond hair behind his ear. “I don’t get the hugs.”
“Sucks to be you,” Jost murmured with a soft smile gracing his lips. Apollo arched an eyebrow, then leaned closer, causing Jost’s breath to catch.
“Will you give me the hugs I miss out on?”
“Yes,” he answered breathlessly. He had a feeling he could end up giving this shifter anything he wanted, and it scared him a little, but the way Apollo looked at him had him feeling hot and hard but also cherished. “I will.”
“Let’s finish our drinks, then go on the huge climbing frame I saw. Bet I could race you to the top and win.”
Jost rolled his eyes. “Well duh. You’re like a foot taller and wider than me and an alpha to boot. I’d still be at the bottom, and you’d be at the top waving down at me.”
Apollo burst out laughing and it made Jost feel light and happy inside, knowing he’d made this shifter laugh like that. “I’ll give you a head start.”
“Is that so you can look at my ass?” Where didthatcome from?
“Why yes, Jost. It is.” Apollo flicked his nose, then finished his drink. “Ready?”
“Ready to be destroyed? No.” Jost finished his hot chocolate and stood. Apollo took his hand and pulled him outside. “I’m so looking forward to this.”
“Would it help if I went slow for you?”
“I think I’m insulted.” Jost snorted and lifted his nose in the air, but all that did was make Apollo laugh again. “I’m really insulted—ow!”
Apollo grinned, then pinched his ass again. “Feels nice.” He wriggled his eyebrows, making Jost grin.
“You’re so bad.” He ducked his head, then looked at Apollo. “I think I like it.”
“Yeah? I can be worse if you want?”
“No!” Jost glanced around then dropped Apollo’s hand when he laughed. “That’s not funny.”
“The look on your face is.” Apollo pecked his lips, then took hold of his hand again. Pointing, he said, “there it is.” He looked Jost over, then licked his lips and leaned close. “The winner gives the loser a blow job.”
Jost slowed, his mouth falling open. Licking his lips, he looked around then whispered, “I’m cheering you on.”
