Page 22 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“Well,” Jost tapped his lips with his finger. “Maybe one with ice cream and chocolate might make me like you again. Might.”
Apollo took his hand and pulled him toward the waffle shop. “I’ll buy you two, then.”
Jost bit his lip and stared down at their joined hands. It had seemed so natural for Apollo to take hold of his hand, and Jost didn’t want to let go because it made him feel good inside. Jenrick hadn’t held his hand. He’d told Jost he wasn’t into all that stuff, like holding hands or kissing in public, and because Jost had loved him, he’d gone along with it to keep Jenrick happy. Inside it had hurt because he was an affectionate shifter and loved showing the person he was with how much he cared for them.
Apollo squeezed his hand, then released it. “Sorry about that.”
Jost reached for his hand and gave Apollo a slight smile. “It’s nice, but if you—”
“I want to as long—”
“Yes. Let’s hold hands.” Jost grinned when Apollo chuckled. “I like to hold hands.”
“So, do I. It’s been a while for me. My last relationship didn’t last, and I decided to take a break. Similar to you, but for vastly different reasons.” Apollo slowed and turned to face Jost. “If I do anything—”
“I know. I’ll tell you, but you’re so considerate of my feelings that I don’t think I’ll need to say anything.” Jost licked his lips, then gave in to the urge to kiss Apollo. It was a barely there kiss and over as soon as it began, but he’d done it. Ducking his head, Jost could feel his cheeks heat up. “Two waffles,” he whispered.
“I think I can splurge for two waffles, and Jost?” Jost looked up at Apollo, who leaned close to his ear. “You can kiss me whenever you want. I won’t say no to a kiss from you.” A quick peck to Jost’s cheek and then Apollo was tugging him along to the waffle shop. Jost sighed softly, smiling as he walked next to Apollo. “So, two waffles with chocolate and ice cream? Do you want any of that stuff sprinkled on top?”
“Yes.” Jost nodded, then grinned when Apollo laughed. “I like all of it.”
“You have a sweet tooth?” Apollo tugged Jost inside the waffle shop and found an empty booth for them to sit at. Picking up the menu, he passed it to Jost. “I’m glad we’ve done all the big rides. I wouldn’t want to be sitting next to you in case you throw up.”
Jost gasped. “I would never throw up after eating waffles.” Just the thought had Jost shocked. Why eat all that sugary goodness and then throw up? Sacrilege!
“That’s good to know,” Apollo chuckled. “I’m having caramel sauce on mine with fudge pieces and ice cream as well.”
“Oh, that sounds good. I might have one of those, then one with chocolate chunks.” Jost scanned the menu and nodded. He knew what he wanted.
“What do you want to drink?” The waiter turned and Apollo gave their orders, then a soda for him. Jost bit his lip, then asked for water. When the waiter left, Apollo asked, “What next? We’ve done the Fruits on a Loop, Gravity, and Tsunami. What should we do when we’ve finished eating?”
“I’d like to try to win a teddy.” Jost could feel his cheeks flush again, and he sighed when Apollo chuckled softly.
“I’d like to win you one. I’m not bad at shooting things.” Apollo gave Jost a shy smile that was strangely endearing to him. This big alpha looking shy and uncertain, and Jost reached across the table to hold his hand. Apollo looked up at him and Jost breathed in, seeing the way his pupils expanded. He felt his body react, and he licked his lips before letting go of Apollo’s hand. “Sorry.”
“No, don’t. I want to… I’m…” Jost inhaled and whispered, “He hurt me that way. I never told my parents. They think he only hit me.” Jost stared at the table, seeing the white veneer shining brightly shimmer as tears flooded his eyes. He blinked them away, then choked back a soft cry. “Sorry.”
“If I ever get my hands on him…”
“No, please. Don’t do anything. He isn’t worth it.” Jost looked up, gasping at the anger in Apollo’s eyes. Taking his hand in his own, Jost murmured, “He’s gone and I’m here now. I want to get to know you. I just need to go slow.”
“I’m good with slow. I’m good with whatever speed you want to go at.” Apollo turned his hand over and threaded their fingers together. “If I go too fast, you let me know.”
“I want to… with you, but…” Jost exhaled and shook his head. “I’m stuck.”
“I understand. It takes time to overcome what happened. I’m here if you ever want to talk about it. I might harbor thoughts of ripping his head from his body,” Apollo flashed a quick smile at Jost that made Jost’s lips twitch in response. “But I know when to shut up and listen.”
“I really like you.” Jost’s lips parted, then he looked away. “Can’t believe I said that.”
“And I’m not letting you take it back. You said it, and I heard it, and I’m keeping it.”
Jost chuckled, then let go of Apollo’s hand when their waffles and drinks arrived. Jost’s eyes widened when he saw the size of his waffles, then he grinned up at Apollo, who laughed. “These are so big!” Jost exclaimed.
Apollo paused, his eyes darkening as he watched Jost scoop up some ice cream and suck it off the spoon. Jost may have done it on purpose, and he let his tongue slide over the spoon, then licked his lips. Apollo fidgeted on the bench and then coughed. “Naughty,” he murmured.
“I want to be with you,” Jost whispered, then quickly looked away. The way Apollo watched him had him heating up inside, and he liked the feeling, but was scared at the same time. Poor Apollo. He must be all over the place because of the way Jost behaved. “Sorry. I’m confusing.”
“No. You feel as you should, but those feelings probably make you back away as well.” Apollo sucked some ice cream off his spoon, making Jost gasp. “I like being teased as long as I can tease back.”
