Page 32 of Ghost of a Chance
“Did you hear how he met Hector?”
Brad nodded, swallowing the bit of shrimp that melted in his mouth. “At the Bucket List Buddies dance event.”
“No, well yes.” Lionel wiped his lips and took another sip of his wine. “Morty stepped on Hector outside the dance hall before they’d even gotten inside the building.”
Brad snorted and chuckled at just how easy it was to imagine Morty doing just that. “We all best hope he gets a little more coordinated when he’s caring for the baby.”
Lionel’s hair swung around his shoulders as he moved. “I believe Hector will do quite a lot of the baby duties.”
Brad tilted his head to the side picking something up from Lionel, but wasn’t sure what. “How very modern. I like it.” Brad had given little thought to babies. He hadn’t considered his career taking a back seat for quite some considerable time. Although he’d not considered finding his mate so easily. Not that he was complaining about that.
There was also the little—or not so little—issue of how what hung between his mate's legs would fit inside him.
“I’m picking something up—through our link—although I’m not sure quite what?” Lionel questioned, his brows pinched together.
Brad hesitated and glanced about, seeing that no one was close enough to hear their conversation. He inhaled and met Lionel’s gaze. “I… it’s… you’re… large.”
Lionel’s lips twitched as Brad shared his thoughts with Lionel about what part he was referring to. “I’m just not sure howyou’ll… manage.” Brad sat back a little and indicated from his belly button down with a hand span just how small he was.
A bright flush of color rode up the neckline of Lionel’s polo shirt, yet his eyes gleamed with mirth. “I’m sure we can figure it out. I mean, there are so many things we can do… instead.”
“I know… but don’t you want…more?” Brad was conflicted because he wanted more. Only he was apprehensive about how enthusiastic his animal side could get, even when Brad was in his human form and drag him along for the ride—quite literally.
I knew you’d throw the blame at me.
Not having this conversation now while we’re having a lovely meal.
“Your poodle wants a say?”
The idea thoroughly enchanted Lionel, Brad could tell, whereas he, not so much. He nodded. “He always does. Is your lion the same? And will we get an introduction? I’d love to meet him.”
We? You mean we!
“Anytime you want.”
Lionel’s excitement had Brad glance at their now empty plates and over to where the servers were, raising his hand for the bill. As much as he’d like to linger, except to continue the conversation about other things…
Yeah, he wasn’t sure he was ready for that. This felt safer for now.
“Are we in a rush?” Lionel’s grin was devilish as he pushed back his chair, reaching into his pocket for what Brad assumed was his wallet.
“It’s my treat. You can pay next time.” Brad laid down a wad of cash from his wallet, enough to cover everything and a good-sized tip, and stood holding out his hand to Lionel. Seeing they’d drunk the full bottle of wine, Brad took Lionel’s hand. “Do youfancy a stroll home along the lakeside? I can get one of my guys to pick me up in the morning to collect my truck.”
Outside, Lionel stopped and bent closer, his lips hovering over Brad’s. The lights from the restaurant window cast shadows over his strong features. “Let’s Uber, then my lion won’t get impatient at having to wait to meet your poodle.”
Uber. Yes, we want the Uber.
He wasn’t asking you.
Lionel kissed him soundly, and Brad forgot what they were supposed to be doing.
When Lionel stood and pulled out his phone, Brad blinked repeatedly. It took way longer than it should have to figure out what Lionel was doing.
Lion. Lion. Lion. We’re going to get to play with our lion,his poodle side sang.
“I don’t think you quite know what you’re getting into,” Brad muttered as Lionel stared at his phone screen.
“We’ve met, remember, and your teacup poodle side is adorable.”
