Page 9 of Temptation

I chuckled and turned to Lance, who was watching his son with a bright smile on his face. He was standing on a bright yellow strip of padding, where he’d spent the entire time thus far.

“Are you going to jump?” I asked hopefully, but Lance gave a look of uncertainty.

“I haven’t been on a trampoline since I was a kid. I remember falling off once and having the breath knocked out of me. I’m bigger and clumsier now, so I’d probably end up breaking my neck.”

“I won’t let that happen, sweets,” I assured, walking to the edge of the mat and then onto the padding next to him. I wanted him to have a good time, so I extended my hand and asked, “Jump with me? I promise I won’t let you fall.”

Lance stared at my hand for a moment before slowly reaching for it and tangling our fingers together. My pulse skyrocketed and goosebumps popped up over my arms. A single, innocent touch from my mate was far better than anything I’d ever experienced.

I led him onto the mat, which once again dipped beneath us. Lance gripped me tightly, holding his other arm out for balance. “Woah, this feels weird.”

“It takes a minute to get used to,” I admitted, “But I’ve got you.”

Lance flashed a smile before turning his attention away from me to find Brady, who was still running amok around the room. He chuckled at his son before looking back at me and offering his other hand, which I quickly grabbed. “Okay, I’m ready.”

I jumped lightly, so that our feet only rose a few inches from the trampoline. I watched Lance’s expression closely for any signs of discomfort or fear, but I was pleased when a smile stretched across his lips.

“This isn’t so bad,” he said when I bounced us a little higher. “It’s actually pretty fun.”

“Then you’re going to love this!” I slammed my feet into the mat, causing us to leap high into the air. Lance’s hands clenched onto mine as his eyes widened. I worried for a moment that I’d gone too far; that I’d scared him, but my fears subsided when he laughed out loud, his eyes twinkling.

We bounced together, holding onto one another tightly as we laughed and cheered. The longer we jumped, the braver Lance became; he kicked his legs out to the side and landed on his knees, then his bottom. We were acting well below our ages, but that was the point of this place; to let loose and have fun.

When I noticed that Lance’s cheeks were the same shade of red that Brady’s were earlier, I slowed our feet to a stop and asked, “Would you like to sit down with me for a few minutes?”

“You read my mind,” he answered through labored breaths. Before we left the mats, Lance found his son again, who wasliterallybouncing off the walls, and chuckled. “I wish I had some of his energy.”

I led him to a nearby bench, where we could still clearly see Brady as he played, but could also have a little privacy and time to ourselves. “How are you not out of breath?” Lance asked, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

Things were going so well that I didn’t want to press my luck with the ‘shifter stamina’ discussion, so I kept things simple by answering, “I keep very active.”

He nodded while his eyes scanned over my body. “I can tell.” I gave him a wicked smile and Lance’s cheeks reddened even more than before. He cleared his throat before changing the subject, “I meant to ask you; what is it that you do for a living?” We had conversations in passing at the cafe, but most of the time, I was playing with Brady, so it hadn’t come up. “I’ve been wondering what job allows you to spend so much time at the cafe.” His eyes widened. “You’re not taking time off of work, are you?”

“No, nothing like that,” I answered, and he breathed in relief. Nothing came before my mate; my job, my friends, my very life, and I would cancel anything to be with him, but my career gave me ample free time. “My friends and I own a nightclub in town. It’s called Pride Place.”

“I’ve heard of it.” Lance looked down at his legs and absentmindedly picked at his jeans. “So is that where you spend your nights? I’m sure the guys there would love you; you could have your pick.”

A mixture of emotions swirled inside me. The thought of being with another man made me sick to my stomach. Lance’s insinuation hurt my feelings, but I also couldn’t deny that I got a little pleasure from his jealousy. But I needed to clear things up right away.

I cupped his cheek in my hand and gently turned his head until he looked at me. “You’remy pick,” I told him seriously. He gazed at me with both hope and uncertainty. “Since I met you, you’ve held all of my interest and desire. I spend my days with you and Brady, and spend my nights counting down the moments until I see you both again.”

Lance gave me a beautiful smile before looking out into the distance, watching Brady do belly flops onto the trampolines. “He really likes you.”

“I really like him too.”

When Lance looked back at me, his smile had disappeared. “I really appreciate you watching over him and playing with him while I work, but it’s not all fun and games. Sometimes kids are little shits; they push your buttons, test your limits, and drive you crazy.”

He sighed and continued, “It’s a lot to handle, and I understand if it’s too much for you. But please; if it is, tell me now. Please don’t let Brady get even more attached to you. I can’t see him get hurt.” He hugged himself around the middle and added, “I don’t want to get hurt either.”

I suddenly understood why it took so long for Lance to agree to go out with me. Someone had treated my mate horribly, and made him afraid to reach out or trust anyone. While I wanted to know all about his pain, I first needed to calm his fears.

Growing up as the son of the Alpha, I was heavily involved with our pride. I was charged with guiding the cubs and teaching them about our people and expectations. Of course, once he found out about my sexual orientation, my father shunned and exiled me, but that could never take away the positive memories I kept close.

“Lance, I grew up around a lot of kids. I helped raise a lot of kids. Not mine,” I added quickly when his eyes grew wider. “I grew up in a tight-knit community and I was always the big brother to the young ones, even if we weren’t related. I played games with them, but I also helped teach them, and even discipline them when needed. I know what goes into raising a child.”

“And you’re okay with it?” he asked nervously. “Because Brady is only four; it’ll be a long time before he’s out of the house. Not that we’ll be together that long! I mean, that’s what I want…a long term relationship, that is…but not with you. Well, yes, with you, but…I’m not demanding a commitment right now or anything. You know…no pressure..but a little pressure.” He sighed and closed his eyes.

He was adorable when he got flustered. I cupped his cheek again and ran my thumb along his flushed skin. “I understand what you mean. You don’t want to get involved with someone who isn’t looking toward the future. You want a man who will be a solid presence in your lifeandBrady’s.”

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