Page 5 of Handcuffs & Honey

As they pulled up to a clearing, Julian noticed a small firepit set up in the center. When they parked and got out, Julian noticed that Dominic had brought a basket of food to cook over the fire.

“This is amazing,” Julian said, smiling at the effort the sheriff had put into their hangout. He had to have come out earlier, because there was a small pile of firewood next to the pit. There were even two logs there, as if Dominic had pulled them close so they could sit.

Dominic grinned, which made his eyes sparkle. “I wanted to do something special for you, Julian. Just the two of us, enjoying each other’s company.”

Julian’s heart fluttered at the thought of spending time alone with the sheriff. It was almost too good to be true.

As they sat by the fire, cooking hot dogs and marshmallows, Julian felt like they were on a date. If Dominic didn’t feel the same way, hopefully he kept that to himself so he wouldn’t ruin the ambiance. “So, do you bring many guys here that you’re just hanging out with?”

Dominic stretched his long legs out in front of him. The crackle of the fire, the cloudless sky, and the beauty of the forest around them made for a romantic atmosphere.

Dominic smirked. “No, actually you’re the first guy I’ve brought here.”

Julian’s face heated up as he looked down, feeling a little embarrassed. “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought—”

Dominic interrupted him. “I know what you meant, Julian. And I’m glad you thought that. Because, to be honest, I’ve had my eye on you for a while now.”

Julian’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? I had no idea…”

He totally had that vibe, so why in the hell was he playing so coy? There went his brain, turning to mush around Dominic again.

Dominic placed a hand on Julian’s thigh. “I know. You’re pretty oblivious when it comes to flirting.”

Julian shivered at the touch of Dominic’s hand on his leg. It sent a spark of electricity through his body, and he knew he wanted more.

As if reading his mind, Dominic cupped Julian’s cheek and took possession of his lips. He hadn’t expected Dominic to kiss him, and Julian was glad the guy had, because it was the best kiss of his life.

Chapter Two

Dominic’s bear snarled as he pulled away. He’d been dying to do that since first discovering that Julian was his mate, and it had been worth the wait. He slid the pad of his thumb over his mate’s bottom lip.

“I think our hotdogs are burning.”

“Shit!” Dominic grabbed the skewer sticks off the flames, and sure enough, they were charred. He pulled them off and tossed them. “Just so you know, that wasn’t part of my seduction plan.”

Julian chuckled, seeming to relax a bit more. “You had a seduction plan?”

Dominic added a few new hotdogs to the skewers. “I figured hotdogs, marshmallows, and some baked beans was a way to a guy’s heart.”

Julian frowned. “You thought baked beans was the way?”

“Guess not, from the look on your face.” Dominic cursed his stupid idea of bringing Julian out here. Maybe his mate wasn’t into nature, which would suck since Dominic loved the woods, but he’d deal if that was the case.

When Julian lay a hand on his knee, Dominic damn near purred. “This was great, aside from burned dogs. Thanks for letting me have this experience.”

Dominic looked at his mate, noting the admiration and awe on his face.

“You’re welcome, Julian. I’m glad you were able to appreciate all of it.” He pulled Julian in for a hug, wrapping his arms around the smaller man and breathing in his mate’s scent. Dominic could drown in that smell. He liked having Julian in his arms, liked that his mate wasn’t protesting, liked that Julian practically melted into him.

He could feel Julian’s heart beating against his own, and it brought a smile to his face. It was as if their heartbeats were already synchronizing. God, he was turning corny. But he really didn’t give a shit if his mate was making him all mushy.

For Julian, Dominic would be a teddy bear.

“Um, Dominic?”

“Yeah.”

“Are friends supposed to kiss and hug?”

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