Chapter 6
For a beat, the world froze.
Colter's eyes locked onto mine. And I found it impossible to look away, no matter how hard I tried. I braced myself for his response.
Instead, the corner of his mouth lifted even more. His voice rumbled low, warm, and a smidge amused. "Buddy, you have Little boy written all over you. And having you call me Daddy for real, once I've actually earned it, is something I now have written on my Christmas wishlist."
The words hit like a punch straight to the heart. Except it was the good kind. The kind that knocked me breathless and made me feel like I could fly.
I gaped at him, my brain short-circuiting. Colter didn't just take my slip in stride. It wasn't just a man looking for a kinky hookup.
Oh no. He doubled down. Owned it. And somehow made me feel like I wasn't ridiculous at all for blurting it out.
Which means it was time for me to own it too. Own who I was.
I managed to shake myself out of my daze enough to close my mouth. My cheeks still burned, but somewhere under all the embarrassment, a spark of boldness flared.
"So," I said, trying for casual and probably landing closer to squeaky, "does this Christmas part invite of yours come with conditions? Like, do I have to dress up in tinsel or sing carols in exchange?"
Colter chuckled, deep and rough. "No conditions. I think you're perfect just the way you are."
The heat in my chest spread lower, making it way too hard to think. But then I remembered something he'd said earlier, and a grin tugged at my lips before I could stop it.
"Okay," I said, leaning in just enough to be cheeky. "I'll go to your Christmas fundraiser with you. But only if you promise me one thing."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained and indulging me. "And what's that, buddy?"
"You have to introduce me to this meddling mother of yours," I said, wagging a finger at him. "Otherwise, I'm just going to assume she's a myth you invented to guilt-trip poor unsuspecting boys into being your date."
Colter barked out a laugh that made my whole body buzz with pride. "Oh, she's real. Too real. And if you agree to meet her, and she really likes you, she might end up setting me up with the accountant anyway... so she could set you up with someone even more impressive."
"Oh, is that so?" I teased. "I'd have to be sure to put the charm on, then, won't I?"
His eyes darkened, and he growled at me. "Be careful boy, I might come across as a patient Daddy, but if you take the teasing too far, you might find yourself with a hot bottom. And not the good kind either."
Oh.
Oh no.
That spark of confidence I'd clawed back threatened to abandon me all over again. Surely it had to be illegal for someone to be this perfect? This sexy… This tempting.
"Alright," I said, throwing up my hands, "before I let you drag me into any more trouble, I think you need to take me to my babies, so I can cuddle them and reassure myself that they really are okay."
Colter's grin tilted wolfish. "Trouble, huh? You think I'm the one dragging you into it?"
I shot him a mock glare, even though the corners of my mouth wouldn't quite quit curving. "Don't try to turn this around on me, Doctor Daddy. You know the power of your bulging biceps and beautiful beard. I bet you tempt plenty of little boys."
"I'm only interested in tempting one boy," he admitted easily, pushing off the wall he'd been leaning against and motioning toward the door. "Come on then, let's put you out of your misery. And theirs. They've been waiting for you. Pining really."
That was all it took. The anxiety that had been buzzing in my chest fizzled into pure eagerness. My stride was quick as I followed him down the hall, heart hammering.
“Just so you know,” I added as we walked, “I fully intend to smother them with kisses, sing them embarrassing songs, and make a fool of myself. And if you dare judge me—”
Colter glanced back, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Jericho, I’m already pretty sure I’ve seen you at your most flustered. Nothing you do in front of your fur family could top that text this morning.”
I groaned and buried my face in my hands. “Oh my gosh, why would you say that out loud?!”
“Because watching you blush might be the highlight of my day,” he said smoothly, holding open the kennel room door for me.
And there they were—Murphy’s tail thumping wildly, Daisy’s anxious little whine breaking as soon as she saw me, Finch and Tofu sitting like royalty in their carriers. Relief swamped me so hard my eyes stung.
“My babies,” I breathed, crouching down as Murphy practically launched himself into my arms. Daisy hovered close, tail tucked but hopeful, while Finch and Tofu gave me twin looks of dignified reproach from their carriers.
I pressed frantic kisses into Murphy’s fur, tears burning my eyes. “I missed you so much, baby. Oh, don’t you dare look at me like that, Daisy, come here.” She crept forward, and I pressed my face against her chest. “See? I didn’t abandon you. I’m right here.”
Behind me, Colter’s voice came low, teasing, “Do you always narrate to them like this?”
“Yes,” I shot back immediately, muffled into Daisy’s fur. “Don’t judge me.”
“Not judging,” he said, and when I glanced up, his smile was softer than his words. “Honestly? It’s kind of adorable. You’re like… the most fascinating combination of sweet, bratty and cute.”
“Oh, all of that?” I tried to deflect, nuzzling Daisy’s ears while my cheeks burned.
“Well,” Colter drawled, leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed, “I figure there’s even more to you than that. Probably a fair bit of sass, and even more trouble.” His eyes gleamed, and I nearly choked on my own breath at the intense, somewhat hungry look he sent my way.
I stepped away from Daisy and opened Finch's carrier, letting him step out with his usual offended dignity.
“You keep saying I’m trouble. I might have to prove you wrong… or right. You might just regret it.”
“I doubt it.” Colter crouched beside me, steady hands helping lift Tofu out like she was made of glass. “Trouble keeps life interesting.” He shot me a sidelong glance, his shoulder brushing mine. “And you look like my kind of interesting, Jericho.”