Chapter Thirty-Five
Lane
“My love, it doesn’t do to look so smug right before we’re heading out for dinner. Rue will notice and figure out you've been meddling.”
Lane fluttered his eyelashes at his husband in the bathroom mirror, returning to sorting his hair, unconcerned. He wanted to make a good impression, despite having met Kendrick before. This time was different because it was never on his radar that his son would need two mates, not one.
Lane easily readjusted and was excited to get to know Kendrick the way he had Monty. What he remembered about Kendrick was a charming smile and friendliness, the kind that wasn’t forced.
“I mean it, Lane, you have to tread carefully,” Derick warned, kissing the side of his neck, his whiskers brushing against his skin, warming it and causing a shiver of desire.
“I’ll behave.” After chatting to Kendrick.
He kept that to himself, having already pumped Monty when they’d spent the afternoon baking.
It was the perfect chance, and one Lane had used while no one else was around to stop him.
He’d always had high hopes for Monty and Rue.
The moment he’d met Monty at his interview, he’d felt he’d be perfect for Rue.
Witnessing Monty sitting on Rue earlier in the week was exactly what he wanted to see.
Open affection, something Rue tended to avoid at all costs—he needed that.
Monty had confessed to being honest with Rue about his feelings. The omega had no problem sharing, and he’d used Lane as a sounding board about his feelings for Kendrick, once Lane had assured Monty he had no problem with this new dynamic.
It was important that Rue, who carried a shield to protect his emotions, had men who would see past those barriers. It warmed Lane’s heart how much Monty loved his son.
He didn’t need to brag.
So here he was, needing to understand where Kendrick fitted into their lives. The easiness between him and Monty — would it be there with Kendrick? Lane needed to know that Kendrick could offer Rue the balance it seemed he needed. Lane just had to be clever about how to get the answers.
“I can hear your brain whirring, my love. Can’t we just enjoy a meal and the company?” Derick stood back and twirled Lane around to hold his gaze, searchingly. “Please don’t frighten Kendrick off with your not-so-subtle questions.”
“Me? I couldn’t frighten a fly. And I’m the epitome of subtlety.”
Derick’s deep bass laughter filled the bathroom. “My love, you’re more frightening than a pack of starved wolves! As for subtle, a sledgehammer against a brick wall springs to mind.”
Lane’s laughter joined his husband’s. He wasn’t wrong on both counts, but he had a suspicion that he’d need more finesse with Kendrick.
He reached up and smoothed down the silk tie, eyes twinkling. “Darling, I learned from the best. I also know I won’t be alone in finding answers…”—he eyed his husband—“if you haven’t already done so.” There it was in his eyes. “Did your investigator find anything?”
A flash of annoyance made Lane chuckle. “I’m not the only one who is obvious.” He came up on his toes and waited until Derick met him halfway. “Now kiss me. It is our anniversary, and I’ve got a present you’ll enjoy later.”
“A present?” Large hands roamed down his back, coming to rest on his bottom. Derick lifted him up so their bodies were flush against each other. It was a move he’d done a thousand times before, but it still had the ability to make Lane’s heart flutter with the show of strength.
“Hum,” he murmured against the heat of Derick’s mouth. “Something special that you’ll enjoy unwrapping.”
Derick groaned, pupils dilating. “You’re a tease, my love.”
Lane wore a sexy smirk as Derick released him, shaking his head, eyes traveling down his body as if searching for clues to what lay beneath. “And you love me for it when it’s all you’ll be thinking about throughout the meal. Now shall we go?”
Derick took his hand and guided him eagerly out of their cottage.
The sun was setting, hitting the vines. Their sweet scent perfumed the air, adding to the romance of the evening.
Lane paused to appreciate the view with the man who was his world. “It’s a perfect night for romance.”
It really was.