Chapter Fourteen
Ian
Ian continued cloud walking at how supportive Rick was with his family. The head shakes at how his family really thought they owned all his time had continued since Sunday lunch the week before last.
Ian had held firm, and he could see that his family were finally understanding that he meant what he said.
Yes, they had gone around to Winston’s the night before—Friday—just for dinner, and it had been fun.
Heck, there had been no mention of babysitting, not once.
When they’d left, he’d been waiting for the other shoe to drop, but nothing happened. It was just dinner.
Rick really was such a dominant influence, and it would seem he was winning over Ian’s family one sibling at a time. That and Rick’s presence gave Ian more of a backbone to say no, which didn’t hurt. Actually, it did, but in the best possible way, his free time was for Rick—his free bedroom time.
Ian had grinned all the way home and then shown his appreciation to Rick in the living room, before they’d made it to the bedroom, when they’d gotten a second wind. Something else that was as easy as breathing in the presence of his mate.
He shivered at the ache in his ass as he moved to reach for a fork to turn the bacon. The reminder didn’t allow him to forget exactly how much he’d demanded Rick make him feel it the next day. He’d be the one walking like he’d ridden a bull all day—in his case his bull was a bear.
“Why aren’t you in bed snuggling with me?” Rick’s rumbled question brought his attention from the pan, eyes widening at having been so lost in his thoughts he’d not heard Rick come downstairs.
He licked his lips, his hungry gaze trailing over all the tanned, naked flesh.
The gorgeous hunk in front of him was wearing nothing but boxer briefs that left his body exposed to Ian’s gaze.
His hair was a mess, and there were sheet creases down one side of his face.
His eyes were heavy-lidded from their late night, and he looked well fucked. He was damn yummy.
“What’s yummy?” Rick rasped, rubbing at his bristly jaw.
“You.” Ian smacked his lips together, but the spitting bacon made him return his gaze to the pan. “I thought I’d make us breakfast before you head to work.”
He sometimes had to pinch himself at how lucky he was when Rick stopped on his way past and laid a kiss on him that left him breathless and deciding breakfast could be his tasty mate.
But before he could consider turning off the heat under the pan, his mouth was released, and Rick went to the coffee pot Ian had filled.
“How did I get so lucky?”
Ian watched Rick’s backside flex with open admiration as he filled a mug and then sighed in disappointment when Rick turned to rest his firm backside against the counter, sipping the black brew and groaning in a way that had Ian’s mind head straight for the gutter and his cock think it was playtime. “I was thinking the same thing.”
A rumbled chuckle was Rick’s reply as he eyed Ian over the rim of his mug. “Mutual appreciation society of two.”
“Only two required!” Ian pointed out, reaching for the plate holding the fresh rolls he’d sliced and buttered and placing the crispy bacon inside, handing it to Rick before doing his own. They moved things to the table.
Ian loved these quiet moments of closeness and shared togetherness through the simple things.
“Want me to come and help today?” Ian still hadn’t spoken to Ernest about using one of his spare rooms. He wouldn’t feel right just turning up without the conversation, despite Rick’s daily encouragement.
“You gonna speak to Ernest?”
They were becoming much more in sync with each other, and Ian nodded. “I know you need to help sorting flowers for shipping, and I thought if I help, Ernest could see the benefits of me being close by.”
Rick reached over and placed a hand over his, squeezing gently, a thumb circling as he replied, “You don’t need to do anything to make Ernest feel like it’s worth his while. He’s not like that.”
He came closer and brushed their mouths together, holding his gaze, wearing a dreamy smile. “He knows how much I need you close.”
Ian’s cheeks heated as he felt all of Rick’s feelings flowing through their bond. A month, and he could not say what life had been like without Rick.
“It’s the same for me,” he whispered and kissed Ian once more.
“How long before you have to leave?”
Rick’s moan sounded more like complaint when he eased back and glanced at the clock. “In fifteen minutes.”
Ian stepped back away from temptation and changed the subject in the hope his cock got the message that work was on the agenda. “Did you give Charlie and his mate Lionel’s address for tonight’s party?”
They had finally sorted a date that suited everyone, both Ian and Rick’s friends to have an official ‘mating party’, which was what Morty was calling it. He had gotten excited, from what Rick relayed from Toby, about making them a cake.
Ian was a little scared about what it would be when Rick had explained in detail the penis cake he’d eaten that Morty gave Toby and Ernest.
“I did. It will be nice to finally meet your closest friends. Brad and Lionel sound nice.”
Ian winked cheekily. “At least it’s family free.” Although Rick was more laid back over the whole family thing, and Ian could love him just for that.
Rick got up and cleared the table and put everything in the dishwasher as Ian rose to tidy up the remaining breakfast items.
They showered separately. It was safest if they wanted to leave on time, and as Ian wanted Ernest on side, no matter what Rick said. Earnest wanted to be sure he wasn’t a burden or in the way.
On the drive to the farm, they talked about the evening and what they might do the following day. Ian’s animal side wanted to see Rick’s bear, and he felt he’d waited long enough.
“I’ve a spacious backyard and enough tree coverage to shift at home, if you fancy that.” Rick cast him a glance. “Unless you have something else in mind?”
Ian was back to having hot cheeks. “Do you ever shift inside your house?” Rick’s response was a nod as he handled the car through the traffic.
I want to stretch out on his belly and find the perfect spot to snooze. I don’t want anyone watching us. Tell him. He has that lovely thick rug in front of his fire perfect for us.
Honestly—
No, this is my time, it’s my turn. Be fair.
He released a heartfelt sigh at the fair comment. “My honey badger would love to shift inside and for you to lie on your rug so he can… get to know your bear.” What his animal was displaying in his head Ian was not in any world voicing.
“That works for me,” Rick offered amicably, parking up outside Ernest’s house.
Toby rushed out the door with Ernest chasing behind, both laughing. He came to an abrupt halt when he saw them, and Ernest caught him up and swung him about, much like Rick did to Ian.
“I think we’re a little early.”
Rick let out a hearty laugh. “At least they’re dressed. So we’ll count that as a win.”
He got out of the truck and came to open Ian’s door as he gathered his things: laptop, files, and a bag of desk items. Rick had persuaded him to at least bring them for the discussion with Earnest.
“I thought we had a busy day of work?” Rick called out, smirking as he tucked a hand around Ian’s hip to guide him towards the steps.
He was such a gentleman, and Ian swooned every time he did these small things to make him feel special. You are special. He kissed the side of his head as Ernest finally put a breathless Toby down on his feet.
“Yes… yes, I was just…”
“Playing hide the cucumber?” Rick’s response got laughter from everyone.
Toby didn’t look at all abashed as he shrugged at Rick. “It’s the tastiest cucumber—”
Ernest wore a fiery blush as he spluttered, “Yes… well… erm, let’s get you to work before Morty and Niall cut off my cake supply.”
He glanced at Rick, giving an apologetic smile, helping Toby into the truck, explaining, “Sorry I’m leaving a little later than I planned.
” He didn’t look at the man giggling inside the truck, who was clearly the reason he was running late.
“I’ve left everything for you to get started. I won’t be long.”
Rick waved off Ernest’s concern. “Ian has offered to help me, and I’m sure if the situation was reversed, you wouldn’t mind me being a little late.”
Don’t act all innocent, Ian blustered when Rick sent him an image of him begging for Rick’s cucumber.
Ernest stopped at the driver’s door and looked at what Ian was carrying. “I won’t, and as Ian will be working here you shouldn’t have any problem with lateness, should you?” He tilted his head with a look of, ‘you know you can’t argue with me’.
Rick didn’t bat an eyelid. To Ian, he continued, “I’ve made space in the last bedroom as it has a nice view over the flower fields, and you can see Rick as often as you want.”
Is he serious? We haven’t talked about it. Ian was used to having lengthy discussions, and this just seemed all too easy.
I told you it would be fine.
But I didn’t even get to—
Don’t look a gift elephant in the eye. He wouldn’t have cleared a space if he wasn’t happy. Trust me.
He did trust his mate. That didn’t mean Ian wasn’t conflicted and a little wary at the ease with which everything was happening. He’d wanted to be sure he wasn’t putting anyone out. It wasn’t in his nature to take advantage of any situation.
Then he really looked at Rick, and the wide, pleased grin said it all. He wanted this, they both did, and Ian couldn’t find a thing wrong with it.
“Thank you, Ernest. Just know if I ever get underfoot, tell me, and I’ll move back to my home office.” He might cry, after the excitement he was currently feeling, if that happened, but he’d deal with it—kind of—hopefully.
“It’s a non-issue for me.” Ernest gave a nonchalant shrug and got into the truck. “I’ve plenty of space, and it’s not like I’ll be inside for you to be a bother. So let’s hear no more about it.”
When he winked at Rick, the kind that spoke to conspiracy Ian, he got the sense they had talked, and Rick had maybe encouraged Ernest to bring it up in Ian’s presence, so he didn’t have to say anything. Trust his mate to make it so easy on him. Again, just one more reason to fall in love.
I wanted you close, and now you can be.
Out loud, Rick said as Ernest drove off, “We’ll get you set up and then I’ll teach you to cut and pack flowers.”
He felt Rick’s pride in what he did, and Ian’s chest expanded with warmth at how much Rick wanted him to be a part of his life.
When Rick threaded fingers with his empty hand and brought his knuckles to his lips and brushed a kiss over them, Ian released a shuddery exhale.
Their gazes held, and what Ian saw there in the depth of those beautiful eyes was everything and so much more.
“Lead the way then, boss,” he murmured feeling a little overwhelmed.
Rick’s chuckled response was downright dirty. “Boss, I like that.”
So do I!
Ian couldn’t wait for the party, so he could show everyone just how damn lucky he was.
We’re gonna be the envy of the party.
Ian couldn’t agree more, they absolutely would be.