“From here, we walk.” Colton climbed out of the van and slammed the door shut before walking around to meet his mate. He held out his hand. “Ready?”
Sawyer took his hand, and his eyes wandered to the clusters of trees around the creek. Colton led him through the grove carefully, taking sure steps and following the path as if it were second nature. Well, I have done this a thousand times before.
“Moment of truth,” he muttered as they passed through the last clump of foliage. He heard Sawyer gasp in awe as they stepped into a small clearing next to the water.
“Colton, this is–” Sawyer swallowed. “This is beautiful.”
“I can’t believe it, honestly. This place is almost untouched. I guess it really is a secret.” Colton laughed as he sank down on a stump and pulled Sawyer onto his lap.
Colton rested his head on Sawyer’s shoulder as he looked around. Small toys and water guns were half-buried in the mud near the creek, and the colored bottles he had hung from fishing line in the trees still shone brilliantly in the evening sun. Even the stumps and logs he had used as furniture seemed unbothered by time.
If this place really is untouched, then what about…?
One look at a small area across the creek gave him the answer he was looking for. He felt a lump form in his throat before he swallowed it. A large bush towered higher than them, and its delicate blooms danced like bells in the wind. No other plants grew near it, as if it were respected, idolized, even, by the other flora.
“I never expected it to survive.”
“What?” Sawyer turned his head to follow Colton’s gaze. “Oh, wow…You planted that?”
“Brugmansia suaveolens.” The words rolled off his tongue flawlessly. “Angel’s trumpets. They were Ma’s favorite.” He inhaled deeply, taking in his mate’s scent for comfort.
“I left it after the accident, the day Lukas and I had to leave. I came here with this tiny, pathetic potted plant. It had been on the back porch, dying, because who really cared about one piddly little plant after…?” His voice trailed off with a sigh.
“You did,” Sawyer pointed out quietly.
“I did. You know, I had planned on taking it with me to wherever Lukas and I ended up. Then I made the mistake of sitting down in this very spot. When I did, the weight of all that had happened came crashing down on me.” Colton’s eyes went dark. “Suddenly, I couldn’t control myself. I was a lost, angry teenager pitted against the world, and I took it out on the thing closest to me. That pitiful, potted plant.”
Colton chuckled. “Then, me being me, I felt instant guilt and regret, because I knew it had as much of a right to live as any person. I planted it there eleven years ago, gave it a shot at life. Look at it now.” He tightened his arms around Sawyer and felt his mate relax.
Sawyer’s quiet voice rose. “It didn’t just survive, it thrived. Just like you.” He sat up and looked into his alpha’s eyes. “Don’t you see? Everything you knew was real and just as beautiful as you remembered it.”
“Real and even more beautiful. Because you’re here, too.” Colton’s hand brushed softly across Sawyer’s cheek before coming to rest on the healing mark on his neck.
He could feel Sawyer heat up almost immediately, and a small keen escaped the omega’s lips.
“Ah, forget the crowbar…” Sawyer mumbled.
“Excuse me?”
Colton let out a small gasp as Sawyer straddled his hips. The muscles in his stomach tensed, keeping them from falling backward off the stump.
“Here?” Colton’s eyes rose to the nearby street. It was late, and not many people were out, but his nerves still burned with anticipation. “Are you sure?”
“Why not?” Sawyer rested his hands on Colton’s shoulders and looked around. “It’s beautiful here, enchanting. It’s a special place. Our special place.” A flush crept up his neck and ears, and a pout flitted across his lips as he waited patiently for an answer.
Colton reeled. This was a battle and a half. This wasn’t the spot he would have chosen, but his mate’s soft body was so warm, pulsing with need against his own, that he couldn’t bring himself to deny him.
“You’re sure you want the crowbar stashed in the shed?” Colton smiled softly.
Sawyer rolled his hips raggedly. “It’s way past the shed. It’s at the bottom of a lake. There’s no storing it in a shed now.” He leaned down and pressed hot kisses to Colton’s neck and jaw.
“We need to–” Colton groaned as Sawyer nipped his neck. “Ground. Now. This stump is making my ass go numb.”
An unceremonious yelp tumbled from Colton’s lips as Sawyer rolled to the side and pulled both of them onto a bed of grass and leaves.
“How convenient…” Sawyer noted. “Just for us.”
Sawyer didn’t waste another moment before he cupped Colton’s face and covered every inch of bare skin with kisses.
“This time, I’m in charge.” Sawyer peeled off his shirt. “I stay on top.”
“Yes, sir.” Colton chuckled, smiling into a kiss.
Colton couldn’t deny that having his mate on top was a thrill. Sawyer’s voice was low and sultry, and his muscles were tense. He squirmed and slid his hands down slowly, tortuously exploring every bit of muscle and exposed flesh on his way down. He stopped at Colton’s waistband, searching for any sign of discomfort or rejection.
When he found none, he didn’t hesitate. In a few deft movements, his hands were working off any offending clothing and tossing it to the side.
“Moonlight looks good on you, you know?” Sawyer whispered.
Colton gripped his mate’s hips and gently squeezed. “Even better on you.”
It was true. Behind Sawyer, moonlight filtered into the grove, outlining his lithe body. His skin was silky smooth, almost milk-white in the pale moonlight, and it contrasted sharply with his eyes. Dark with emotion, they were loving, feverish, and unashamed.
Maybe even a bit of triumph. Probably surprised I didn’t shoot down the idea immedi–
Colton was torn from his thoughts when Sawyer sank down on his cock, slick and ready. The alpha quickly raised his knees to support his mate and began massaging small circles on his hips.
Full to the hilt, Sawyer let out a low breath before he started moving slowly, carefully, taking his time. His thighs flexed as he raised himself up before lowering back down, and his back arched beautifully as he hit a sensitive spot.
The omega picked up the pace, meeting his alpha’s shallow bucks. Again and again, he slammed down, heat coursing through his entire body. Colton’s hands wandered his mate’s beautiful skin, and he resisted the urge to leave more bite marks on the milky-white expanse.
Sawyer slowed, his labored breaths close to Colton’s ear as he leaned against his mate’s chest. His legs were quivering, and his cock was pulsing against Colton’s stomach.
“Please…”
One look told Colton everything he needed to know. His mate’s eyes were hazy with need. His lips were parted slightly and small pants escaped with each little movement.
He tensed his muscles and sat up, pulling Sawyer firmly against him. Still on top, now in his mate’s lap, Sawyer wrapped his legs around Colton’s waist and let his toes dig into the soft grass beneath them.
“However you want it.”
Colton reached up and threaded his fingers through Sawyer’s soft hair, then cradled his head softly. His other arm slipped around his mate’s lower back, encouraging him to relax against his body. As he sunk further down, his toes curled in the soft grass beneath them.
“Keep tightening like that and–” Colton’s voice caught in his throat as Sawyer rolled his hips gently. “Won’t last much longer.”
“Feels good. I can’t help it,” Sawyer whimpered into Colton’s neck. “But my legs are–”
Sawyer’s gaze dropped to his still-quivering legs as his nails dug into Colton’s shoulders.
“I need more. Want more. Please…move!”
He didn’t have t
o be told twice. Strings of gibberish slipped from Sawyer’s lips with every movement. Every touch, every kiss, was slow and loving, without a care in the world.
In this moment, the spot by the creek was their world—just them, enjoying each other’s company and the fireflies.
Chapter 15
“Is it just me, or does it seem like we’ve spent a lot of time on the road recently?” Colton yawned. “I think we’re due for a stay-cation at home after this.”
“Honestly, I’m okay with this whole ‘days on the road’ thing. Sometimes, it’s nice watching the world roll by.” Sawyer mumbled absentmindedly. He had to work hard to hide the grimace that came with each bump in the road.
Okay, maybe that whole, ‘jump Colton this morning’ plan had been a mistake.
He rested his elbow on the windowsill to support his head as he gazed out the window. The streets slipping past his window were a stark contrast to his memories of Bellcrest. Here, the sidewalks were crowded with people going about their business. Busy construction sites were crammed between tall, sleek buildings. Even the bright, white picket fences were gone, replaced by sturdy, wrought-iron fences.
“You only say that because I’m driving.”
“Well, that, and the company is nothing to scoff at.” Sawyer tilted his head and smiled softly at Colton.
“And here I thought you only put up with me because you like Bitty-Piggy.” Colton snickered. “Guess I grew on you, huh?”
“Like a happy little mushroom.”
A loud buzz from the cup-holder startled both men. Sawyer looked at the phone’s screen.
“Dudeski? I’m guessing that’s Cyrus?”
Colton nodded. “Yeah, a stupid, old nickname for a stupid, old friend. Can you grab it while I find a spot to park? Knowing him, he probably wants to meet us at some hole-in-the-wall restaurant that’s going to be a pain to find.” He punched some buttons on the GPS and sat back. “That, and he’s probably wondering why we’re late.”
“Hey, don’t look at me. I apologize for nothing.” Sawyer jutted his chin out and smiled smugly before he reached for the phone and swiped the screen. His smile quickly vanished as a loud, blaring voice made him fumble the phone. With a loud thump, it landed in the floorboard.
“Whoah, there, there’s a lot of rustling going on! Should I call back later?” asked a teasing voice. “Don’t worry, I completely understand.”
A flush of embarrassment flashed across Sawyer’s face. “No, hang on a minute! I didn’t know my mate was this deaf. What the hell?” He quickly turned the volume down and put it on speakerphone.
“Sorry, I was listening to music while you were sleeping.” Colton pointed to the earbuds in the console. He glanced apologetically at his mate before slapping an eager smile on his face. “Hey, bud. We just hit Midtown. Where you at?”
“You know where Wilson’s old grocery was? There’s a nice café I’ve been wanting to check out right down the street. I’ll be there.”
“Okay, not that I don’t know where Wilson’s old place was, but did you forget how to read after I left Georgia? What’s the name of the place?”
Cyrus’ digitized laugh echoed from the phone. “Dude, it’ll make sense when you get here, trust me. I’ll see you two in a bit.”
Colton let out a long sigh as the screen went blank. “Old man Wilson’s place. That’s over on Orchid Avenue.” He quickly glanced at the GPS before pulling out of their parking spot.
“Well, lucky for us, the GBS–” Sawyer cut himself off and buried his face in his hands. “Sorry, The Almighty Navigator, says we’re already close.”
“Great. Let’s hope he chose a good place. I’m in need of a hearty helping of Southern goodness. It’s been too long.”
“It’s only been, like, six days since we had fried chicken at Lukas and Owen’s place.”
“Like I said, too long.”
“I swear, when we find him, I’m gonna make him sit down and watch all of Reading Rainbow. Seriously, how hard can it be to tell me the name of the place?” Colton grumbled as he looked up at a trendy sign, hanging over a sleek café. “It says Karson’s Koffee. What the hell, Cyrus?”
“At least we got to walk around for a bit. After–” A pleasant flush colored Sawyer’s cheeks. “After that night in Bellcrest, I didn’t think I would find Atlanta so charming.”
He took a deep breath. Spring was here, and it seemed as if the city savored the season’s welcoming embrace. It was already much warmer than Boston, and the toasty sunlight reflected off the many skyscrapers scattering the block. Bright jet-streams stuck out against the clear, blue sky, and cars, trees, benches, and shops lined the street. Every little thing was a new pop of color and scent.
People filled Karson’s Koffee’s outdoor sitting area, no doubt enjoying the warm spring day. The door chime drowned out their discussions, and their carefree tones were lost to the bustle of the city streets. The café was a captivating tangle of character, a cozy sanctum for every kind of visitor.
“Not surprised he chose this place. He always had a better eye for ambiance than I did,” Colton muttered. “I mean, look at it.”
Colton’s eyes strayed to the far corners of the shop, where armchairs formed loose circles around low-lying tables. Large ferns popped in green against the earthy tones of the shop, and sunlight streamed in through the half-drawn, wooden blinds.
“So many students.” Colton sighed. “I guess finals are coming up soon.”
Several students were scattered around the shop, surrounded by disorganized papers and projects. Sawyer felt a bit of pity for them. His own college days had passed, but he completely understood their fatigue. The end of the school term was upon them, and they sought refuge in the boost of caffeine and the company of others.
“Nice, ain’t it?”
Sawyer jumped at the voice behind him. An arm draped over his shoulder, and another snaked around Colton’s before a mess of honey-blond hair blocked his view.
Colton’s eyes lit up. “Hey, bud. Yeah, it’s pretty great.”
“I figured ya’ll might like it. Normally, my job entails finding the biggest hotspots in town. But on my time off? That’s when I find little gems like this.”
Colton smiled wryly as Cyrus steered them to an empty booth. “Okay, I have a bone to pick with you. Seriously, you couldn’t just give me a name?”
“What’s the fun in that?” Cyrus snickered and nodded to the waitress who dropped off the menus. “Besides, you two were late. Think of it as a bit of payback.”
“Isn’t that counter-intuitive?” Colton threw back. “I mean, that made us even later.”
Cyrus snorted, and coffee flew from his mug. “Wow, look at you with your big words! Your vocabulary has really grown since you left for Boston.”
“Thanks. I’ve been watching Between the Lions daily since I left.” Colton tossed a wad of napkins at Cyrus. “Glad you noticed.”
Sawyer piped up, “You know a lot of those old shows.”
“Old? Ouch…Need some ice for that burn?” Cyrus whistled lowly before turning to Sawyer. “They’re not that old, though, and they were his favorite, so try and be gentle.”
“Favorite? Hell no, that channel was the only one we got,” Colton sputtered. “No, wait. We got two— that and the weather.”
“That was fine, though.” Cyrus took a sip of his coffee. “Gave us plenty of time to hang out when you were done with work.”
Colton’s eyes lit up as they darted to Sawyer. “Oh, yeah. This guy was my tackle dummy for years. Can you believe it? He wasn’t on the football team, but he took those tackles like a champ.”
“Listen, I feel like I did you a favor, and I only did it because you were too cheap to save up for one.”
“Exactly. You were the only dummy I could rely on, Dummy.”
Cyrus let out a theatrical sigh. “Seriously? We meet again after, what, two months, and you’re mean to me.” His eyes darted to Sawyer. “Is this your doing?”
“Who me?” Sawyer looked at Colton. “Never.”
Colton quickly struck up another conversation which snagged Cyrus’ attention. Sawyer felt his eyelids begin to droop. The quiet, dimmed ambiance did little to keep him alert, and Colton’s and Cyrus’ voices faded into white noise in the back of his mind. No doubt they were catching up, talking about the old days. Sawyer forced his eyes to remain open and rested them on his mate’s handsome face.
How did I ever get so lucky?
“I gotta thank you for putting your vacation time aside for us. You didn’t have to do that, you know.” Colton’s voice snapped Sawyer from his thoughts.
“Man, don’t worry about it. It’s not every day your best friend meets his fated.” Cyrus leaned back in his chair and looked at Sawyer. “I’m glad he finally found you.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was such a sap in high school about this whole ‘fated’ thing. You have no idea.”
“I have a pretty good idea, actually.” Sawyer snickered. “Yeah, he’s a huge sap. Maybe even the sappiest of saps.”
“Right here, you know.” Colton sulked. “But yeah, thanks, bud. Thanks a ton.”
Cyrus nodded and took another sip of his coffee. “Just make sure you leave the chicken wings at the dead-drop before the month is out.”
Time passed quickly as the group finished their meal. The sun crawled across the sky, peeking through the buildings and creeping into the small café. Sawyer’s ears perked up as a shrill, digitized alarm rang, and Cyrus lifted his wrist, pressed a button on his watch, and glanced quickly at it.
“Well, it’s about that time.” Cyrus stood and pushed some bills under his empty plate. “What are you two waiting for? If you fancy getting back in time for this festival of yours, I suggest we get moving.”
Colton cocked his head. “What do you mean? The festival isn’t until the 12th. That’s, what, eleven days from now?”
Forget Me Not, My Dear Omega Page 17
