by Chris McHart
No, he couldn’t assume that the alpha didn’t care. That wasn’t true. He’d taken care of their children, he had made sure that Josh had everything he needed, and he was really trying to fix the relationship between them as best he could. All Josh had done was tell him that he had to go to the doctor. He hadn’t even hinted at wanting Anthony with him. “Damn it. I think I need to talk to him. Would you mind watching these two for a minute?”
Lindsay shook his head. “We were going to eat anyway, so we can keep an eye on them. You figure that out with him. I feel like something went wrong?”
Josh nodded. “Yeah, something went wrong.”
“Then go talk to him. We’ve got this under control.”
Josh nodded again and left the kitchen. Where had Anthony gone? He knocked on the door that used to lead to their shared bedroom. When no one answered, he opened it carefully. The bed was made, and the room was empty.
But Anthony wasn’t in the living room or the kitchen, he wasn’t in Josh’s room, and he wasn’t in his room. Where was he?
The gym! If Anthony was frustrated, he tended to take it out on a punching bag. He could bet that was the case now.
Quietly, he went down the stairs to the cellar until he reached the large room. Here, relatively soon after their arrival, they’d set up the gym that Lindsay, Jeremy, and Anthony used regularly.
He’d been right. Anthony was beating up a punching bag like it’d offended him badly. He wore only sweats and no T-shirt, and sweat ran over his upper body. His face was reddened and the muscles of his arms and back stretched and relaxed in the rhythm of the beats. There was no mercy; there was no rest.
Anthony breathed heavily while he kept hitting the punching bag without slowing down. He looked like he’d been busy with it for a while, and guilt rose in Josh. That was all his fault.
“Do you have a moment?” he asked loudly enough that Anthony could hear him.
Anthony stopped immediately and whirled around. “Yes?”
“I think… I owe you an apology.” Josh stepped closer to Anthony and put his hands on the boxing gloves. “Can we talk?”
“Of course.”
Josh started to undo one of the boxing gloves, partly to have something to do and partly to not have to look Anthony in the face. “I’m sorry I didn’t think to ask you if you wanted to come along. I shouldn’t have assumed I was gonna do this alone. I just didn’t have that in mind, and… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s all right. Apology accepted. We can forget that.” Anthony put his boxing gloves on a nearby bench.
Josh stood in front of him and looked up to him. He slowly laid his hands on Anthony’s warm, damp skin and pulled him close. “Why do you forgive me so easily? I see how much it’s upsetting you. Won’t you at least yell at me?” He meant that question completely seriously. In his place, he would’ve yelled and let Anthony know exactly what he thought.
“What’s that supposed to change? Yeah, it hurt me, but you apologized. You made a mistake, like all of us. Why should I be mad at you now that we’ve sorted everything out?” Anthony still didn’t touch him. He stood there like a tree and didn’t even seem to be breathing.
“Still. You can’t just forgive something like that.”
“If you really want me to, I can yell at you, but I think it’s inappropriate.” Anthony still didn’t touch him.
The corner of Josh’s mouth twitched because he wanted to smile when he imagined Anthony yelling at him just because Josh wanted him to. He couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that Anthony was so quick to blow up, but then just as fast to forgive him, but on the other hand… Anthony was like that. He always had been, and he probably always would be.
Josh, on the other hand, didn’t forgive a mistake. He hadn’t forgiven Anthony yet, although he knew where that reaction had come from. Was that fair? Did he do the right thing by keeping Anthony at a distance, even though his mate did everything to prove that he was sorry? Was it right to punish him for this one mistake even though he’d apologized? And even though he’d been told from different sides why he’d reacted that way? Probably not.
He put his head on Anthony’s chest and breathed out deeply. It felt right to be with Anthony, to hold him in his arms and feel him.
“I don’t know what you’re up to, but won’t you let me take a shower first?”
“Not really.”
“I’m all sweaty. I’d really like to take a shower first.”
Reluctantly, Josh took a step back. Anthony turned around and walked toward the shower without another word. Seconds later, the water started running. Josh stared at the small bathroom and wondered what had just happened. Did Anthony just turn him down? Or did he really just want to shower before they started anything?
Not that he knew exactly what he was doing. Actually… Yeah, actually, he just wanted to go back to the way they were. He put his hand on his belly and rubbed it tenderly. Well, not quite what they were before, but with the extension their family would get.
But he wanted to share his life and bed with Anthony again, feel him at night and steal kisses during the day. They’d both made mistakes, and they’d always make mistakes. Anthony had immediately forgiven what had happened. It was high time Josh let Anthony know he was forgiven, too.
He hit his forehead with the flat of his hand. Jesus, he was so stupid. Anthony couldn’t know that Josh had forgiven him. They had agreed to be friends. Now Josh had tried to hit on Anthony. Whatever the alpha thought he understood, it was probably wrong.
He breathed deeply and tried to calm his racing thoughts. Today, everything had gone wrong. But that’d be over now. He would talk to Anthony, explain it to him, and only then could they try to celebrate the whole thing properly.
The kids were in good hands with Lindsay and Jeremy, so he could stay down here for a few minutes…
Quietly, he entered the bathroom. Anthony stood under the water jet and stared at the wall. He made no effort to wash himself off, and he didn’t look like he was hurrying to finish so he could talk to Josh again.
Josh took his clothes off. His baby belly was clearly visible, but that didn’t bother him. After all, he had made this child with Anthony.
He opened the door to the shower and Anthony jumped around. He’d apparently been so lost in thought that he hadn’t heard Josh. He stared at him for a moment, then he relaxed.
“Are you all right?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.
Josh nodded. “Is it all right if I come in?”
“Of course.”
Josh joined Anthony in the shower. It wasn’t a big, spacious one like the one upstairs, but only made for one person.
That didn’t bother him at all, because Josh had a reason to press close to Anthony. He put his arms around Anthony’s waist again and looked up to him. “I’m sorry I hurt you. And I’m sorry I was mad at you for so long for something you couldn’t help. I’d… I’d like to start over if you want.” Josh turned his head away, suddenly scared. What if Anthony didn’t want him now? What if he pushed Josh away?
Anthony pulled him close to his body, resting his head on Josh’s. “There’s nothing I’d rather do.”
“I’m really, really sorry. I behaved like an ass, but I was just so hurt.”
“I know. That’s why I gave you the time you needed.” Anthony shrugged.
Josh looked up into Anthony’s eyes. They stared at each other for a few seconds.
Would Anthony kiss him?
Slowly, Anthony lowered his head. His lips opened as his eyes closed. Josh breathed out and slowly got up on his toes to meet Anthony. Their lips met in a feather-light kiss, barely there, but still so emotional – full of trust, love, and the promise that they’d do better this time. Josh wrapped his arm around Anthony’s neck and pulled him closer. His mouth opened a little more, and his tongue came out to meet Anthony’s. They rubbed against each other, their bodies close under the hot water.
The kis
s became hotter and more breathless with every second.
Finally Anthony withdrew a bit. “I’ve been dreaming about this for the last few weeks.”
“Then take advantage of having it now.”
“I don’t think so. This isn’t supposed to be a quickie in the shower. I want to take my time, enjoy you and pleasure you until we don’t know our names.” Anthony traced tender kisses over Josh’s neck and shoulder to the spot where he’d bitten him.
Josh moaned softly. Hopefully he’d do it again today.
“You really want to stop now?” Josh couldn’t believe what he’d heard. Anthony actually had the strength to say no now? Josh was already hard, and Anthony wasn’t doing any better either.
“Believe me, there’s nothing I’d rather do now than enjoy your body. But I know that the children are somewhere upstairs, and I also know they’ll be asleep in an hour at the latest. And then we’ll have all night to really enjoy it.” He put his hand on Josh’s cheek and stroked it tenderly with his thumb. “I want to do it right, and I want to show you how much our relationship means to me.”
“I guess I don’t have a chance to convince you to have a quickie in the shower and still spend the whole night with me?”
Anthony laughed quietly and bit him tenderly on the shoulder. “No, you can’t. Because then we’ll be satisfied and exhausted and just fall asleep.”
“As if we ever didn’t have the energy for a second round.” He couldn’t help himself. He sulked.
“Stop it. You’ll still get what you want. Now get out of the shower. The kids are waiting.” Josh got a slap on the butt that was even audible over the water, then Anthony turned him around to push him out of the shower.
So much for seducing Anthony in the shower. Josh grabbed a towel from the towel rail and began to dry himself off. He didn’t know what to think about Anthony rejecting a quick, hot number in the shower. On the other hand, it sounded great to be pleasured by Anthony all night long.
The water was turned off, and a moment later Anthony left the shower. He also dried off, but his eyes kept lingering on Josh’s body. His cock hadn’t softened, and he rubbed his hand seductively over it. “Stop thinking about why you’re not getting anything now. See how happy my cock is because it’ll have you later? Believe me, it’s not the only one. Now turn your pretty ass away. I won’t give in.”
Josh turned around, stuck out his tongue, then laughed as Anthony tried to slap his ass again. “All right, I’ll go get dressed. But I’d better get what’s mine tonight.”
“Believe me, you will.” Anthony also dressed and waited until Josh was done. Then they left the cellar together and climbed up hand in hand. In the living room, they met Lindsay and Jeremy sitting next to each other on the sofa watching the children play. One look at their interlaced fingers was enough, and both Lindsay and Jeremy broke out into huge smiles.
They might’ve a bet going about this argument.
“Thank you so much for taking care of them,” Josh said quietly.
“No problem.” Jeremy nodded at him, still smiling.
Anthony pulled Josh to one of the armchairs, sat down, then pulled on Josh’s arm until he dropped onto Anthony’s lap. Anthony immediately put his arms around him and pulled him close. He buried his nose in Josh’s neck and shoulder and took a deep breath. “You smell so damn good. Even better than before.” He whispered those words, but the glances Lindsay and Jeremy exchanged said their shifter hearing was clearly too good to say those things in front of them.
“Listen, you two. You’re no better. Or do you think I can’t hear you?” Josh saw blushes forming on Lindsay’s and Jeremy’s face.
“Really? I thought we were quiet enough now,” Jeremy said, turning even redder.
Josh shook his head. “I can hear you. I guess it’s because the walls are too thin. But don’t worry, we’ll take revenge.”
Lindsay buried his face in his hand while Jeremy laughed out loud. “I’ll pass, thank you. Maybe we should find something of our own.”
“You can stay here. No worries. It’s nice to have you here. Please don’t feel like you have to find something,” Anthony said.
“Thank you, but still. I guess you’ll need the room for the kid soon, and we both… We might want a family sometime.” Lindsay gave Jeremy a loving look.
“I understand.” Anthony nodded against his neck.
“We should also think about whether we want to stay here or find a new house. Some are still empty, or we could build something new.” Josh hadn’t been thinking about it until now, but if Jeremy and Lindsay moved out…
“For my part, I think the house is fine, if I’m honest. If you want something else, I don’t mind, but I’d be happy to stay here.” Anthony spoke calmly and objectively, as if it was no big deal for him where Josh wanted to live.
“You don’t care?”
“No. As long as you and the kids are there, I don’t care where we live.” Anthony held Josh against him and looked at Lindsay and Jeremy. “But it’d be nice if you’d continue to live here. Somehow I’ve gotten used to not being alone, and I have to say it works very well so far.”
Lindsay nodded and looked at Jeremy again. “Then we’ll stay here until we decide to really start a family or the perfect house for us turns up. How’s that sound?”
A grin spread over Josh’s lips and he nodded. “That sounds good.”
Anthony squeezed his hip. “Then that’s settled. So, now I’d say dinner, kids to bed and then…”
Josh turned around and gave Anthony a look. He didn’t have to make it that clear now, did he?
“Don’t worry, we know what you’re suggesting. Spare us further details, if possible.” Lindsay chuckled.
Anthony laughed and effortlessly lifted Josh from his lap. “All right. Who’s cooking?”
They agreed that Lindsay and Jeremy would cook, while Josh and Anthony would tidy up the toys in the living room and play with the kids at the same time. Anthony had Hanna on his arm while Josh watched Leon crawling away again and again.
Every time Josh looked at Anthony, their eyes met. His gaze was hot and full of promises about what they’d do afterward. Every time he saw that look, a shudder of lust ran through his body. He knew what it was like to be with Anthony. That didn’t change the fact they’d now have sex again for the first time after such a big fight, or the fact that he’d missed Anthony all the time. He was looking forward to feeling him inside of him again, feeling him claim him again.
“Stop looking at me like that. You’ll have to wait a little longer.” Humor was in Anthony’s words.
Josh blushed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t help myself.” He wasn’t really sorry.
“Stop pretending. Do you think I’m any different?”
Josh laughed and got closer to Anthony. “Stop looking so seductive, and I’ll stop looking at you like that. How about that?”
Anthony shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t grant that wish.” He shifted Hanna on his arm, who beamed at them.
His arm muscles moved, and Josh grew warmer. Who’d have thought how sexy it’d be when his man had a kid in his arms? On the other hand, he might find everything sexy today.
“Then I guess you’ll have to live with the consequences later.” Josh turned around with those words and picked up Leon, who had gone quite a way in the meantime.
Anthony laughed and then said, “I’m looking forward to these consequences. You can believe that.”
Chapter 26
Anthony
* * *
Anthony could’ve sworn it had never taken so long to put the children in bed. He helped Josh feed the little ones, bathed Hanna, helped her change clothes, and finally, finally, the children lay in their beds. But then, it took even longer for them to fall asleep.
All that time, Josh had given him looks that promised him he’d love what would happen next. There had been a reason he’d stopped Josh. That’d make their reunion much better.
He
still couldn’t believe Josh had forgiven him.
Yes, Josh had also made a mistake earlier, but Anthony had never expected it to make him forgive him.
He’d hurt Josh very deeply, and it wasn’t easy to forgive something like that. Still, he’d take it. After all, Josh was his mate, and he loved him more than anything else. Being separated from him had torn him apart every day. Seeing Josh, but not being allowed to touch him, was hell.
Now it was different. Now Josh was his again. Completely.
Anthony turned around and watched Josh pull the blanket over Leon, who had curled up to sleep. Josh looked so damn sexy with his baby belly, slightly rounded hips, and slightly fuller face. He’d been sexy before, too, in a completely different way. Now he radiated more calmness, more serenity. It was the sight of an expecting mother – father. Whatever. He shone like only someone pregnant could. Maybe that was a better expression.
“Ready?” Anthony whispered, unable to take his eyes off Josh.
Josh nodded and stepped closer to him. “Done. I hope they’re asleep.”
“I hope so, too.”
Josh came even closer, stood on his toes and pressed a kiss on his lips. “And I really hope we’ll have some undisturbed time. Don’t think you can escape me now.”
“Why would I want to escape you?”
“No idea. You didn’t want to before?” Josh laughed quietly and quickly left the room before Anthony could answer.
Anthony growled deeply and followed him. Josh’s quiet laughter led him into Anthony’s bedroom, where Josh just dropped onto the bed. His eyes glittered and he looked like he had before they mated.
Young, sexy, carefree.
Anthony wanted to see that expression on his face forever. That was how he’d gotten to know Josh, and that was how he always wanted to see him.
Josh wriggled out of his clothes, with Anthony following his example.
Then his eyes wandered over Josh’s body to his visible baby bump. His breath stopped, as it had before, when Josh had visited him in the shower. There was nothing hotter than seeing a new life grow in him. A life they had both created. Together.
