Page 102 of A Broody Mate for the Human

*DAVE*

I’mnotevencertainanymore if it’s me or the men around me. Apparently, I always attract those who just want a short fling or who are too complicated to figure themselves out. Matthew was the latter, Jun somewhere in between… and Raffy… I’m not sure where to place Raffy.

I could swear we had a moment during the fair, and not only during the fair. There were several moments. Why did he pull away then? I was willing to kiss him. I was hoping he would do it… so what was the fucking problem?

I splash water on my face.

The problem is that I’m human, or a guy, or not someone’s mate. That’s always been the fucking problem.

Shit, I don’t even want to be a werewolf or any mysterious creature. I’m fine with being human, but I just want someone to reciprocate my feelings once! Just once, I want to meet a person who likes me too.

I splash more water into my face, trying to wake myself up. I barely slept last night, and we need to continue our journey today, as Raffy so generously pointed out on our awkward way back to the bed-and-breakfast.

I pack away my little toiletry bag and put my pajamas in my bag. Stupid me has forgotten to take his trousers to the bathroom, but my long shirt and underwear should do. I open the bathroom door, stepping into our room, just to come eye to eye with a particularly broody Raffy. Seems like he is in a lousy mood today too. Just fantastic.

Raffy stares at me, his eyes wandering from my face to my very naked legs, something in his eyes flashing. Suddenly, I feel almost naked in front of him. Raffy tears his gaze away. “Sorry,” he grumbles.

“It’s not your fault that I forgot my pants.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he huffs. He looks a bit flustered. “It’s just…” he groans in frustration, brushing through his hair and messing it up further. “I shouldn’t have jumped you out of the blue yesterday. I didn’t want to force myself on you.”

I stare at him, my mouth literally dropping open in surprise. Are men really that slow? I’ve literally—like a fish—opened my freaking mouth for him to push his tongue down my throat. What else should I do to make him realize I want him to shove his stupid tongue into my mouth and possibly his dick too!? “You didn’t force yourself on me,” I say because I lack anything smart to say now.

Raffy looks at me, confused.

Oh God, he really is like a caveman. I’m drawn between punching him, laughing, and jumping him. I settle for a sigh. “If you ever do something I won’t like, I’ll tell you.”

He still looks confused. “Okay,” he says. “So… we’re good?”

I need to fight the urge to roll my eyes. “Yes, we’re good.” I grab a pair of pants and slip into them before grabbing my bag. “I’ll be waiting for you downstairs. The landlady promised to make breakfast for us.”

Raffy nods, still looking a bit torn. I don’t give him the chance to argue and make sure to hurry downstairs. At least I now know that he doesn’t find me… disgusting or unappealing. He is just too stupid to notice I’m head over heels for him.

Downstairs, I’m greeted by Sugar, and my mood improves instantly. He really enjoyed it here at the inn. Once back home, I need to look for a place that offers more nature and greenery. I think it would be nice for him too.

“Something wrong, hun?” the landlady asks me.

“Men,” I mutter angrily.

“Yeah.” She nods. “They’re so slow sometimes.”

“I just don’t get how he can’t see… you know…” I sigh.

She nods sympathetically and puts a huge cup of hot chocolate in front of me. “I’ll make pancakes for you, sweetheart. My son loves these too whenever he is upset.”

“You have a son?” I ask curiously.

She nods, a proud smile curling her lips. “He’s at college and can’t make it home every weekend, but he tries to visit as much as he can. He is everything to me.” She looks a bit flustered. “He is vegetarian too… and well…”

“Gay?” I help her.

She nods. “It’s not easy in a small town like here, but I’ve made sure no one talks bad about him.”

“I’m sure he loves and appreciates you so much,” I tell her with emphasis. I wish I had this kind of support when growing up. “I know I would!”

“Thank you, dear.” She turns her head slightly when she hears Raffy’s heavy footsteps approaching.

“Here comes the caveman,” I grumble.