Page 20 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

Kip had been distracted all day at work. He didn’t like that Boniface Smythe had called taking Jiro into town a date. The man had definitely been needling him. A subtle jibe that doubled as a warning. Could Boniface tell that Jiro was unhappy? In hindsight, it was glaringly obvious.

Even though Kip wasn’t a wolf, he knew that pushing boundaries was a part of increasing trust. Yet he’d tried to make sure that nothing changed. And for that, he was ashamed.

All day, he’d been catching little impressions. Nothing definite, not at this distance. But enough to know that Jiro was probably enjoying himself. Which was also distracting. What was Boniface doing that put a shimmer of gladness in Jiro’s soul? That was Kip’s right. That was Kip’s responsibility.

One he shouldn’t have neglected.

One he’d taken entirely for granted.

One that had him pushing the speed limit on the drive home.

Ash asked, “Something on your mind?”

“Just … eager to get back.”

“I can tell.” His best friend’s lips quirked. “Is it the kids?”

Kip shot him an incredulous look.

“No? Wait. You aren’t worried about Joe, are you? You have to have realized that Jacques sent his brother to my brothers.” Ash’s gaze was steady. “Joe’s probably been in Giuseppe’s loving care all day. Worst case scenario, he and Tyrone stole his usual things and sent him home in style.”

That … didn’t really make him feel any better.

“Kip?” And more quietly, “Is Joe in distress?”

“No! Nope. Nothing like that.” And with a tight little smile, he admitted, “He’s happy.”

“That’s hardly unusual.”

But it was. He tried to explain. “He’s usually calm. He’s … contented. This is different. Sort of effervescent.”

With a teasing air, Ash guessed, “And you’re missing out?”

“Let’s call it curious.” He really should have left it there, but more words slipped out. “I mean, he’s with Boniface.”

“You’re … jealous?”

“I wouldn’t say that .”

“You are .” And with a crooked little smile, Ash softly said, “How about that.”

Kip was feeling a lot of things. Things he didn’t normally feel. Like awkward and vulnerable and anxious and unprepared. Plus a whole lot of eager, which was mostly related to this morning’s kiss and the odds of Jiro wanting a repeat.

He didn’t think he was jealous. Not in the sense that he thought Boniface could take anything away from him.

And it wasn’t as if Kip thought Jiro should only be happy because of him.

Kip turned it all around inside his head, trying to justify his mood and his attitude, but he finally had to admit—at least to himself—that Ash was right.

He was jealous. Because like every squirrel ever, Kip was greedy.

For a beacon’s brightness.

For his bondmate’s attentions.

To be loved for himself.

To be … desired.

And to be forgiven for not noticing that all of these things had been his for long enough that he didn’t feel like he deserved them.

He parked Coach alongside the apple barn and turned toward the house and the sound of hurrying footsteps. Jiro was already reaching for him in intangible ways, their connection teeming with a happiness that he’d clearly been waiting to share.

Kip felt like a fool.

And prepared to be foolish.