Page 12 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
Seconds later, the beautiful man groaned through a powerful orgasm, pumping out a considerable load.
Gruff swallowed it down with ease, parsing out the flavor which was uniquely Dustin’s—complex, heady, and sweet.
He suckled gently for a few more moments until Dustin was too sensitive to take any more, and then stood to finish himself off.
It only took a few tight strokes to fire a load all over Dustin’s stomach and chest, coating him with his scent.
Gruff used the towels to clean them off, and then scooped up his lover and lay down on the couch with Dustin spread on top like a blanket.
“Okay. Now we snuggle.”
Dustin choked out a grunty chuckle and started nibbling on Gruff’s left earlobe while they enjoyed the afterglow.
The amazing shifter might be the death of him, and they’d barely started whatever this was.
What would it be like to belong to Gruff?
What kind of life could they have? Was it too soon to think about being mates for real?
Maybe, since he wasn’t sure how it all worked.
The information he’d received from DeeDee provided little detail, but asking Gruff might put too much pressure on him.
Dustin only knew of two other mixed couples, but surely somebody in Bear Creek could advise him.
Dustin suddenly felt soft pressure on his bare leg and looked down to see Baxter trying to find a place to curl up. One-handed, Gruff picked him up and set him on the back of the sofa where he could observe but not get in the way.
“Stay up there, boy. You can have the couch later.”
Baxter chittered back at him, but settled down without more fuss.
Oddly enough, Dustin didn’t mind being starkers in front of the cat, and apparently Gruff didn’t either.
It wasn’t long before something hard and hot pressed against Dustin’s groin and he reached down to adjust Gruff’s turgid cock, causing the man to growl.
“How can you be hard already? Wait... you’re going to tell me it’s a shifter thing, aren’t you?”
Gruff laughed, shaking both their bodies.
“Yep. I can go a half-dozen times before needing a break. Don’t worry. I’ll be careful with you.”
Gruff’s gentle consideration meant a lot to Dustin, though he hoped his human limitations weren’t a deal breaker of some kind.
If other mixed couples made things work, why couldn’t they?
Damn! He kept getting ahead of himself, dreaming of a future with Gruff which might not happen.
Just slow down, Mowry, and enjoy the moment.
Gruff hadn’t remained still for long, using his big hands to caress Dustin’s smooth back and ass.
Laying here with a sexy, naked man like this was glorious, and he didn’t want it to end.
Dustin’s long day finally caught up with him, however, as he was now dozing.
Though Gruff wanted to keep him here forever, the hard-working man needed his rest. He reluctantly sat up and set Dustin on the cushion next to him.
He was even more handsome, all tousled and sleepy, stretching his arms with a wide yawn.
“Sorry, babe. I’m beat. I should go home and crash.”
Gruff stood to get dressed, relishing the affectionate nickname he’d been given, and took it as permission to do the same.
“Wait here, Dusty . I’ll go get your clothes and walk you to your car.”
Dustin smiled at his retreating form, noticing that Baxter was sound asleep and purring away like a well-oiled engine.
Gruff came back in and helped him dress, stopping near the door to put on their shoes.
It was warm and clear in the gathering darkness, and Gruff reached for Dustin’s hand as they walked down the center of the driveway toward the parking lot.
Though he’d neglected to close the gate, Gruff’s nose informed him that they were, indeed, alone.
At the car, Gruff pressed Dustin against the driver’s side door for goodnight kisses. They were both hard again, which pleased Gruff’s bear, but it made their farewell much more difficult. Dustin spoke softly as the sensation of their last kiss, and Gruff’s whiskers, lingered on his mouth and chin.
“I had a wonderful evening. Wish I didn’t have to go.”
Gruff’s rumbling purr returned with a vengeance, and he kissed Dustin’s forehead.
“Same. I know you have interviews tomorrow, but maybe afterward we can hang out if you want.”
Dustin looked uncertain.
“Sounds like fun, but I have a lot of stuff to do. Can I let you know after the interviews?”
“Sure. Goodnight, Dustin.”
“Goodnight, Gruff.
After Dustin left, Gruff closed and locked the parking lot gate.
The short walk back to the house was filled with so many wonderful memories that he couldn’t choose a favorite.
The only way to have this every night was to.
..claim Dustin as his mate. Were they ready for such a drastic, permanent step?
While his bear wasn’t pushing for it yet, he obviously considered Dustin to be a strong possibility.
Honestly, this was his first serious relationship, so he naturally hoped it might become more.
Gruff, however, knew from personal experience that a one-sided mating brought incredible pain and misery.
He didn’t want to risk it for himself, and certainly not for Dustin.
Gruff’s bear seemed to understand his hesitation, yet urged him to spend more time with the sweet, special human. They agreed on that point, and despite their hectic schedules, he looked forward to winning the man’s heart one piece at a time.