Page 31 of Foxed Up

"Okay, well, not sure I was clear on this, but there's no pressure about staying over, okay? We don't have to have sex."

He smiled at me, genuine and warm. "I know that."

I cleared my throat. "Well. Good." It was nice that he still had some faith in me. I'd begun to think I'd lost it all forever.

As I drove, it became apparent he actually was excited about staying over. He asked again if Eli would find it difficult; he leaned forward a little as he talked about what our schedule was like, trying to understand it all beforehand so that nothing surprised him and he could fit in as best as he wished. He seemed happy, to my surprise.

We didn't talk about the day, or the assignment, or anything at all but domestic and home stuff.

"Oh, and I usually take the kid grocery shopping tonight. It's up to you if you come along or not. It's usually a short trip, just to grab some things for the rest of the week and pick out any new fruit or vegetable he wants to eat."

Wallace looked at me. "Then I'd say it's up to him if I go along, wouldn't you?"

I shrugged. I couldn't see Eli balking at this point, to be honest, but sure.

At his home, Wallace fumbled with his seatbelt and got out of the car hurriedly. He didn't invite me in. "I won't be long," he said rather breathlessly.

Was it my imagination that he didn't want me to come in? Maybe he really just wanted to hurry. I hoped it wasn't that he still didn't quite trust me in his home. But he seemed happy about the sleepover, or whatever we were calling this, so I didn't think that would be the case.

Maybe he was worried I'd slow him down — like by pushing him onto the bed and trying to comfort him the best way I knew how.

I smiled at the thought. That might explain a little of his breathlessness, if he was thinking along those lines, and not yet ready to admit he wanted it.

That was fine. That was a good development, if it was true. I wanted him wanting me again, and could wait till he did enough to admit it. No way was I forcing my affections on him. If he could go without sex, so could I.

It didn't even occur to me that he might be having sex with someone else to scratch his itch. I knew him too well for that. No, Wallace needed a certain level of trust to take someone home, and I didn't think he would be at all comfortable with a quick hookup with a stranger. It wasn't his usual style...and not just because he had me now.

Foxes might be known for slutty sexual prowess, but Wallace was more of a one-man, commitment and love kind of guy. Maybe more foxes than I knew were like that. Maybe I didn't know as damned much about shifters as I thought; maybe I'd better remember that.

After a very brief wait, Wallace emerged with an overnight bag, a smile on his face, and two books tucked under his arm. He'd combed his hair, making it look softer than ever. I almost physically yearned to touch it, to stroke him, comforting both of us that way.

Instead, I returned his wave, and waited for him to start his car. Then I started my engine and drove to my home, his little car following in my rearview mirror. Whatever happened, I had the feeling tonight was going to be a revelation to both of us.

#

Wallace clutched his overnight bag close to him as he got out of his car, all watchful and big-eyed. "Are you sure I'll be welcome?" he said, looking all around like maybe the kid was waiting to jump out of the bushes at him. Whatever doubts he'd had about this had apparently returned tenfold on the trip here.

"I'm sure. It'll be fine," I assured him. "He'll think his birthday's come early."

Wallace gave me a weak smile that looked incredibly nervous.

"Come on." I held an arm out for him, hoping he'd move to my side and let me put an arm around him. He didn't, though. "Why don't we get you settled in before I go to pick him up from school?"

Wallace made a small sound in his throat and shook his head. "I'd rather not get too settled, if you don't mind."

"At least put your things inside. He won't bite, I promise. And neither will I."

He gave me a saucy smile then, that reminded me with a little pang of all the flirting we used to do...back when he trusted me. "You sure about that?"

He followed me to the house then. It was all I could do not to growl at him and grab his ass. It was such a nice ass. I let him in, apologizing for the state of the kitchen, and he looked all around as if familiarizing himself with the place anew.

"Let me show you the bedroom and bathroom," I said awkwardly, because really, I'd never given him a tour of my house before. It felt empty and echoey without Eli here.

"Careful," I said, stepping over one of Eli's LEGO builds. "Tread cautiously."

"Foxes always do," said Wallace lightly, in a voice that seemed to be covering something else underneath. Was he still nervous? Still didn't trust me? I didn't have any more Wallace-interpreting in me today, could only hope he'd be real clear about what he needed. He could be so fucking subtle sometimes. I needed it spelled out and preferably lit up like a runway.

Unless we were talking sexual stuff. Then I could usually read him pretty well. But he wasn't subtle about his wants there.