Page 17 of Relentless Touch

Kevin burst out laughing, the sound carrying a brightness that felt alive. “That was petty but also accurate.”

“He was compensating,” Rio said. “I don’t have an approval list.”

“You don’t need one,” Kevin said under his breath. "Still can’t sit right.”

Their coffees arrived. Kenai dropped them off, flashed a grin, and promised he’d check in later for their order.

Kevin fixed his coffee, loading it up with sugar and cream, and took a sip.

“Look,” Kevin said, “I know what the mate thing means. I’m just sorry fate gave you the short end of the stick.”

Rio snorted. “Wait until you get to know me before you decide which end is the shortest.”

“Really?” Kevin’s eyebrow lifted. “We’re comparing who has the least desirable attributes?”

“I prefer to think of our idiosyncrasy as fun little discoveries.”

“You’re not right in the head.” Kevin sipped his coffee, eyeing Rio over the rim. “I’m not sure if I like that or should pat you down for hidden red flags. You seriously think an impala trashing your kitchen is a fun discovery?”

“I’ve seen worse.” Rio rested his fold arms on the table. “Last year a raccoon broke in and ate two entire cheesecakes. Came back the next night for more.”

Kevin snorted into his coffee. “Savage. I want to adopt him and name him Cheesy.”

“You’re safe here.” Rio could see lingering uncertainty in his mate’s eyes. “Nobody’s going to hassle you at Glass Oak.”

“Not unless your server revokes my coffee privileges.”

“Kenai just has to get to know you. He only teases the regulars.”

“And my father said I wouldn’t amount to anything. I leveled-up to regular-customer status overnight.”

The more his mate revealed about his past, even in jest, the more Rio wanted to wrap him in safety and hugs. It was no wonder Kevin had such a cynical view on life. He’d been raised by a self-loathing asshole who’d clearly viewed his son as a burden rather than a blessing.

Made him wonder just how deep Kevin’s scars ran.

“Next thing you know, you’ll be running the place,” Rio replied, then steered their conversation to lighter topics.

Kevin’s eyes brighten as he talked. He had had opinions on everything, from the best way to roast potatoes to why streaming playlists had made radio obsolete.

Rio listened to every word, every opinion Kevin had suppressed because some jackass had too many insecurities.

Kevin was enchanting, funny, and Rio was down bad. Even the sound of his mate’s voice had Rio grinning like an idiot.

Kenai returned, ready for the lunch order.

“Order whatever you want. Don’t worry about the price.” Rio winked.

His mate picked the steak sandwich then apologized for ordering the most expensive item on the lunch menu.

“I’ll have the same,” Rio said. “And a side salad.”

Kenai scribbled the order on his pad. “I’ll put your order in right away,” he said then hurried away.

A minute passed with nothing but the sound of diners talking and forks scraping plates.

“It feels weird,” Kevin said. “There’s a wolf after me, and I’m sitting out in the open like he’s not a threat. Is that another level-up or insanity creeping in?”

“It’s you finally feeling safe,” Rio said.