by Lynn Hagen
Or kiss those pretty lips.
Fuck. He was getting hard just thinking about what he wanted Miller to do to him. Payton definitely wanted him to return, and repairing the step was the perfect excuse.
“Okay. When?” Payton hoped he didn’t seem too desperate. He hated being single, and… Shit, there he went again. Just because Miller was hot didn’t mean they were going to hook up, but Payton did hate being single.
For him, it was a death sentence. He just couldn’t seem to function properly when he wasn’t in a relationship. Then again, he didn’t seem to function properly when he was in one.
Nobody had to tell him how fucked up his way of thinking was. Payton already knew it.
Miller pulled out a business card and slid it across the wood of the table. “How about tomorrow? After that, the days are supposed to get colder, and more snow is predicted for Friday.”
“Ugh.” Payton rolled his eyes as he took the card. “I really hate snow. It’s all cold and…snowy.”
Miller chuckled and the sound went straight to Payton’s cock. “Snow tends to be that way.”
Could Payton sound like a bigger loser? He loved dating, but getting to know someone was always a nerve-racking ordeal. Why couldn’t people be like computers? Payton would simply “download” Miller’s past and personality, and he would then know what he was dealing with.
He rolled his eyes. Maybe he really did need some sleep.
Miller and Loki stopped at the side door. The guy smiled at Payton, and Payton’s heart thundered in his chest. “It was really nice meeting you.”
God, Payton felt his face catch fire as he returned the smile. “You, too. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“You can count on it.” Miller opened the door, and Loki walked out. Bilbo could use some tips on behavior and manners from that dog.
Payton watched as Miller stepped over the gaping hole and then placed the slab tight enough so no other animals could get inside before waking to his truck.
With a deep sigh, Payton closed the door and then leaned against it. His smile widened. “He was hot as hell,” he said to the empty room.
Payton washed their mugs and set them in the drying rack then found Bilbo scratching at his couch.
Yep, he could definitely use some tips from Loki, which was ironic since Loki was the god of mischief.
Payton laughed to himself then sobered. He wouldn’t mind getting to know Loki’s owner better. He needed his beauty sleep if he was to impress Miller tomorrow.
Chapter Three
Miller walked into Payton’s house to the smell of freshly baked apple pie. Talk about a welcoming aroma. Miller had thought that he would get the step done, receive a thank you from Payton, and be on his way.
This was a much better prospect.
“I know you probably have work to do besides fixing my step, but I wanted to show my appreciation for what you did for me last night.” Payton sliced into the pie and plated two pieces. “I’m a pretty good cook, but I’m much better at baking.”
If the smell was anything to go by, Miller agreed. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble. I’m a sucker for needy animals.”
Miller’s jaguar purred at the way Payton blushed. All he’d thought about last night was getting back to his mate. It had been the longest night in recorded history. At least it felt that way to him.
“I even went to town this morning and picked up some treats for Loki.” Payton looked around. “You didn’t bring him with you?”
Miller took a seat at Payton’s table and thanked his mate when he brought him his plate. The smell of apples twisted in the air around him and made Miller deeply inhale.
It had been a long time since anything made him this hungry. “I wasn’t going to assume. I had Loki with me last night, so I used his skills, but I’m not going to just bring him along without asking.”
Payton turned, placing a hand on his hip, the pie cutter in his other hand as he waved it like an extension of his arm. “Loki is welcome here anytime, Miller. He saved Bilbo. I’m eternally grateful to him.” Payton’s blush deepened. “And you, I mean, since you brought Loki here, I guess you get some credit.”
“I can settle for ten percent of the credit. I was just Loki’s driver. He did all the work.” Miller liked teasing Payton. He also loved the deep rosy color of his mate’s cheeks.
“Next time you better bring him.”
Miller wasn’t sure if Payton realized what he’d just said. His mate was inviting him back, and Miller would definitely take him up on his offer.
“Go ahead.” Payton handed him a fork. “Try it.”
Miller sliced into the pie and ate a forkful. His eyes rolled to the back of his head. He had to admit this was was the best pie he’d ever had. It was even better than the diner’s. “Meh, it’s okay.”
Payton slapped him on his arm. “Don’t even play with me like that.”
Miller chuckled. “Okay, sorry. It’s fantastic.”
Payton’s smile was blinding. “That’s what I thought, and thank you.”
If Payton let him, Miller would probably eat the entire pie. It was that good, and he hadn’t had lunch yet. He’d been working with Russell all morning and decided to come over on his lunch break. Too bad he couldn’t stay.
After finishing the last of his treat, Miller put his plate, fork, and empty milk glass in the sink. “Well, I better get that step fixed. I have to get back to work afterward.”
“Oh, don’t let me keep you.” Payton walked him to the side door. “Let me know when you’re finished.”
Miller lingered, fighting the urge to haul Payton to him and kiss him silly. His jaguar purred at the thought, but Miller excused himself and went outside, and just like last night, his dick was half-hard in his jeans.
He wanted to stay, but he and Russell had a big job to finish, and he wasn’t about to bail on his responsibilities. Miller was already taking time he didn’t have to eat the pie, but damn, it had been worth it.
He mixed the cement and set the step, sealing it. It would take a tad longer since it was cold outside, but Miller was confident the work was done. Unless Payton found another distressed animal hiding in there, which Miller doubted. He’d set the slab last night, and no animal could have gotten into the small gap.
Payton stuck his head out the door and handed Miller a thermos. “It’s cold as hell out here, so I thought I’d give you something warm to drink.”
Miller knew when someone was flirting with him, and Payton was flirting with him. “Thank you.” He took the thermos. “Do you know what would be even better?”
Payton tried his best to hide his smile, but failed. “And what’s that?”
“Having dinner with me.” Miller took a sip of the coffee, and fuck, it was perfect, just like Payton. It was a lot better than the cup he’d had last night.
“Are you asking me out on a date?” Payton reached down and grabbed Bilbo before he could slink out the door. The cat didn’t look too happy about being held captive and wiggled until Payton put him down.
This time it was Miller who grabbed the cat when he darted outside. “I guess I am.” He stroked Bilbo’s soft black fur and smiled when the cat started purring. “So, is that a yes?” He shrugged. “Nothing fancy. I was just thinking we could catch a meal at the diner.”
“What time?” Payton cleared his throat, as if realizing how quickly he’d asked the question. Miller like the guy’s enthusiasm. That told him that his mate felt the pull, even though Payton had no idea what that feeling was.
“How does six sound? I could meet you there or pick you up. Your choice.”
“Yeah, sure.” There went Payton’s adorable blush again. “I can meet you there.”
“Perfect.” He handed the cat back to Payton. “I’ll see you at six. Oh, and Payton?”
“Yes?”
Miller walked up the steps, careful of the one he’d just repaired. When he was close enough, he slid his hand around Payton’s nape
and pulled his mate close, getting the kiss he’d been dying for.
It had started off slow and sweet, but Payton pushed it further, sucking on Miller’s tongue and groaning. Fuck. Miller had to get out of there before he didn’t return to work, because he was seconds away from inviting himself back inside.
“Just something to think about until I see you again,” Miller said as he backed away. “See you at six.”
He walked away, smiling at the stunned look he’d left on Payton’s gorgeous face. If he played his cards right, and Payton was all for it, Miller would claim his mate later tonight.
* * * *
Payton pressed his fingers against his lips as he watched Miller get into his truck and drive away. “I’ll have to make apple pie more often,” he said to himself as he hurried back inside, closing the door to keep the cold out.
“Okay, now don’t screw this up,” he said as he cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. “Don’t get clingy, and definitely don’t spazz out on him.”
“Who the hell are you talking to, and who are you talking about?”
Payton jumped and screamed, his heart thundering until he realized it was Sherman who was talking to him.
“Don’t you know how to announce yourself!” Payton pressed a hand over his heart. “Are you trying to scare me to death?”
“Since when are you so jumpy?” Sherman walked over to the counter and sniffed the remaining apple pie. “Damn, you didn’t tell me you were baking.”
His cousin helped himself to a slice before taking a seat at the table. Payton was tempted to eat another slice, but he was more determined to keep the weight off. “So who are you talking about?”
“Bilbo.” Payton wrapped the remaining pie and set it on the stove. He wanted to save some for later, when he invited Miller back to his place. Just thinking about it gave him goose bumps and had him excited. “We’re having a torrid love affair, and we’re thinking about taking it to the next level.”
Sherman wrinkled his nose. “Dude, that’s disgusting. If you’re going to date an animal, raise your standards.”
“Hmm, like you?” Payton leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “If I recall, George was as close to a dog as a human can get.”
Sherman rolled his eyes. “Don’t remind me. The jerk still tries to call me, even after I caught him cheating. I’m tempted to go over to his house and break his phone, and his balls.”
Payton snickered. “Well, if you need help making his life hell, you know I’m here for you.”
Payton had been there for Sherman the entire time his cousin had been dating the jerk. He still didn’t see why Sherman had stayed in their relationship so long. It wasn’t as though George had treated Sherman kindly. They’d constantly argued, George constantly cheated, and they were like oil and water.
Aside from the cheating part, their relationship had been similar to Payton and Pyke’s. Dysfunction seemed to run rampant in their family.
Sherman’s parents had divorced years ago, yet the two still argued on a regular basis. It was as if it were an Olympic sport for them and they were going for the gold.
No wonder all of Payton’s past relationships had failed. His examples were the worst.
Payton looked at the clock on his stove. He had five and a half hours until he had to be at the diner.
“I came by to see if you wanted to go shopping.” Sherman talked around a mouthful of pie. “You haven’t decorated for Christmas yet, and it’s only a week away.”
Payton hadn’t been in the spirit this year. He refused to go to his parents’ house for the holiday. Why? So he could listen to them rip each other apart? No thanks. And he was single, so he didn’t see why he should put forth the effort of decorating his home. Who would he be impressing, Bilbo?
But he did love shopping. “I guess I could buy myself some presents.”
“And me,” Sherman said. “I like getting gifts.”
Payton rolled his eyes. “Fine, let me shower and dress, and then we can head out.”
“You better not take forever, or I’m eating all the pie.”
“You better not,” Payton snarled as he narrowed his eyes. “If you do, I’ll turn into that witch that tried to put those kids in the oven.”
Sherman snickered. “You do know that the witch ended up in there, right? So your threat holds no weight.”
“Stay away from my pie, or I’ll call George and tell him you want to get back together.”
Sherman glared at Payton. “Don’t you dare. I’d rather date Bilbo than that cheating bastard.”
An hour later, they were in the downtown area. Payton started to regret his decision. He was cold as shit, and for some strange reason, he missed Miller. All Payton wanted to do was go home and watch the clock until it was time to meet him at the diner.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you?” Sherman bumped arms with Payton as they walked down the snowy street. “You look like you’re heading to the dentist to get a root canal. Is your depression setting in?”
Payton did suffer from depression, but he tried to keep himself busy so he wouldn’t dwell on it so much. Unfortunately, this time of year, it was always worse.
“I’m okay.” Payton gave Sherman a big fake smile. “I just need to warm up.”
“Let’s go get some hot cocoa.” Sherman directed Payton to Bistro.
Payton moaned as soon as he walked in. He hated Christmas music, and it was playing loudly in the background. If he knew where the music was coming from, he would destroy the sound system.
They ordered their drinks as Payton looked around, trying to decide if he wanted to grab a seat or get out of there. On the one hand, he wasn’t ready to run back out into the cold. On the other, the music was grating on his nerves and the coffee shop was packed.
“Hey,” Sherman said, slapping Payton’s arm. “That table just cleared out. Go grab it before someone takes it. I’ll get our drinks and bring them over.”
Payton had to turn sideways to get through the crowd. He didn’t think he would make it in time before the table was stolen from him, but thankfully he did.
Only a plump guy sat across from him at the same time Payton sat.
“I was here first,” Payton argued. He wasn’t about to stand while sipping his hot chocolate, and this stranger had just plopped his butt down next to Payton, who was already irritated. Why? He wasn’t even sure what had him in a sour mood, but he didn’t feel like being bothered right now.
“We can share the table,” the portly man said with a jolly smile and warm blue eyes that sparkled under the fluorescent lighting. He looked like a grandfather who would make hot chocolate from scratch while regaling stories of his youth. He made Payton miss his own grandfather.
Even so, this wasn’t his grandpa and Payton wasn’t in the sharing mood. “My cousin is getting our drinks, so I’ll need the other seat.”
The stranger stared at the empty seat between them before looking at Payton. “I think there are enough chairs to accommodate us.”
“Hey, who’s your new friend?” Sherman asked when he arrived with a cup in each hand.
Payton took a sip and grimaced. He’d ordered a hot chocolate, but they had put peppermint in it. God, nothing was going right. He should have just stayed home.
“He’s not my friend,” Payton said. “He’s just some dude who invited himself to sit with us.”
“This place is crowded, and there isn’t anywhere else to sit,” the guy argued. “Where’s your holiday spirit?”
“I left it in my other pants,” Payton said dryly.
God, he was doing it again, being a rude jerk just because he was irritated. This wasn’t him turning over a new leaf. This was him acting like his old self, which he’d sworn he wouldn’t do. Who knew trying to be a better person took so much work?
“Look, I’m sorry.” Payton rubbed at his eyes. “You’re welcome to sit there, though, as you can tell, I’m not very good company right now.”
“What’s w
rong?” the stranger asked.
He seemed genuinely concerned from the way his bushy brows were creased. He still reminded Payton of his grandfather, whom Payton had dearly loved. That helped softened Payton’s irritation, but not by much.
“Nothing.” Sherman blew across the top of his cup before taking a tentative sip. “That’s Payton’s normal personality. Stick around. He’ll grow on you like mold.”
Payton gave his cousin an incredulous look. “You don’t have to tell a complete stranger I’m a bitch.”
“Hey.” Sherman held a hand up. “I’ve never used that word to describe you. Pissy, moody, temperamental, and a bit crazy, but never a bitch.”
“I’m pretty sure the first three mean the same thing.” Payton glanced around, wishing most of the people would leave. He was so not in the mood for this, and he knew why. The freaking holiday and the prospect of spending it alone was the culprit.
“I truly believe everyone has happiness inside them,” the stranger said. “Some people just have to dig really deep to find it.”
Sherman chuckled. “Payton would have to dig to the center of the earth to find his.”
Payton frowned. He’d never heard Sherman talk that way about him. Did his cousin really feel that way? Was he that difficult to deal with?
Sherman winked. “You know I’m just kidding.”
But he wasn’t. He saw on his cousin’s face how uncomfortable he truly was. Payton curled his lips in as Sherman and the stranger talked. Now it was Payton who was uncomfortable. He knew he could be a shit sometimes, but to hear Sherman talk that way kind of hit home.
“Are you serious?” Sherman’s jaw dropped. “Hey, Payton. Did you hear that?”
Payton pulled his attention away from his drink and looked up. “What?”
Sherman was still staring wide-eyed at the guy. “He said his name is Nick!”
Payton rolled his eyes. Although the guy was round, with red cheeks and white hair, there was no way he would believe this was Santa Claus. “And?”