Lost & Found

by Lynn Hagen

  That was true. Steven had planned on doing them before they’d left. Derek had just saved them some time. “Thanks.”

  “You’re most welcome.” Derek dried his hands on Steven’s hand towel. He placed it back over the handle of the stove, making sure it was perfect. “What’s the verdict?”

  “Kenny said no,” Steven said as he joined Derek in the kitchen. He wanted to be back in the man’s arms. He craved to be back in Derek’s arms. He felt insane with the need as he told himself not to get all clingy. Guys didn’t like clingy, and Steven didn’t want to push Derek away.

  “Then we stay here,” Derek said.

  Steven shook his head. “But Russell said I could go.”

  Excitement rippled through Steven at the thought of sleeping in Derek’s bed, of Derek curling his arms around Steven as they slept. Steven wanted to be glued to the man’s side.

  Derek’s brows dipped low. “Who’s Russell?”

  “Kenny’s boyfriend,” Steven said. “And I like listening to him better. He’s a really great guy who also looks out for me.”

  Derek curled his arms around Steven and pulled him to his chest. “Now I’m the one who’ll be looking out for you, kitten. We’re mates, and it’s my duty to keep you safe and happy.”

  “I’m very happy right now.” Steven leaned up on his toes and kissed Derek’s neck. “Very happy.” His hard cock would agree.

  “I’m glad.” Derek gave him another toe-curling kiss before he slapped Steven on his ass. “Let’s get going. My kitten is hungry.”

  “Why do you keep calling me kitten?” It was sweet, and Steven loved it, but he was also curious.

  “I’m a tiger, sweetheart, and you’re my kitten.” Derek winked. “Although technically I should be calling you cub, but I like kitten better.”

  “Me, too.” Steven pulled from Derek’s arms and grabbed his bag by the door.

  Derek took it from him, and they were off. Steven had never spent the night away from home before, and he loved the idea of spending it with his hot and hunky mate.

  Mate. Steven loved that word, too.

  * * * *

  After a dinner of soup and sandwiches, Derek heard Steven’s cell phone chime. Steven looked at it, rolled his eyes, and set his phone on the table.

  “Kenny?”

  “He’s asking if I’m okay.”

  He liked that Steven’s brother was so concerned about him. Derek would have to meet Kenny and Russell to reassure them that Steven was in good hands.

  “Text him back and let him know you’re okay.”

  “Are you sure?” Steven asked. “I can turn my phone off so he doesn’t interrupt our night.”

  “Kitten, I don’t want him worrying about you.” Derek got up and took their plates and bowls to the sink.

  After Steven sent the text, they settled on the couch and watched a movie. Derek could not believe he was watching a Disney movie. But it had been what Steven wanted. If Katie ever found out, his personal assistant and best friend would never let Derek live it down.

  When the movie was over, Steven crawled into Derek’s lap. The guy was straight-up sex on two short legs. His scent of wildflowers made Derek feel drunk as he inhaled deep drafts of it and slid his hands down Steven’s back to cup his ass.

  “Was there something you wanted?” Derek teased. He’d noticed earlier that day that Steven had blue eyes, but damn, they were so gorgeous. He could stare into them for the rest of the night.

  “Am I being too clingy?” Steven tried to wiggle his way off Derek’s lap, but Derek gripped Steven’s ass tighter to stop him.

  “You could never be too clingy.” He nipped Steven’s earlobe. “I love you clinging to me. You can be my very own spider monkey.”

  Steven laughed. “I’m not a monkey.”

  Derek ate that sound up. He chuckled as he sat there simply admiring the view. He dropped a kiss on Steven’s sweet lips then rested his forehead against his mate’s. “I had fun tonight.”

  He couldn’t recall the last time he’d sat down to watch a movie. Books were his thing when he found downtime, which wasn’t often, but watching Steven’s face light up had been well worth sitting through Christopher Robin.

  In truth, Derek found the movie endearing. No fucking way would he ever admit that to anyone, though.

  “I had fun, too.” Steven ran his hands over Derek’s chest. “Now what do you want to do?”

  Derek smirked. “A few things come to mind.”

  “Like?”

  Reaching his hand between them, he unfastened Steven’s pants and fisted his hard cock. Steven hissed as Derek ran his thumb over the slit, gathering up the pre-cum before shoving his finger into his mouth.

  Steven sucked in air between his teeth. His pupils enlarged as his breath shuddered from his throat. “That was so freaking hot.”

  When Derek pulled his finger from his mouth, their hands were everywhere, tugging at shirts, pulling at jeans, grabbing at hair, and kissing in between their frenzied movements.

  They rolled off the couch and landed on the soft area rug, their naked limbs tangling as they moaned into each other’s mouths. Derek had planned on fucking Steven, until his mate wiggled his way around and his head landed by Derek’s cock.

  And Steven’s pretty cock was right in front of Derek’s face.

  He took Steven’s shaft into his mouth, taking the hard erection all the way down his throat. Steven cried out and writhed beneath him. He palmed Derek’s erection, licked the head, and teased the length.

  Derek used one arm to prop himself and used his free hand to glide over his mate’s balls. Steven’s legs kicked out as he swallowed Derek’s dick.

  “Oh fuck,” Derek grunted when he pulled his mouth from Steven’s cock. “That’s it, kitten. Suck me off.”

  Wetting a finger, Derek slid it between Steven’s cheeks and sank it deep into his mate’s hole. Shit. He loved how responsive the human was. Steven didn’t hold anything back. His mate whimpered around Derek’s dick, as if telling him to get on with it.

  With a smirk Derek licked a path over the head of Steven’s cock. Two could play at teasing. He fucked Steven with his finger and licked his way down the man’s hardness, leaving behind a wet trail as he took Steven’s balls into his mouth.

  Steven thrashed beneath him. Giving his mate mercy, Derek sucked Steven’s dick back into his mouth.

  Seconds later, Steven’s body convulsed as he came down Derek’s throat. Derek let Steven’s cock slip from between his lips and then fucked his mate’s face in short bursts.

  Derek’s orgasm rocked him as he growled out his release. When was the last time he’d indulged in this position? A long while, and Derek loved that Steven was so spontaneous.

  He eased out of Steven’s mouth and rolled to his side, pulling his mate into his arms. “That was amazing, sweetheart.”

  Steven kissed along his neck and then pulled back, smiling at him. “I loved every second of it.”

  Something thumped against the living room window. Derek looked up in time to see a shadow move past it.

  “Stay right here,” he snarled as he got up and moved to the front door. He deactivated his alarm system and opened the door. Derek looked around but didn’t see anyone.

  He glanced down and saw a bouquet of crushed pink and purple tulips. It looked as though someone had stomped them to death.

  Tristan.

  Maybe Derek needed to hire a bodyguard to watch his back since his cheating ex-boyfriend wasn’t getting the message that they were over. Not that Derek couldn’t handle Tristan, but he didn’t want the hassle of Tristan’s sneaky ass harassing him.

  He had other, more important things to do, like indulge in his mate’s body and get to know Steven better.

  Chapter Four

  “He’s adorable!” Katie yanked Steven into her arms. “I just want to wrap him in the world’s biggest hug and never let him go.”

  Steven looked at Derek with pleading blue eyes.


  “Let the man breathe.” Derek chuckled. “Besides, you’re already giving him the world’s biggest hug.”

  Katie released Steven and took a step back, nearly bumping into the island in the middle of the kitchen. “I’m sorry.” She blushed. “I didn’t mean to invade your personal space. I’m just so happy Derek found his mate.”

  Steven bit his lower lip as he looked toward the floor. Hmm. The guy was shy. Derek would’ve never guessed that from the way Steven had been acting. “Why don’t you go get some work done? I left instructions on my desk.”

  “For what?” Katie hadn’t stopped smiling at Steven. She was acting as though she’d just found the cutest stuffed animal in the store and wanted to take it home.

  Fat chance Derek would let her.

  “You’ll see.” Derek didn’t want to talk about security with Steven around. He didn’t want his mate to worry. “Just choose wisely.”

  She gave him a questioning look but nodded and left the kitchen, her heels clicking on the tiled floor.

  “I have to go to work tomorrow.” Steven sat on one of the stools by the island. “Which means I can’t spend the night again because I have to be up way, way early and your house is too far from town to walk.”

  If it were up to Derek, Steven would never work again. It was too early in their mating for him to suggest Steven quit his job. He didn’t want his mate to spout off again about his independence. “I’ll make sure you get there on time, but I need you to ask for the weekend off.”

  “Why?” Steven stabbed at the pancakes Derek had just made. They weren’t bad but not the best. Maybe now that Steven was here Derek would hire a cook/housekeeper. He had a cleaning service that came in every few days to clean the place, but with Steven’s appetite, Derek would need someone full time.

  He walked behind Steven and slid his hands down his mate’s sides. “Because I want to take you away for the weekend.”

  “Where do you want to take me?” Steven chomped on a piece of bacon that was slightly burnt.

  “Wyoming. My family is getting together, and I’d like you to come with me.” Before Steven could say the words, Derek beat him to it. “Of course you’ll have to ask Kenny first.”

  Derek was gonna have a talk with Steven’s brother. He needed to let the guy know that Steven was in good hands and he had nothing to worry about. Derek would be damned if he’d wait on Kenny’s approval every time he wanted to do something with Steven.

  “Did you read my mind?” Steven chuckled. “That’s what I was just thinking.”

  Derek kissed his nape. “I’m just starting to learn you. Now finish your breakfast.”

  After pouring a cup of coffee, Derek headed to his office in case Katie had any questions. When he entered, she was seated on his couch, her dark brows hiked. “Mind telling me why you want some security guy hanging around?”

  Keeping his voice low, Derek replied, “Because Tristan was here last night. I’m not sure if he was looking in the windows, but there was a crushed bouquet of tulips on my front step.”

  Katie gave a tiny growl. “What’s wrong with that idiot? The moneygrubber was the one who cheated on you. If you ask me, you should have buried his body.”

  Derek sighed. “It’s been six months, Katie. Some people are just insane.”

  In truth, if it were up to Derek, he’d take her advice and bury Tristan’s body, but he didn’t want to kill someone just because they were obsessed with him. He just wanted Tristan to go away, and it seemed, no matter what he said, his words were falling on deaf ears.

  “Okay.” She typed on her laptop, which was balanced on her thighs. “I’ll get right on it.”

  “Also find someone who can cook and clean,” he said. “I barely survived on my own cooking, but I won’t keep subjecting Steven to it.”

  She smirked. “I’ve tasted your cooking. I’m surprised you haven’t keeled over yet.”

  And they both knew Katie couldn’t boil water. She preferred to dine out or order in.

  “If it wasn’t for my regenerative powers, I probably would have.” He winked at her.

  “I’ll get right on that as soon as I find a good bodyguard firm. Price limit?”

  “Just get me someone who’s a professional and takes the job seriously.” Derek joined Steven in the kitchen. His plate was only half touched. “I think we should go out for breakfast.”

  “No, I’m good.” Steven patted his stomach. The guy was as skinny as a twig.

  Derek set the dishes in the sink. “I want to take you to the apartment building I was looking to buy. How does that sound?”

  Unable to keep from touching his mate, Derek pulled Steven into his arms. He loved inhaling Steven’s wildflower scent, loved touching his silky soft skin, and simply loved having his mate pinned to him.

  Katie had been right, only it was Derek who wanted to wrap Steven in the world’s biggest hug and never let him go. He couldn’t remember the last time his heart had felt this light and he’d looked forward to the day ahead of him. But with Steven at his side, Derek knew he would enjoy himself today.

  “You want me to go shopping with you?”

  Derek smiled. “Something like that.”

  A frown puckered between Steven’s eyes. “But I don’t have any money.”

  Hugging Steven tighter, Derek threw his head back and laughed. “You’re too damn adorable.”

  “Adorable is for babies, kittens, and puppies.” Steven pouted.

  “And don’t I call you kitten?”

  Steven looked as though he was mulling that thought over. “I guess you do. Okay, you can call me adorable, but not in public.”

  He drove them to the apartment building where Steven lived. Derek wanted to purchase not only that one but the one next to it. The buildings were on a nice tree-lined street in a decent neighborhood.

  “Why did you take me home?” Steven asked. “Are you dropping me off already?”

  Aw, his mate looked so disappointed. Derek leaned over and kissed Steven’s cheek. “No, I’m not dropping you off.” He pointed to both buildings. “These are the ones I want to buy.”

  Derek had already spotted a few maintenance issues he would have to take care of, like the peeling paint on the windows and the warped entry doors. He hadn’t spoken to the realtor just yet, so he had no idea what the insides of the apartments looked like.

  From the little bit of time he’d spent in Steven’s apartment—even though his mate kept his place immaculate—Derek had seen that modern updates were needed.

  “You’re gonna buy my building?” Steven looked at him with surprise.

  He wanted to tell Steven that it wouldn’t be his building for long, not if Derek could talk Steven into moving in with him. But his mate had an independent streak that Derek needed to figure a way around.

  “Yep. I’ll be your new landlord.” Derek bounced his brows. “But I promise not to be a mean one.”

  Steven grinned. “I know you won’t be. You’re a really sweet guy.”

  That compliment made Derek’s chest squeeze tight. The way Steven had said that, it was as though his mate hadn’t had much kindness in his life.

  Derek planned on changing that. “I want to stop at the diner. I need to talk with Kenny.”

  Steven’s eyes widened. “What for? Did I do something wrong?”

  His mate looked as though he was about to freak out. Derek rubbed a hand on Steven’s thigh to calm him down. His mate’s shoulders slowly sagged as he stared up at Derek.

  God, he wanted to kiss Steven. Derek wanted to let his seat back and pull Steven onto his lap.

  “You didn’t do anything wrong. I just want to talk to him about this weekend,” Derek reminded him as he drove away. “Don’t forget we need his approval for you to go away with me.”

  Steven bounced in his seat. “I’ve never been on a plane before.” He grinned at Derek. “I’ve never been out of Maple Grove, either.”

  That was another thing Derek planned on changing. Steven
needed to see the world, and Derek would help him see it. He also didn’t like saying they needed Kenny’s approval. Derek was about to straighten that out.

  He parked in front of the diner and waited until his mate joined him on the sidewalk before they entered. The diner smelled fantastic, which made Derek’s stomach grumble. Maybe he’d grab a bite to eat while he was there.

  He spotted Kenny behind the counter and walked over to it, taking a seat. Steven sat next to him and waved at his brother.

  “What the hell?” Kenny asked when he joined them. “You were supposed to come in this morning, Steven.”

  Derek bristled at the way Kenny spoke to his brother. It wasn’t anger. More like the guy was peeved.

  “I thought I came back tomorrow.” Steven scratched his head. “It was tomorrow, wasn’t it?”

  Kenny’s eyes softened, as well as his tone. “Sure, tomorrow, Steven.”

  Derek’s tiger settled down at the way Kenny now spoke to Steven, as if his brother were the most precious thing in the world to him.

  “Are you having fun?” Kenny asked Steven, but he eyed Derek with caution.

  “A blast.” Steven told Kenny about their dinner at The Canteen yesterday and about how Derek had given him a tour and the movie they’d watch. Thank fuck he hadn’t mentioned anything about them having sex. Not that Derek cared, but he didn’t want Steven giving away their intimate moments.

  Kenny smiled warmly at Steven. “I’m glad you’ve made a new friend.”

  Steven snickered. “He watches my favorite movies. He’s a keeper, right?”

  “He sounds like it.” Kenny was still giving Derek a hurt my brother and I’ll gut you look.

  “Would you mind if you and I spoke privately?” Derek asked. He stuck his hand out. “Derek Mitchell.”

  Although he knew who Kenny was, they hadn’t formally met.

  “Kenny Dunkin.” Kenny shook his hand. “We can go into the kitchen.”

  “Hey, Russell,” Steven said when Derek had gotten up. Derek looked over his shoulder and spotted the guy Steven revered. Russell was the person Derek wanted to talk to, but he wanted Kenny to be in on the conversation.