Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“Alright, I’m calling bullshit or pod person.” Glaring at both of them, which made them try to look even more normal, I leaned back in my chair. “Explain or I’ll start probing.”
That finally got a giggle from Lorne and some of the life came back into him as he tried to pout. “Fine. I won’t be a romantic grown-up.”
That was what he thought he’d been doing?
Monroe rolled his eyes, making it seem like he at least realized they’d been ridiculous. “I told you this wouldn’t work.”
Lorne huffed, glaring at his Daddy. “No, you said he wanted romance and that we should take him out to a nice grown-up dinner. That’s what we did and he thinks we’re aliens.”
They both finally turned to me, glaring like somehow it was all my fault, but it was Lorne who grumbled first. “I was being romantic.”
He’d been being insane.
I knew better than to explain that, though.
“Let’s try being yourselves and explaining to me what you were thinking.” Or what plan they’d been hatching.
Sighing, Lorne rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “It’s not a public conversation and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I remember your limits.”
The no sex talk in restaurants one?
The no oversharing in public one?
“Thank you for explaining that and keeping my limits in mind.” Whichever one we were butting up against, I knew better than to push him. “How about we get out of here and head over to your place? I think that sounds like a good idea and you can satisfy several of my curiosities at once.”
Lorne grinned and wiggled in his seat but it only lasted for a split second before he was back to doing his grown-up routine again. “I’m supposed to ask you about your fears and phobias before I invite you inside.”
What the fuck?
Even Monroe blinked, so I knew he at least hadn’t been expecting that turn of events.
Not completely sure how to respond to him, I tried to find just a reasonable one in general. “If you’re asking if I have a fear of spiders or bugs or crawly things or something more specific like a color, then no.”
What else could it be?
“I also don’t have any issues with common phobias or anything less common.” What was the weirdest thing that he could have or have done that would be crossing a line? “I’m not going into your house if something is going to eat me or if you have something like a sparkly lion living in your basement.”
Monroe groaned. “You don’t have anything magical or dangerous living in your house, do you?”
Lorne scoffed. “I wouldn’t have anything that would eat my mates. I need you for sex and attention.”
His eyes sparkled with teasing and mischief, which didn’t make me feel any better. “If I get eaten, I’m going to figure out a way to come back and haunt you. I’ll make sure you never get laid again.”
Sucking in a breath, Lorne couldn’t decide if he wanted to pout or look offended. “Well, I never.”
So the middle ground was an offended Southern belle?
“Just as long as we’re all clear on the consequences.” I’d never heard of anyone claiming that a dragon or mage had come back as a ghost, but I was confident in my abilities, so I knew I could make it work.
Monroe’s gaze was bouncing back and forth between us. “How about we just go back to my place and we’ll play toys? Or we can go play in Carrick’s basement?”
“Daddy.” Lorne was back to being shocked and offended. “I have plans and lists.”
What the fuck did that mean?
They were going to drive me insane one day.
“Alright.” Monroe nodded, clearly not sure any of it was a good idea. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
Well, I was glad he was so confident.
We’d already paid the bill, so heading back to the car didn’t take long, but I was frustrated that someone had to sit in the back seat. “We’re going to fix the car situation so we have at least one where Lorne can sit in the front between us both.”
Having something else to talk about besides whatever they were hiding improved Monroe’s mood dramatically. He nodded excitedly as relief flooded through him. “I agree but I’m not sure what our best options are.”
Lorne was swinging our hands and humming to himself, so when he spoke up, I was surprised to hear that he’d actually been paying attention. “You like old cars, Daddy. What about one of those old trucks with the big bench seats?”
Hmm.
“Classic old, not we’re living on a working farm old.” There was a difference.
Trying not to laugh and doing a terrible job, Monroe nodded. “Maybe something that looks classic but has been redone with updated safety features? Yes, I would love something authentic, but you are a trouble magnet, monkey.”