Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 39650 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39650 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
“I combined a few I found online.” They reached the kitchen and Simon started cutting a perfectly browned loaf of bread. “You’re sure it’s okay for me to use your computer all day? You don’t need it?”
“I needed more RAM so I got a new laptop. You can do whatever you want with the one I gave you.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you have time to play around with it today?”
“Yes, I, uh—” Simon put a plate of banana bread and a fork in front of Mitch and then went to the refrigerator. “I found a website about organization, and they had some good ideas so I started rearranging your closet.”
The tension in Simon’s back let Mitch know he was worried about his reaction. Though things between them were easier, more comfortable, Simon was still occasionally nervous and seemingly unsure of what he could do without evoking an angry response.
“That’s great,” Mitch said, trying to keep his normally gruff voice soft. “Everything was stuffed in there. Plus, we needed to make more room for your clothes.”
“Oh, I don’t need to put my things there.” Simon turned around, the milk carton in his hand. “I’m organizing so it’ll be easier for you to find what you need.”
Mitch swallowed down a bite of banana bread and then said, “You live here now. You need space in the closet. If my stuff’s taking up too much room, we can toss some of it.”
Simon poured a glass of milk and then brought it to Mitch and sat down next to him.
“Aren’t you going to have any banana bread?”
“I’m still full from breakfast,” Simon said. Mitch opened his mouth but Simon cut off his apparently obvious response. “No speech about me needing to put on weight, okay? I’m not hungry yet and you’re giving me a complex.”
Mitch snapped his mouth closed. “What kind of complex?”
Lowering his gaze to the table, Simon shrugged.
“Simon?” Mitch asked gently.
“Forget I said anything.” He breathed in deeply. “So, uh, what’s your plan for the afternoon? Are you working?”
Unsure whether to push the topic or let it go, Mitch hesitated and then decided to drop it for the moment and pick it up later. “Yup, I have some work to do today. But first I’m going grocery shopping.” He paused and tried to sound casual when he asked, “Do you want to come with me?”
Simon got up from the table and busied himself wiping down the already gleaming counter. The cabin had never been as clean as it was with Simon’s attention.
“I need to finish the closet. I have your things laid out in piles all over the bed. I shouldn’t go anywhere until I put everything away. I have to make lunch.”
No doubt the listed excuses were true, but they weren’t the reason Simon didn’t want to come to the store. Mitch knew the real cause was Simon’s wariness around people, especially shifters. The grocery store would be crowded with shifters and humans alike and Simon was still reluctant to be around anyone other than Mitch.
Letting the topic go, Mitch said, “Do you have a list for me? I’ll run into town, pick everything up, and be back in time for lunch.”
“Yeah.” Simon tore a piece of paper off the pad stuck to the fridge and handed it over.
Mitch read the list and asked, “Do you want dried herbs or fresh?”
“If they have little plants, I can put them in pots in the windowsill and clip off what we need.”
“I’ll check.” Mitch couldn’t hide his pleased grin. Plants lived longer than a couple of weeks so Simon wanting them meant he planned to stay in Blue Mountain. “If the grocery store doesn’t have them, the plant nursery might.”
“I can come with you next time.” Simon licked his lips. “Maybe.”
“You’ll come when you’re ready.” They had all the time in the world. Mitch stood up and gazed at Simon. Once again, he wanted to touch him in reassurance, but he stayed back. Hopefully his mate would initiate physical contact soon because the distance was killing him.
“Mitch?” Simon said, his voice barely louder than a whisper.
“Yes?”
Without warning, Simon launched himself at Mitch, hugged him tightly, and then jumped away. “Thank you,” he said over his shoulder as he hurried out of the room.
The entire encounter couldn’t have lasted more than a couple of seconds, but it gave Mitch hope, warmed his stomach, and put a smile on his face. “You’re welcome,” he said quietly, even though Simon was too far to hear him. Then he picked up the list and whistled as he left the house to do some shopping.
Chapter 8
Simon breathed out a sigh of relief when he heard Mitch’s truck start up and then roll out of the gravel driveway. He usually loved being in the warm cabin with Mitch, but right then he needed a few minutes to compose himself.