He missed the way his dad used to be, but didn’t blame him for the heartache he was suffering. When Baker lived at home, there were nights when he had heard his father crying in his room. That right there made Baker give his dad leeway in his bitter battle for Baker to make something of himself.
He held a job and was happy. Baker didn’t want to become a lawyer or a doctor. He liked his life.
“It seems she taught you how to make a mean hot dog as well,” Reno teased. “I never had one baked before.”
“Boiling takes the flavor away.” Baker finished his meal and sat there nursing his drink. He wasn’t sure what to do now that he was done eating. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. Hell, Baker hadn’t thought at all. Inviting Reno to dinner was last minute. Cleaning his apartment and getting dinner ready had been the only thing on his mind.
But now that he sat here, watching Reno polish off the last of his fries, Baker wondered if the guy would leave, or…he just wasn’t sure. He felt his nerves twisting into knots as Reno tossed his plate and downed the rest of his soda. “That hit the spot.”
Baker played with the bottle with his fingers as he glanced around the kitchen. “You want to watch a movie or play a game?”
Reno’s eyes darkened as he turned back toward Baker. “What kind of game?” The question was asked in such a way that Baker couldn’t mistake it for anything but lust.
“Video games, horndog.” He rose from his chair, giving Reno a well-placed eye roll. “What did you think I was talking about?” He knew and wasn’t sure why he was asking.
Baker felt his skin grow tight when Reno swept his eyes from head to toe over Baker’s body. “An adult game of hide the sausage.”
Baker burst out laughing, holding his side as tears rolled down his face. He wasn’t sure why that statement was so funny, but he found himself in a fit of laughter. Reno was laughing as well, his handsome face lit up as his dark eyes sparkled with enjoyment.
Breath leaving his lungs, Baker was pulled into Reno’s strong, tanned arms, the man kissing him on his cheek. What a chaste kiss. “You are too damn adorable,” he said and then let Baker go. “We can play a game or watch a movie. I’ll leave that up to you.”
Adorable had never been used to describe Baker before. He felt like a damn puppy at Reno’s words. Heading into the living room, Baker found himself hoping for things he shouldn’t be. As much as he questioned the idea of becoming Reno’s mate, the thought was foremost on his mind as he grabbed a movie and took a seat.
Chapter Seven
Reno sat back, his eyes flickering over the screen of the television. He wasn’t really watching the movie. He was too busy moving a little closer to Baker, letting his fingers lightly play on the man’s shoulder.
The tips trailed over his mate’s shirt and then up to his exposed neck. Baker was sitting there as if oblivious to what Reno was doing, but Reno could see the goose bumps on his mate’s skin.
“I’ve been waiting to see this movie. I bought it last week and haven’t had a chance to sit down and enjoy it.”
Reno wasn’t sure if Baker was babbling because they were alone or if he was telling him in a subtle way that he would much prefer to watch the movie than fool around.
There wasn’t going to be any fooling around. Not in the sense that Baker might be thinking. Reno planned on claiming his mate tonight. It was all he could think about since his mate had visited him at the firehouse and they had sucked each other off.
It had taken every ounce of will not to take him on that bunk. Baker had been so willing, so ready. Reno was pretty sure he could have talked the human into it.
But Baker wasn’t just some guy he was trying to get into bed. Taking him in the firehouse wasn’t what Reno had wanted. Privacy was what he needed because Reno planned on making the man scream in pleasure.
Reno leaned in just as Baker stood. He fell forward on the couch, growling lightly to himself as he caught himself before his face hit the cushion.
“I’m thirsty. Do you want anything to drink?”
Reno turned his head, staring up at Baker in disbelief. “No.”
With a nod, Baker left the room. Unbelievable. Pushing himself back into a sitting position, Reno glanced toward the kitchen and wondered if Baker was playing coy or really that thickheaded.
He wasn’t sure as he sat back and waited for the human to return. Deciding to set the mood while Baker was in the kitchen, Reno quickly dimmed the lights, kicked his boots off, and unsnapped his pants, pulling the zipper all the way down.
He moved on the couch, settling in the middle. The couch wasn’t that big. Baker would have to sit on either side—which in turn would put him close to Reno.
Placing his hand by his mouth, Reno quickly checked his breath by blowing into his hand. It was good. He next smoothed his shirt down, making sure the hem was up enough to where Baker could see his unfastened jeans.
Reno stilled his busy hands when Baker walked back in, a soda in his hand. His mate glanced at the couch where Reno was slumped, his arm over the back. He looked confused, as if he didn’t know where to sit. That answered his question about Baker. Reno realized in that moment
