Remember Me(24)
“I was hoping you were going to show up at the club yesterday to pick up your car. When you didn’t”—he shrugged his big shoulders—“I decided to just leave the gifts on your car.”
“It was a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t remember a damn thing when I woke up at the hospital. It was terrifying. Damon drive me home, I took a shower and climbed into bed ready for a nap. I guess I really was tired because the next thing I know, it’s Monday…today.”
When his stomach grumbled, Michael remembered that he hadn’t eaten anything.
“Let’s get out of the tub. I’ll make you something to eat and then we can take a nap. I’m exhausted.”
“Did I tire you out already?” Kenny asked, a huge grin on his face.
“No.” Michael shook his head, standing up. The water cascaded down his body and Kenny’s eyes seemed to be glued to every move he made. “I didn’t get much sleep. I was worried about you, but I’m glad you weren’t alone. If I couldn’t be by your side, I’m glad Damon was.”
“He talked about you the whole time. I’m not sure if it helped me remember you or not, but I’m glad I didn’t forget. I can’t imagine missing out on you being my mate.”
Michael smiled at the man’s sweet words. “Even if you did forget”—he wrapped a thick towel around Kenny, drying him off—“you’re still my mate. Nothing can change that.”
When Kenny was dry, Michael tossed the towel into the laundry basket and grabbed another towel for himself. He rubbed the material over his body quickly before taking Kenny’s hand in his own. He interlaced their fingers together as he led Kenny back into the bedroom. Using his free hand, Michael opened the top drawer of his dresser and pulled out two pairs of sweat pants.
He reluctantly dropped Kenny’s hand, giving his mate a pair, while pulling on his own. He pulled the cotton material up his legs and adjusted the elastic around his hips. Michael had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing when he saw Kenny wearing his pants. The young man looked as if he were wearing a tent, the waist falling down and the excess material pooling at his feet, covering them completely.
Kneeling down, Michael fixed the sweats the best he could. It didn’t really matter, they were only venturing to the kitchen for food.
* * * *
Michael was perfect. Everything he said and did completely impressed Kenny, and firmed his belief that he’d made the right decision. It didn’t matter that he hadn’t known Michael long. The man was caring, considerate, and charming. Kenny didn’t know how it was possible, perhaps it was a shifter thing, but Michael was extremely thoughtful.
With the big man kneeling in front of him, Kenny watched the muscles in his back move and flex as he rolled up the pant legs.
“Thank you.” Kevin leaned forward and placed a kiss on the top of Michael’s head.
“My pleasure.” Michael rose fully, placing a kiss on the tip of Kevin’s nose. “Now, let’s head to the kitchen so I can feed my mate.”
Michael took his hand and led Kenny out of the room. On the way to the kitchen, he looked around. The house was masculine—leather couches, modern furniture, hard wood floors, bold colors painted on the walls, and a few family pictures scattered throughout. When they passed the living room, Kenny noticed a large pool table, big screen TV, and a state-of-the-art entertainment center with every kind of video game console ever made.
“Wow,” Kenny breathed out.
Michael chuckled. “The Sabbath brothers have amazing after-parties.” He pulled out a chair with his free hand, sitting Kenny in the chair. “Nicholas and Damon work hard and play even harder. They own a tattoo shop near the Silver Bullet.” He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a few items, setting them on the counter. “How do you feel about tomato basil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches?”
“Sounds great!” Kenny sat up straighter, amazed that the polar bear could cook.
“It’s my favorite.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “I usually make a big batch of soup once a week. It’s easier to reheat when I’m hungry.” Michael opened a plastic container and poured the contents into a sauce pan, turning the burner on. “I’m a new transplant in New Orleans from Alaska. I’m so used to being cold and eating hot soup. Here, the weather is different, but I still love having hot soup.”
“Do you miss your family?” Kenny asked.
“I thought I would be really homesick. I’ve never been away from my small fishing community before. But I met Nicholas and Damon and they took me. I became an honorary Sabbath brother.” Looking over his shoulder, Michael grinned and winked at him before he opened up a loaf of sourdough bread, buttering four slices.