“It sounds like we both got lucky then.”
“What do you mean?” Michael asked as he placed the bread on a grilling pan.
“I left home as well.” Kenny shook his head. He didn’t come from a good family. He hadn’t lived in a small town that accepted his sexuality. Instead, his parents kicked him out when he finally built up the courage to admit he was gay. “I met Jim Everett and LeeAnn Price when I applied for a job at Bloom and Bear, an attorney’s office. They took one look at me and decided I needed them.”
“I’m curious.” Michael turned around. He maneuvered his body so that he could stir the soup and make eye contact. “Why did you decide to come to the Silver Bullet alone? Why didn’t you bring any friends to celebrate your birthday?” As he asked the questions, Kenny could sense Michael’s unease.
“Jim and LeeAnn offered to take me out to dinner, but I wanted to go to the Silver Bullet.” Kenny exhaled on a sigh. “I’ve wanted to see the inside of that club since moving here when I was eighteen. Jim doesn’t really like going out. He lost his partner a few years ago, the love of his life, and he isn’t into the whole bar scene slash meat market.” Kenny chuckled, just thinking about Jim’s interpretation of the single scene these days. “And LeeAnn.” Kenny shrugged. “She’s kind of a mother type and I just didn’t…”
“You didn’t want her watching you hook up with some hot guy?” Michael winked and Kenny nodded.
“Yeah, I thought that if I did meet a guy, it would probably be a little awkward. I guess I should’ve just gone for awkward.”
“I’m sorry, love. I didn’t mean to bring up…”
“No.” Kenny waved his hand, interrupting Michael. “I truly believe that things happen for a reason.”
Michael carried two bowls to the table, setting the steaming soup down before grabbing a plate containing two grilled cheese sandwiches. The food looked delicious and Kenny couldn’t wait to dig in. Michael sat down next to him and handed Kenny a spoon.
“There is more, if you’re still hungry. I usually have seconds.”
“I just might take you up on that.” Kenny dipped his spoon into the soup and brought it up to his mouth.
Blowing on it, he waited a moment before quietly sipping. He moaned in delight as he picked up his sandwich. After the first bite, Kenny couldn’t stop eating. He tried to remember the last time he’d eaten, but couldn’t remember. He stomach growled in approval when his soup and sandwich finally hit the bottomless pit. The two men ate in silence. When his bowl was empty, he licked the remnants before picking up the crumbs off the plate.
Leaning back in his chair, Kenny yawned, his eyes drooping slightly.
Michael pushed his chair back and put their dishes into the sink before moving back to the table and lifting Kenny out of his chair. He moved closer, pressing his nose into the man’s throat, nuzzling close. Kenny wrapped his arms around Michael’s neck. He loved being inside Michael’s arms. It brought back good memories—Michael saving him, talking to him, comforting him, and loving him.
His polar bear took him back into the bedroom. Using one hand, Michael pulled back the comforter and sheets before laying Kenny down on the bed. He shut off the lights and climbed into bed, pulling the blankets over them. Pulling Kenny into his arms, Michael spooned him, holding him.
“I love you,” Michael whispered, kissing his shoulder.
“Mmmm.” Kenny arched his back, stretching his tired muscles before snuggling back into Michael’s broad chest. “I love you, too.”
“Get some sleep, my mate.” Those were the last words he heard before falling asleep.
Chapter 11
Kenny woke up, cuddled in Michael’s strong arms. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled on a sigh. He opened his eyes and realized he was already smiling. It was a relief that he remembered Michael. Initially, he’d only come to the polar bear’s house to thank him for saving him. But, when he saw Michael, his memory rushed back in a flash of vivid pictures.
He couldn’t regret going to the club since it brought Michael into his life. If he’d left that night, if he hadn’t accepted the drink, he could’ve missed Michael altogether. Kenny was a strong believer in fate and destiny. Everything happened for a reason.
Slowly turning over, he was careful not to jostle Michael’s sleeping form. When he was finally facing the big man, Kenny studied his features and even glanced down a few times, checking his mate’s pecs and abs. He reached out a hand and gently stroked Michael’s cheek with his fingertips.