Trace adjusted his cock—also for the millionth time that morning—and pursed his lips. What he knew was the hand job he’d given himself alone in the shower had done very little to tame the small head. He knew his sexy mate was wearing no bra, because the dress didn’t permit one, and no panties, because she curled up her face at the idea of putting them back on after her shower. They were in the hamper in Keegan’s bathroom. He knew her scent would drive him mad with need in the truck. And he knew they were about to spend Sunday afternoon trailing around with her when what he and Keegan really wanted was to yank her back into the bedroom and fuck her senseless, never letting her leave the house again.
But reality had a way of creeping in. She had a shop to take care of. She needed to pack some things from her condo and bring them to Keegan’s. And her phone was currently still at Griffen’s.
One thing at a time. He repeated the motto again and again, praying the day would pass quickly and he and Keegan could get her naked beneath them once again as soon as possible.
Everything they said about mating and the urge to fuck night and day was true. Until it happened to him, it wasn’t possible to conceive, but now that Trace had fallen for Fate’s design, he understood.
All too well.
When Trace opened the front door, he was shocked to find Keegan’s parents climbing the steps to the porch. Trace grinned. Of course. He’d known them most of his life. No way would they be able to stay away for long after finding out their son had met his mate, or mates in this case. “Will. Marcy. How are you?” He smirked as he pulled Melinda into his side.
Keegan came from behind. “Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?”
Marcy looked chagrined. She tipped her head to one side and looked at Melinda. “Sorry. We couldn’t resist the urge to meet Melinda.” She reached out a hand. “I’m Marcy, Keegan’s mom. So nice to meet you. Welcome to the family.”
Melinda wiggled out of Trace’s embrace to take Marcy’s hand. “A pleasure.” And then she turned toward Will. “And you must be Will. Keegan told me about you last night.”
Will beamed as he shook Melinda’s hand with a wink. “You took time out to discuss boring parents?” he teased. And then he took a deep breath and his smile fell slightly. Trace realized Will wouldn’t have scented their mating—because it hadn’t occurred yet. “Is everything okay? Where are you three going so early?”
It was anything but early, but Trace recognized the real question. Why haven’t you consummated the claiming?
Now wasn’t the time or place. Besides, it wasn’t anyone’s business but the three of them what time frame they lived by. Trace knew he didn’t have to worry about Will and Marcy. Neither of them would say a word to pressure them. They were far too considerate for that.
“We won’t keep you,” Marcy said, stepping back. “We just wanted to say hello. Call us. Come for dinner when you have the time. Okay?” She looked from Melinda to Keegan.
“Of course, Mom.” Keegan leaned forward and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Give us a few days to sort out our crazy lives. We’ll be in touch.”
Marcy pulled her husband back down the front steps, twisting her head back. “Nice to meet you, Melinda.”
“You too, ma’am.” Melinda waved as Trace followed Keegan’s parents down the steps, heading for his truck.
Keegan took Melinda from Trace at the passenger door and kissed her on the forehead. “They liked you.”
She giggled. “How the hell could you know that?”
Trace chuckled. “Baby, they like everyone. Nicest folks I know.”
And then they were off.
The drive was quiet. Melinda sat between them again, but she did her best to keep from touching either man. Trace did his best not to laugh.
When they pulled up to Griffen’s, she looked at him. “Would you please just go in and grab my phone? I don’t think I can face anyone right now.” She glanced down at last night’s dress with a wince. “And that sweet baby… I’ll want to hold her. I’ll come back later.”
Trace kissed her briefly on the lips and jumped down from the cab. It was the first time he’d been separated from her since midnight, and he didn’t relish the idea. So, he jogged to the house.
After knocking, it took a few minutes for someone to come to the door.
Griffen. He looked like he hadn’t slept. His clothes were wrinkled. But his face was full of love for the bundle wrapped in a pink blanket in the crook of his arm. “Hey.”
Trace leaned over his niece and grinned. She was a cute little thing. Then he righted. “We just stopped by to grab Melinda’s phone. She left it last night.”