Chapter Eleven
Donnie stretched his legs out in front of him, relaxing in the evening air. He sat on his deck in the back garden listening to Jeremy move around the kitchen. They’d finished their evening meal, and Jeremy was now tidying up. He’d firmly told Donnie to leave him to it. Donnie had cooked so he would clean.
He soon stepped out onto the deck and passed a bottle of beer to Donnie, then snuggled up next to him on the two-seater. Donnie threw the blanket over both of them, and they sat in silence, enjoying the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.
“I could feel you while I was gone,” Donnie told him. “It was strange.”
“I know. There were times when you seemed to feel, I don’t know, despair? Later, you seemed happy?”
Donnie nodded. “That would be when we couldn’t find the family and then when we did.”
“Makes sense.”
“You were scared.”
“When I got the first message, I almost shit myself. I tried to hide it from you.”
“So that was it. It felt muted somehow, and I couldn’t understand what was going on. You scared me, babe.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to worry while you were working.”
“Never hide something like that from me again.” Donnie turned on the seat, so they faced each other. “Please. I think it made me feel worse not knowing what was happening.”
Jeremy grimaced. “Shit. I didn’t want to distract you.”
Donnie cupped Jeremy’s face. “I know, but we don’t have secrets. Next time, tell me.”
Jeremy’s eyes flicked between his, and he nodded, leaning forward to kiss him. When they broke apart, he said, “I promise I’ll try.”
Knowing Jeremy’s past, Donnie smiled. “Thank you, babe. Now, what are we going to do about your ex?”
Jeremy shrugged, staring out over the garden. “Nothing. He doesn’t know where I am so I’m not worried about him now. I’ve changed my number again, so he has no way of contacting me.”
That had been the first thing Donnie had Jeremy do when he’d found out. Now, Patrick had no way to contact him.
“What are you going to do about your bakery?”
“I’m thinking of opening one here once the insurance company’s paid out.”
“Fucking insurance. Make you jump through hoops to get your money.”
“Yeah, they keep going on about natural disasters, but I made sure I was covered for everything. They’re just trying to delay paying out.”
“So, you’re staying?” Donnie grinned at him.
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “You know I am.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes, I’m here to stay. You are my mate, and I love you.”
“Love you too. Man, it happened so quick.”
“Too quick?”
Jeremy bit his lip and Donnie pulled it free, rubbing his thumb over it. “It’s what happens when mates find each other, and I don’t regret it for one second. You’re my mate, and I love you so much. I’m so very happy I found you.”
Jeremy leaned forward and kissed him, and Donnie returned it, enjoying the closeness they shared. He had his mate in his arms and his home, and he was never letting him go.
❊❊❊
“What about this one?” Donnie asked.
They were sitting in the dining room looking at locations where Jeremy could open his bakery. So far nothing had caught his eye, and Jeremy was about ready to call it a day.
He glanced over at the one building Donnie had on his laptop and did a double take. It was perfect.
Two story building, the front held a huge window that let lots of light into the main room. Jeremy could already see the glass display holding his baked goods, and Jeremy moved closer to the screen.
“Bring up the next photo.”
Donnie showed Jeremy all the photos, and the excitement in him grew with everyone. The back room was huge and would easily fit all the equipment and ovens he would need.
“Does it say anything about what it was before?”
Donnie grinned. “Would you believe it was a bakery?”
“What? No way! You’re shitting me.”
“Nope. The previous owner moved away and has only just decided to sell.”
“You knew this, didn’t you? Before you showed me all the others.”
“Yeah. I was in town yesterday when the sign went up, and I asked.”
“You... you... Oh, you’re so getting lucky tonight!”
“I’ve booked us an appointment.”
Donnie rubbed his hands on his jeans, glancing away, and Jeremy reached over, gripping his chin and turning him to face him. “You sneaky, lovable bastard. Thank you.”
He kissed him, sneaking his tongue out and licking his lips. Donnie opened them and Jeremy’s tongue tangled with his, causing Jeremy to moan.
He moved and straddled Donnie in the chair, grinding on him. Breaking the kiss, he asked, “When’s the appointment?”
Donnie panted, looking at him with glazed eyes, red swirling in them. “We have time.”
❊❊❊
Jeremy walked slowly around the empty building, easily seeing how it would look when all his equipment was put in. The real estate agent watched him, smiling at his enthusiasm, and he grinned back at her.
“I’ll take it.”
Donnie pushed away from the wall he’d been leaning on and walked over to him. “I knew it was perfect.”
“It is perfect for your needs, Mr. Sutton.”
“It certainly is. I can’t wait to get all my stuff in here and start baking.”
“I’ll give you a few more minutes, Mr. Sutton, and then we can go back to the office to go over the paperwork.”
When she left, Jeremy faced Donnie. “You are the best mate.”
Donnie’s eyes turned red and he closed the distance between them, hauling Jeremy into his arms. “No, you are. You make me feel.”
“Well, I certainly did earlier.” Jeremy had fucked Donnie over the table until he’d been reduced to a screaming mess.
“And I’m not complaining. Can’t wait to get home and do it all again.”
They kissed slowly, all lips and tongues. When they drew back, they both panted. “Wow. Can we go now?”
Donnie chuckled. “Let get this signed for and then we’ll go home and celebrate.”
Jeremy leaned forward until their foreheads touched. “You are amazing. Thank you.”
“What for, babe?”
“Waiting for me to get my head outta my ass.”
“You are so worth the wait.”
They kissed again, and Jeremy moaned, loving the taste of his mate on his tongue. When they broke the kiss, Donnie grabbed his hand. “Let’s get this deal done then go home. We have some celebrating to do.”
They went back to the office and Jeremy signed all the necessary documents, telling Donnie, “We just have to wait for the mortgage company now,” and then Donnie drove them home.
As soon as they walked through the door, Donnie attacked. Clothes ripped from bodies, with Jeremy loving every single second of it. They couldn’t get enough of each other, and when Donnie sank in, Jeremy closed his eyes, savoring the sensations his mate gave him.
He gripped his arms, riding his orgasm, and let the emotions sweep him away.