“Thank you, and please come again.”

Grayson beamed handing the credit card receipt to one of his new customers. He’d finally open Creatures of Comfort Health Center not too long after Thanksgiving. And Grayson was a bit overwhelmed and grateful for all the support he’d been shown since he opened the doors to his center.

During the grand opening, he did a few demonstrations that garnered more interest in the programs he offered. He had a few more clients that signed up for personal training and others who wanted to take classes on health, wellness, and holistic healing.

In the past couple of days, he’d sold out of most of his handmade soaps especially his lavender-mint crystal and cupcake bath bombs, salt scrubs, and massage oils. He also kicked in a few of his homemade candles for free for those customers who spent over a certain amount. Grayson had a list of special requests and needed to find time to make soon more stuff to restock. Despite the work, he was tremendously happy with how everything turned out.

“You’ve been on your feet all day, so go ahead and take a break. You don’t have any clients scheduled for another hour, so go and take a walk or hide in your office for a bit. The guys and I can handle it out here,” Flora, his new manager, said to him.

She was a godsend the day he hired her. She walked into the center just to inquire about the services, and they started talking. Before she’d left, he’d hired her as his new manager.

“All right, I’m going to take you up on your offer and hide in my office.” Even with Flora and the personal trainers he’d hired, he still needed a receptionist to keep up with their daily appointments.

“And while you’re at it, get something to eat.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he told her. “Have I ever told you that you’re as bossy as my grandmother?”

“I never told you I’m taking lessons.”

Grayson chuckled and shook his head walking away before another customer came up to the register. Grayson made a dash to his office locking the door and leaning against it. He was about to walk over to his desk when there was a knock behind him.

“Go away, I’m busy,” he yelled.

“Even if I come bearing gifts?”

He smiled hearing Monique’s voice. Grayson hurriedly opened the door and pulled her in carefully.

“What did you bring me?” he asked excitedly.

“First, wow, bro, business is booming out there. I hate to say I was a bit skeptical about what you wanted to do, but it just might work. And I am proud of you.”

“Thanks, sis.” He pulled her into a gentle hug, mindful of her stomach. “So, what’s the surprise?”

“I brought your favorite.”

“Apple pie,” he said excitedly.

“You know it, although in your condition I think you need to be eating something healthier, but hey, I know how you feel. I was like that at first.”

He took the bag from her hand and sat down ready to eat “My condition? What condition?”

Monique stared at him as if he was supposed to know what she was talking about. “Um…you know what,” she said after a few seconds. “Forget I said anything, I’ve got pregnancy brain. I say things that don’t make sense. It confuses Cordell sometimes.”

“Okay,” Grayson said unconvincingly.

“Have you told Mom and Dad you’re moving in with Chance yet?”

“I don’t think I have to. I’ve practically been living at his apartment.”

“That’s true,” Monique said. “I’m glad to see you in love, big bro. It’s about time.”

Grayson smirked and knew he was smiling a lot lately. Chance might not have heard him say those three little words. But one day, Grayson would say them again, and the man would hear and remember he said it. He had time since their life together was just beginning.

It still hurt that Chance had no memory of claiming him. Grayson had thought of bringing up the topic, but he wasn’t sure how. Truthfully, he was afraid that Chance wasn’t ready for the conversation. They’d yet to talk more about being mates further, other than the first official night together.

“I do love him,” Grayson said finally speaking.

“Oh, I know you guys love each other. I find it adorable actually.”

“Find what adorable?” Grayson asked her.

“How hot you guys are for each other,” she said wiggling her eyebrows.

“Oh gods, not you too.”

They both chuckled at her silliness, but Grayson could tell that she had something she was dying to say.

“Out with it, Mo.”

She bit her bottom lip, and Grayson knew whatever she was going to say he might not like. “Have you and Chance talked about children?”

“Um…no, but I doubt we are anywhere near that yet. We need to get over the hump of him remembering that he claimed me first. I know that things work fast for us shifters, but when it comes to humans, it’s different.”

“I know but it only takes one-time, big bro, I don’t need to give you the birds and the bees talk. I know Nana and Mom kind of fucked that up, but all Chance needs to do is…”

Whatever she was about to say was cut off by a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Flora poked her head through the door. “Hey, boss, I’m sorry to interrupt your break but we have a few folks interested in holistic healing, and we’re a bit swamped at in the store and gym.”

Grayson sighed and stood. “All right, I’ll be out in a bit.” Flora nodded then closed the door. “Hey, sis, I’m sorry. Can we talk more later?” He walked over and kissed her on the cheeks before heading back out to the front. He knew Monique would leave whenever she was ready to.

Why the hell is she asking me about kids?

“Grayson Vale.”

Chance looked up when he heard Erica’s voice. “Took you longer than I thought it would,” he said getting up from his seat to greet her.

“I’ve been busy; husband, kids, you know that kind of stuff,” she said with a shrug. “Plus, you guys are the hot gossip of the week. Shoot, it seems in the past few weeks a new breeze blew into Vale, and everybody is finding love.”

“Maybe, but I haven’t been paying attention to anyone else’s love life.”

“I hope not,” Erica said. “I blame it on the season, and love is in the air.”

“Before you say anything, I want you to know that I’m falling in love with Grayson.” Chance smiled at just saying what he’d been thinking about for weeks.

“Well hot damn!” Erica said excitedly. “Finally.”

“Wait, what?”

“Chance Knight, I’ve been waiting to see that starry-eyed look on your face for years. So, I approve.”

“Well thank you for your approval, even though I never asked for it,” Chance said shaking his head as he sat back behind his desk. “So how are things with you?”

“Well, since you asked, I finally got my sister to come and visit for the holidays and fingers crossed she stays longer.”

“That’s wonderful, and I can’t wait to finally meet her.”

Chance knew Erica had been trying to convince her little sister to visit Vale Valley for a long time, but he also knew there had been some distance between the sisters as well.

“And I have more good news,” she said standing up.

“Really?” Chance asked intrigued. “What is it?”

“I’m finally going to do it. I’m going to go back to school and get my law degree. Peter said he’d support me, and I’ve been studying for the LSAT, and scheduled to take the test after the new year.”

“Erica, that’s wonderful,” he said getting up from his desk, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re taking the steps towards your future plans. Let me know if there’s anything that I can do to help.”

“Thanks, but I think you’ll be busy with your own life.”

“Maybe, but I’m sure Grayson would understand if I volunteer to babysit a time or two.”

“If you say so,” she said as they separated from their hug. “I wonder if the mayor knows her sweet little grandson is a kinky bastard.”

Chance threw his head back and laughed. Leave it to Erica to say something out of the ordinary. “With her, you never know.”

Chance entered Creatures of Comfort and smiled. He was proud of Grayson and all that he’d accomplished in a short time. It was days after the grand opening, and it seemed his sweet boy was busier than ever. The health center was filled from what he could tell mostly human members working out.

He noticed a couple of the interns from the hospital and remembered Grayson mentioning that he wanted to have the interns do their rotation at Creatures of Comfort. Chance had to admit he saw the wisdom in what Grayson was trying to accomplish, considering the center also cared for those who needed physical therapy.

As he saw things come together, the more he realized that Grayson’s center was needed. Chance had to admit the entire setup was inviting and looked nothing like a gym. The inside of the building was a large open space with two levels. When anyone walked in, they were greeted by a warm atmosphere, to the left was the receptionist and waiting area with a well-lit fireplace.

To the right were three massage parlor style rooms with low lit lights, fresh flowers, and calm music playing in the background. The store was in the center that showcased all of the soap and holistic products that Grayson handmade weeks in advance. On the entire second level was a fully equipped gym where patrons were able to workout with a trainer or a physical therapist.

“Hey, Flora, is Grayson busy?” he asked going over to the counter.

“Nope, go on back,” she told him without looking up from what she was doing.

It wasn’t a shock for Grayson’s employees to see Chance at the center. Hell, pretty much all of Vale Valley knew they were dating. They’d made plans for that day to do their Christmas tree shopping. He walked down the hallways nodding and smiling at some of the familiar faces who knew him. He was about to enter Grayson’s office but stopped noticing the door was cracked, and voices flowed out the opening. One was his lover and the other he didn’t recognize.

“When are you going to let me meet your new Daddy, kitten?”

“I’ve told you to stop calling me that,” Grayson said.

“I love it when you show your claws.”

“For crying out loud, Donald. Stop,” Grayson said sounding exasperated.

“What, there’s nothing wrong with a little flirting.”

Chance balled his fingers into a tight fist not liking this Donald guy.

“Look, I’m fully committed to Chance, and I would never cheat on my mate. That includes flirting. Chance means everything to me.”

“Sounds like you’re in love with the man.”

“I am,” Grayson answered.

“Does it make me sound petty if I say I’m jealous.”

Chance didn’t need to hear anything else that Grayson had to say and walked into his boy’s office.

“Chance,” Grayson said excitedly getting up from his desk and ran into his arms.

“Hey, baby,” he said looking at the Donald guy over his boy’s shoulders.

Dominants recognize each other no matter where or who they were, but Chance could tell that Donald was also a shifter and wasn’t sure what kind. Donald was tall, handsome, and younger than him with deep blue eyes that must have captivated many submissive and maybe his boy at one point.

Chance smirked, he might have been yours once, but he’ll be mine forever. As if getting his silent message Donald smiled and nodded, knowing the better man won.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked pulling back from their hug.

“Yes, let me leave some instructions for Flora.”

He was about to leave, but Chance stopped him. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“Huh?” Grayson said seeming confused for a few seconds. Chance pointed to Donald. “Oh, sorry. I completely forgot he was there.”

“You always know how to make a guy feel wanted, K—Grayson.”

Chance didn’t miss the slip-up but ignored it completely.

“Sir, this is Donald, a Dominant and friend that I use to play with before moving back Vale Valley.”

“Chance Knight,” he said extending his hand for a handshake. He’d already staked his claim, leaving no need to be intimidating to the other man.

“Donald Clark.”

They shook hands quickly Chance wrapped his other around Grayson, showing another sign of possession.

“Okay now that you guys know each other, I’m going to speak with Flora,” Grayson said, but Chance hadn’t taken his eyes off Donald. “Better yet, why don’t we all leave together?”

He separated from Chance and got his coat and left his office. Neither he or Donald moved from their spots right away, until Chance decided he’d rather watch Grayson’s ass when he walked than have a staring match with a guy he hardly knew.

“How about this one?” Chance asked Grayson. They were out shopping and had been walking around looking at the trees that were available for purchase.

“It’s nice,” Grayson said inspecting the tree.

He knew there was something they needed to get out of the way. He felt the tension between Donald and Chance in his office when they met. Chance was looking at the rows of trees, and he was feeling a bit playful. Grayson dipped down and grabbed a handful of snow and balling it up and throwing it at a surprised Chance who blinked a couple of times.

“You little shit,” he said bending down and grabbing a handful and throwing it at Grayson who squealed and ran behind one of the trees. The snowball missed him by an inch. “Don’t run scared, little one, come on out and play with me.”

Grayson giggled and ducked behind another tree hearing Chance’s voice getting closer. They had to be careful not to hit anyone else since there were other’s shopping for their own tree.

“Not on your life,” Grayson shouted back, throwing another ball in Chance’s direction.

They played and taunted each other, having their own private snowball fight for a few minutes until Grayson clocked Chance one last time. He jumped out of his hiding spot cheering and was caught off guard when Chance’s last snowball hit him in the face.

Not wanting to lose at their game, Grayson tackled his lover sending them both down in the mound of soft snow. They rolled around laughing at their silliness not caring who might be watching them. They landed a little way down from everything with Chance on top of him.

“You know there’s nothing for you to be jealous about, right? You’re the only man I see. Donald and anyone else I played with is in my past.” You’re my future, was left unsaid.

“Where’s all this coming from?” Chance asked not answering his question.

“Does he know that?”

“I don’t care what Donald knows. Just as long as you know, that I’m fully committed to you and no one else. Still, I think it’s adorable that you got a little jealous.”

“What do you mean?” Chance quirked a brow. “I’m not jealous,” he grumbled.

Grayson smiled. “You heard us talking?”

“Not all of it.” Chance caressed his cheeks, smiling down at him. “I’m happy to hear how committed you are to me. And I want you to know I’m committed to you as well.” Chance pecked him on his mouth and got to his feet then helped his lover to his. “Now let’s get a tree and head home, I have plans tonight.”

“Really?” Grayson asked resting his palms on Chance’s chest.

“Yes, I have plans to tease my boy all night before I fuck him blind.”

“Then what the hell are we doing out here, let’s get the tree and head home.”

“Such a greedy brat,” Chance said with a chuckle.

“For your cock, always.”