Page 33 of Earth-Bound

Randall glanced down at the model. It was large for a model – Broadmire was strong enough to carry it but I wasn’t convinced a human would be able to lift it alone. A little frown creased Randall’s forehead.

“I’m not sure I’ll fit in there.”

Broadmire grunted. “Not in there. In the house. I’m giving it to you.”

Randall goggled at his mate. “The house?” he squeaked.

“Yes.”

“But you just made me this model, too. It’s too much, Broadmire. You can’t go around giving me whole houses.”

“Want you to be happy,” said Broadmire again and smashed his mouth down on Randall’s. Randall didn’t seem to mind.

I was looking away again, wondering if I’d have to retreat fully into my tree, when I felt my own mate’s footsteps headed my way. I lost focus on the couple beside me and stepped towards him, searching the horizon for my man.

He was walking towards us carrying a watering can and his tread was even and wonderful, and his body was large and strong. I had got so, so lucky with my mate.

The only time his footsteps faltered is when he caught sight of us. I don’t know if what made him pause was me or the sight of Randall and Broadmire locked together. I wasn’t even sure which I wanted it to be.

Joe recovered quickly and looked around.

Broadmire and Randall broke apart, panting. Now that I’d actually kissed my mate, I could relate to them. The feel of my mate against me, his taste in my mouth, his strong body pressing me into the bark of my tree… I had a new sympathy for mates who had to stop kissing when it was everything I ever wanted to do from here on out.

Broadmire looked around and grunted when he saw me. Randall spotted Joe and waved at him.

“Joe! Come and look at what Broadmire made me!”

My mate walked over.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Randall blushed so that a lovely rose pink colour spread over his cheeks. He pointed at the model, obviously deciding to move the conversation on, rather than linger on that sentiment.

“See,” he said. I could hear the pride in his voice.

Joe squatted down and I tried not to groan at the sight of his strong legs and ass in his jeans. “This is cool.”

“Broadmire made it for me.”

The troll decided he was done with waiting for an answer.

“Asked you a question.”

“Hmm,” said Joe. “Shall I leave?”

Broadmire grunted. “No. Randall needs to answer.”

There was a glint in Randall’s eyes as he said, “Was the question whether I want to live in the house?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that depends.”

“On what?”

“On whether you’ll be living there with me.”

Broadmire scowled. “It’s your house. Depends if you want me there.”

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