Page 13 of Tender Wild

Three stinking hours of them scrubbing walls, mopping floors, and scraping what Jared was pretty sure was reanimated chili off the backsplash. It had taken Miguel an entire thirty minutes just to pry that egg from the ceiling.

All under Cesar’s death-glare supervision.

“I think I permanently smell like burnt eggs,” Jared muttered, pressing his hand into his lower back and wincing. “Pretty sure something vital snapped in there.”

Miguel chuckled, dropping down beside him with a grunt. “Welcome to manual labor, bebé.”

Jared shot him a sideways glare, but it lacked heat. He was too tired to be offended. “You’re not allowed to tease me when I’m dying.”

Miguel nudged him with his shoulder, a lazy grin on his handsome face. “Come here. I’ll rub it out.”

Jared hesitated just long enough to blush at the innuendo before shrugging and turning, presenting his back like a worn-out cat looking for pets. “Don’t judge me if I start purring.”

“Not a word,” Miguel promised, voice gentle and amused.

Strong hands found his lower back, the heat of his palms soaking right through Jared’s thin T-shirt. He let out an honest-to-god moan the moment Miguel worked his fingers into the aching muscles, the pain and relief tangling together.

“Damn, you’re good at this.” Jared’s head lolled forward, eyes rolling back in bliss as a stray breeze failed to cool them off.

“Lots of practice.” Miguel’s thumbs drifted in slow, firm circles, using just the right amount of pressure. “Had a friend who used to throw his back out lifting engines. I got pretty good at fixing idiots.”

Jared snorted, the sound more breath than laugh. “Good to know you’re expanding your clientele.”

His deep, rich laugh rumbled against Jared’s spine. “You’re my favorite idiot.”

Warmth unfurled in Jared’s chest, spreading like a sunset splashing across the sky.

They sat in a comfortable silence, Miguel kneading the worst of the ache. The vibe between them was mellow. No rush. No awkwardness. Just exhausted smiles and a surprising sense of closeness that just kinda happened.

When Miguel finally pulled his hands away, Jared almost protested. Instead, he leaned back against the brick wall, playfully tapping their knees together.

“I owe you a drink,” he said, his tone tranquil.

Miguel tipped his head back to stare at the sky. “You owe me a whole damn bottle, solecito.”

Jared grinned, eyes slipping closed. It would be so easy to fall asleep next to Miguel. He had a quiet presence about him that lured Jared into comfort. “Fine. But only if you promise not to burn down the tavern before we drink it.”

Miguel chuckled, his pinky caressing Jared’s thigh. “No promises, kitten.”

And somehow, despite the ache in his muscles and the lingering smell of industrial cleaner in his nose, Jared couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this content. His life seemed to be one chaotic mess after another. It still was with Miguel, but somehow, the wolf made it seem less jumbled.

The comfort of Miguel’s touch lingered along Jared’s spine. He shifted slightly, an unbidden purr escaping his throat.

“Careful, gatito,” Miguel’s voice pitched just above a whisper, and filled with a hum of amusement. “Keep that up and I’m gonna start to think your kitty cat likes me.”

Jared dragged a hand over his face. “Don’t read into it. I’m just... relaxed.”

Honestly, he was the most relaxed he’d ever been, but needed to be cautious. The wolf was stirring up feelings Jared hadn’t experienced before. He wasn’t totally sure what was going on between them. Until he figured out where all this might lead, if it even went anywhere, he had to guard his heart.

“Sure you are.” Miguel’s thumbs pressed lightly into his lower back again, coaxing another lazy, involuntary rumble from Jared’s chest.

Sweat gathered at the nape of his neck, sticking his shirt to his skin. Even in the shade, the late afternoon sun baked the ground beneath them, the crate warm against his jeans. His muscles ached, but in a good way now. They were loose and worn out instead of bunched tight.

Miguel leaned back, squinting up at the sky again. “It’s too damn hot.”

Before Jared could comment, Miguel pushed to his feet with a grunt. “Stay put. I’ll grab us something cold.”

A slow grin tugged at Jared’s lips. Miguel didn’t have to do that. Both of them were wrecked after scrubbing every square inch of that kitchen. Each step Miguel took appeared stiff, but he still headed inside without a single complaint.

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