Page 22 of Devon

Ryan didn’t miss the little grimace that passed on Devon’s face at the mention of Kendrick and Jonas, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.He waited for Devon to say something about them, but he didn’t.They’d have to talk about it eventually, but clearly, that wouldn’t happen today, and that was fine with Ryan.He wanted to enjoy his mate.Talking about the crush Devon had had on Kendrick would make the situation awkward and weird, which wasn’t Ryan’s goal today.

“I understand getting bored,” Devon said softly.“I was in the same place as you a few weeks ago.”

Devon probably did understand.Their personal situations were different, but they’d both recently moved into the village and lived with their families.They were the same age, and Ryan doubted that Devon had ever considered going to college or even what he could do with his life.Maybe they could find common ground and get to know each other.

Even though they would need to talk about Kendrick and Jonas, Ryan suspected that trying to do so now would send Devon running.Besides, it wasn’t like Ryan was looking forward to that conversation.It would be rather awkward to listen to his mate talking about his crush on his brother.No, he was fine delaying that conversation until it was unavoidable.For now, he wanted to get to know Devon, and that was that.

“You could stay for a while longer,” Devon offered, sounding shy.“I mean, if you don’t have anything better to do.”

Even if Ryan had something else to do, he would’ve found a way around it.“I’d like that.”

The smile Devon gave him was worth it.Ryan had no idea what they were doing, but he didn’t have to now.

“Devon!”Haley called out.“Are you done talking?”

Devon glanced at Ryan and grinned.“I am.How about we continue that game of hide and seek you and Ryan had going on?”

Haley screeched and jumped to her feet.Ryan hadn’t realized that his afternoon would consist of him playing hide and seek, but he didn’t mind.It was fun, and he liked watching Devon smile.

They took turns counting and hiding.Haley’s hiding spots were easy to see, but Devon gave Ryan a little bit more work to do.Still, Ryan could’ve found him with his eyes closed.He could feel the pull toward his mate, and even more so, he could smell Devon in the sweet summer air.Neither of them cared that the other could find them easily, though.The only thing that mattered was Haley’s laughter.

Eventually, Melissa came out of the house.She had her hands on her hips as she watched them, and Ryan hesitated, wondering if she wanted him to leave.She turned her attention to him, but only to nod quickly before she walked to Haley.“Young lady, what have I told you about leaving the house without telling me?”

Haley frowned.“I wasn’t alone.Ryan was with me.”

Melissa blinked.“I can see that, but still.You should’ve stayed in bed.”

“I was bored.”

“Well, you won’t be bored for long.Come inside and help me with dinner.”

Haley whined, but Ryan could see that she would obey.He watched her run to Devon and hug him.They whispered something to each other before Haley let go.Ryan expected her to follow Melissa inside, but instead, she turned toward him and hugged his legs.“We’ll play again soon.”

Ryan had no idea what to do, so he quickly squeezed her shoulder.“We will.”

She nodded, apparently satisfied, and followed her mother inside.That left Ryan and Devon alone, and Ryan wasn’t quite sure what his next step should be.

He should probably leave and give Devon space, but that was what he’d done before, and while Devon was talking to him now, it still didn’t feel like their relationship had made any progress.Maybe Ryan needed to be a little bold.Maybe he needed to show Devon where he stood.Devon clearly wasn’t ready for the conversation they needed to have, but this could be good anyway.

Devon turned toward Ryan.“Thank you for what you did today.She had fun.”

“So did I.”

Devon’s smile was sweet.“Yeah.I didn’t think that playing hide and seek could be so fun, but it was, wasn’t it?”

Ryan should probably think better about what he was doing, but he’d been thinking about Devon and their relationship since they met, and he didn’t feel it had changed anything.For once, he stopped thinking as he leaned toward Devon to quickly press their lips together.

Devon gasped.He didn’t push Ryan away, but maybe that was because Ryan was already stepping back.He swallowed, praying that Devon wouldn’t tell him to fuck off.

It would be his right to.Ryan had kissed him without asking him if he could.He wasn’t even sure that Devon was interested in him that way, even though, considering their bond, there was a good chance that he was.Still, Ryan had no idea what there was between them beyond a bond Devon was clearly trying to resist.

He might be about to find out.

* * * *

DEVON HADN’T EXPECTEDRyan to kiss him.Maybe he should have since they were mates, but it had been obvious that Ryan was giving him space.The last time they’d been together, Ryan had behaved as if they were friends and nothing else.He had today, too, at least until he’d kissed Devon.

Devon swallowed.He didn’t know what to say.He’d liked the kiss, and a part of him wanted more, but another part of him was terrified.

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