Page 48 of Forbidden Moon
The remainder of the drive passed quickly as they discussed things to do and places to go for the afternoon. Always busy on Saturdays, the Market hummed with activity as they pulled in. RJ again reached for Jonah’s hand as they made their way towards the entrance, unaware that their arrival here might make his man uncomfortable.
Jonah hadn’t planned to share his secret with the Cooks pack in one fell swoop, but it was too late now. Everybody here knew him, though none were aware he’d found his mate and a human one at that. At this rate, Ben might end up being the last to know, and he wouldnotbe amused. Jonah set aside those worries to focus on having a good time. None of this was RJ’s fault, and he didn’t want the negativity splashing on him.
Heads turned their way as they entered the sales barn, including all the staff and a number of the customers. RJ stiffened momentarily and leaned over to whisper in Jonah’s ear.
“Ignore them. I’m used to it, but if it makes you uncomfortable, we can go. I’ll shop some other time.”
It took a few seconds for Jonah to understand what RJ meant. It wasn’t only the color of his skin—interracial, gay couples were non-existent in these parts. He sensed it was more a matter of curiosity rather than overt hostility. Jonah squeezed RJ’s hand and whispered back.
“Let them look. I’m proud to be seen with you. If anybody gives us crap, I’ll kick their ass.”
RJ raised an eyebrow and then gifted Jonah with an enormous smile.
“Right. I’ll hold them down while you pummel them with an organic carrot.”
Jonah snorted, which started them both laughing. They remained together as they shopped, looking for the items on RJ’s list. The friendly staff waved and greeted Jonah by name at every turn until RJ simply had to say something.
“Doeseveryonehere know you?”
Jonah grinned.
“Yeah, pretty much. What? I’m a likable fellow!”
“No argument there. Obviously, I have good taste in men.”
RJ relished the easy, comfortable vibe between them as they wound their way through the store. Though he didn’t mind shopping alone, it wasfunwith Jonah at his side. He loved the warmth of his hand, his unique scent, and the sexual tension simmering in the background. He found himself daydreaming of a future with Jonah, and while they barely knew each other, he couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. Weird, yet undeniable.
When they were nearly finished, Jonah tugged RJ over to the corner of the building. There he saw a small walnut dinette set, apparently handmade and absolutely gorgeous. The colorful brochures were labeled Wood Creations, next to a small sign which read “Opening in September”. RJ examined the table and chairs closely, running a hand over the smooth, dark finish.
“Ilovethis! Do you know who made it?”
Jonah nodded, pleased by their similar tastes.
“His name is Cliff Townsend. The building next door is his new workshop and showroom. I already placed an order for a full-sized dining room set like this one for my new home.”
RJ looked envious.
“Wow. It’s so pretty I’d almost hate to eat off of it.”
They both turned as someone cleared their throat. Lilly stood there with a bemused look on her face, awkwardly peeking around an armful of boxes.
“Jonah! I didn’t expect to see you here today. And who is this handsome fellow?”
“Lilly, meet RJ Wilson. RJ, this is Lilly Howell.”
She couldn’t shake hands all loaded down, so RJ lifted his palm in an abbreviated wave and smiled.
“Any friend of Jonah’s is a friend of mine. A pleasure to meet you, Lilly.”
The scents coming from both men were unmistakable, though she’d never met a human-shifter couple before. It kind of hurt that Jonah hadn’t told her about meeting his mate, but he must have a reason.
“I’d love to get to know you better, RJ, but we’re swamped right now. Perhaps the two of you can come back another day when I have more time. Would you mind if I steal Jonah away for a minute? I could use his help with all of this.”
RJ sensed that Lilly hadn’t known Jonah was seeing someone and wanted the low-down.
“No problem. I need to pay for my purchases anyway.”
Jonah gave RJ the bags he’d been carrying, mouthed a quick “thank-you”, and took a couple of the boxes from Lilly’s stack. They set them down next to a half-empty shelf unit and began filling it while Lilly pried information from her friend.
