Page 6 of The Betas: Rene
René examined the wine list. “I was hoping for a two thousand and nine Bordeaux from Pomerol. The Saint Emilion for that year is variable.”
“May I suggest Château Pailhas Grand Cru? It’s Saint Emilion, but I chose it myself, and it’s a classic,” the sommelier suggested.
“You don’t have a Pomerol of that vintage in the cellar that you’re holding back for a special customer?” René coaxed.
“Not this time, Mr. DuBois.”
“All right, I’ll take your recommendation.” René smiled at the sommelier and handed him the wine list.
“That’s an awful lot of money for a bottle of wine.” Frankie frowned, unused to spending his money on things like expensive bottles of wine.
“No, not for a two thousand and nine. I want you to try it. I have the Pomerol in my cellar. We’ll taste it in my home, sometime. I’ll cook. Dinner tonight is my treat as I invited you. Perhaps, some time, you can take me to your favorite Italian restaurant. I know very little about Italian food.”
Mollified, Frankie agreed. He and René closed the Homestead at ten. They held hands between courses, laughed and touched each other through dinner, and managed to drink two bottles of wine. René suggested Taylor forty-year-old port after dinner. He also ordered an espresso for each of them, plus chocolate cake, and a slice of cheesecake for them to share. They ate off each other’s forks. René licked a crumb of cheesecake from Frankie’s lips. He peered at René from under his lashes.I’m falling hard for this guy.His eyes opened wide in realization,I’m already half in love and I haven’t even known him for a day.Frankie sighed in acceptance of his folly.
§ § §
René forgot that humans didn’t have the tolerance for liquor that the loup garou did. He didn’t trust the taxi driver to get Frankie home in one piece, so he delivered his Mate to his condo door. Frankie let him in, and René made some decaf and shared a cup with his Mate. The size of Frankie’s condo upset him. He didn’t think Frankie should have to live in such a little box. René became determined to get Frankie moved in with him as soon as possible.
They sat together on the closed sofa bed drinking their coffee. After they finished, Frankie took their cups and put them down on the end table. He grabbed the back of René’s head and brought René’s lips down to his. Frankie’s tongue traced René’s mouth, and René opened to him.
His Mate’s tongue probed inside, and he responded with a more intimate kiss, one his brother had described. Frankie’s flavor was as sweet as René expected, like Godiva salted caramel wrapped in rich, dark chocolate. He tasted just like the wonderful fragrance he exuded. His Mate leaned over and encased René in strong arms. Frankie trailed his fingers down René’s chest toward his belt. René took his Mate’s hand to his lips and kissed the palm. “It’s late. We both have work in the morning. Are you free tomorrow night? We could have Chinese at my place if you’re not sure when you’re going to be finished up.”
Frankie’s eyes opened wide. “You were serious about the sex.”
René smiled sadly. “I’m afraid I was. Does that change how you feel?”
“No, it frustrates me, but I want you in my life.” René licked Frankie’s palm, and he kissed his wrist. His Mate shivered.
“Let me know when you are ready to irrevocably commit. We’ll travel out to the ranch, get married, and I’ll make you mine.”
“How can you be so sure that I’m the one? We just met today,” Frankie said, eyes wide. “I know I like you more than I’ve ever liked anyone else, but I’m not willing to call it love yet. Call me old-fashioned, but I want love with marriage.”
“I do, too… Know this, I love you, deeply. Do you read gay romance?” René raised an eyebrow.
“That’s a non sequitur.” Frankie blushed. “But yes, I read gay romance.”
“Download Jason Jones on your reader. Read his last series. Tell me what you think.” René kissed Frankie deeply. “It’s time for me to go home.” He got up.
“Letmekissyou, goodnight.” Frankie smiled angelically. He stood and wrapped his arms around René’s and deliberately teased his mouth and neck. René grabbed his shoulders and set him firmly away. Frankie searched his face. “What’s your address?”
“I’m sure you know where Armand lives. I’m two doors down on the right.”
“You have me curious about the book. Maybe I’ll read it tomorrow.” Frankie batted at the air. “The damn thread. It’s getting thicker. This suit needs to be cleaned. I’ll see you tomorrow night around seven.” Frankie gave René his phone. “Call yourself. Then we’ll have each other’s number. If I can’t make it by seven, I’ll let you know.” Frankie saw him to the door. “Goodnight, René. It’s been an interesting day.” He brushed René’s lips with his.
René smiled. He would have to think on his feet to stay ahead of his Mate. Frankie wasn’t a boy like the others. He was a full-grown man and therefore challenging. René liked that. His only worry was that Frankie might not accept him so quickly. And gods forbid, what if he refused him?
