Page 78 of Kane's Awakening
Ryker’s dream was to find the right man and settle down. I’d kind of known that already, but hearing him talk about it was heartwarming—seeing the way his eyes lit up when he mentioned having a husband, someone who loved not only him, but his children as well. Although heartwarming, it also made me inwardly cringe.
I’d agreed to give the whole dating thing a try, but I still wasn’t sure if I’d ever settle down for good. Maybe it wasn’t in me. Some people had those family genes rooted deep within them, but maybe I was the opposite.
His fear was growing old and dying alone.
“I’m sorry,” he said as his face reddened. “I’ve blabbed for over ten minutes. What’s one of your fears?”
He had no reason to apologize. I liked hearing him talk. It was more entertaining thanmehaving to say anything.
“Umm.” I wiped at my mouth with the back of my hand, realizing right after I did it that I had a damn napkin right beside my plate. I was messy. “I actually don’t have many fears. Spiders and snakes don’t bother me and neither do heights.”
Ryker pressed his lips into a thin line. “What about bigger fears? Less physical ones.”
Falling in love.
“Not sure I have any.” Wanting to end that line of conversation, I pushed my plate away and clutched my stomach. My gaze found the dessert bar and space instantly opened up. “You want some cake or pie? I’m pretty sure I saw some raspberry cheesecake over there, too.”
The distraction worked. Ryker gave an amused snort and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Thinking he looked too fucking adorable, I reached across the table and grabbed his other hand. He peered at me and his eyes did a crinkling thing that made my heart drop into my stomach.
An older couple at the table next to us looked over, saw our joined hands, and the woman curled her lip at the sight. It was a reminder that although things were getting better for the gay community in our area, there were still the assholes that had an issue with it.
I met the woman’s stare and smirked, still holding Ryker’s hand. Just to piss her off even more, when I stood up to get dessert, I gave him a quick peck on the lips.
When I returned to the table with a plate of sweets, the couple had left.
“Well, it’s decided,” Ryker said in a flat tone. “I’m officially going to Hell.”
“Huh?”
“That’s what the old lady told me before they walked away.” His lips twitched, though, and I was relieved to know he wasn’t actually upset. “Guess it’s a good thing I don’t believe in it.”
“You don’t?”
His blue eyes focused on mine. “No. Do you?”
“Yeah, I do,” I answered, before staring down at the piece of chocolate cake, not sure if I was in the mood for it at the moment. “I was raised in church. As I got older, I kinda developed my own beliefs, but I still believe. Yeah, I know I have a sailor’s mouth and don’t exactly live my life by the Bible, but I still pray on occasion and believe there’s a god.” Peeking back up at him, I asked, “Is that a problem for you?”
“Not at all,” he answered with a sincere smile, and my appetite for the cake returned. As I stuffed my face, he continued, “I’ll never mock someone for their beliefs. Just because I don’t believe in something doesn’t mean I have the right to criticize someone else for believing it. For some people, their faith is all they have, and I wouldn’t take that away from anyone.”
“Damn. If only it were the other way around, right?” I asked with a short chuckle. “My parents are Christians, but fortunately, they aren’t the hypocritical or the hateful ones who think they’re God’s gift to the world and smite down all those who don’t think the same as them.”
“So, your sexuality isn’t an issue?” Ryker asked.
“Nope. My mom said I am the way God made me. And that was kinda the end of that. Dad struggled a little with it, but that’s just normal for some dads I think. He eventually came around.” Heaviness settled on my chest at the mention of my parents. I needed to visit them again. It had been weeks since the last time. “Wow. Such a heavy topic over dessert. We at least need to break out some vodka or whiskey before getting to that shit.”
“You’re still on probation,” Ryker retorted with a light laugh. “No drinking for you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” I shoveled some banana pudding into my mouth. His concern touched me, even if I acted like it was annoying. “Guess we can get virgin daiquiris or something and pretend like we’re drinking.”
“The wordvirginand you do not go together.”
“Ain’t that the fucking truth,” I agreed, winking. After finishing the pudding and taking a final bite of the carrot cake, I pushed my plate away and stood. “You ready to go? I have something else planned for our night out.”
His eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Where are we going? Your shit-eating grin scares me.”
I stuck out my hand. “Just trust me.”
