Page 24 of Mink Hijinks
“I had a blast. But I think I need heavier winter gear.”
“I’m sure we can bundle you up.” Pax tosses his sketch pad onto the coffee table and pulls me to my feet. “But first, I think you need to explore my house.”
“I had been thinking about it.”
“Then explore away my sexy adventurer.” And as Aaron shows me around, we have to kiss in every room and rut against each other until we’ve both come at least three times.
By the time we clean up, it’s lunchtime and he text his mom that we’re coming over so there’s a headcount for lunch.
It’s another full day of festivities, and I’m glad I convinced my mink to come home. He seems so happy with his family. But my heart aches thinking how we’ll manage long distance. I want to see how far this Fated thing takes us. I’m not sure I’m ready to give him up January third when I have to head home.
AARON
“What if, and hear me out…” I start when I set my almost full sketch pad on the coffee table. It’s been a few days with him in my home and I’m loving it, but I’m restless again.
Pax turns to me, a cute smile on his lips.
“We can surprise your mom next?”
“She won’t be as welcoming as your family,” he warns.
I press a hand to my chest. “My dear, I can woo anyone into liking me.”
He leans in and snuffles along my neck as he wraps his arms around my waist. “You know, I believe that.”
“So, what do you think? Another road trip?”
Slowly, he nods. “Yeah, let’s shake things up.”
“Heck, yeah!” I fist pump the air and pop to my feet.
It doesn’t take us long to get out on the road. I text my family group chat to let them know the plan and they wish us well. Thankfully, the trip to his family is much shorter than from the cabin to my house. We choose to drive straight through, so Pax doesn’t have to think about it too much. And we decide meeting some place for lunch is the best way to go. He invites his mom and both sisters to join us and they all say yes. He convenientlyleaves out the part about me being there. He doesn’t want them blowing up his phone before they get to know me.
The closer we get, the more restless he is.
“We can stop off at your place? If it’ll help?” I say.
“No, best to rip off the bandaid.” He swipes a hand through his hair. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” I reach over and squeeze his hand. I hate that anxiety pours off him.
He pulls up to a cute little diner and grins. “Thank fuck.” His cheeks go pink. “My sisters came together.” He parks and takes a shaky breath before turning to me. “These two will accept you with open arms and will help if mom gets… weird.”
“Sounds good to me. Let’s do this.” I whip the door open and give the two women waiting on the sidewalk my most dashing of smiles.
“Pax, who is this cutie?” The shorter of the two sisters says.
Of course my mate goes bright red. He’s said he doesn’t really bring people around, doesn’t really date. But that changes with me.
“I’m Aaron Rising,” I hold out a hand.
Both sisters’ mouths drop open. “Aaron Rising?!” They both squeal and bounce on their toes.
The taller sister whacks Pax’s arm. “You’re datingtheAaron Rising?!”
“Yeah?” He looks at me with a smirk. “He makes the cutest stuffed animals, doesn’t he?”
“Uh, we’ve only been obsessed for like a decade,” the shorter one says. “I’m Abby, by the way.”
