Best Friends (New Species #15)(29)

He unlocked the door and forced a smile at Ascend. The big male had pushed a cart to his home.

“Thank you for bringing it up.”

The male sniffed, his gaze scanning the living room at Snow’s back.

Snow stepped into the hallway. “Is there a problem?”

“You have a female in your home.”

“I do.”

Ascend met his gaze. “You’re fortunate.”

“How did they talk you into delivering food?”

“I ended my patrol shift and entered the kitchen right as your food was finished. I wondered if you were injured, but the human cooks didn’t know. Only that you’d ordered this food to be brought up. That’s not like you. You always share meals with the others. I offered to bring it to you. Now I know why you aren’t eating downstairs. You have a female you’re sharing sex with.”

“Thank you. That was kind of you to bring the cart.”

The male nodded and walked off. Snow grabbed the handle on the cart and pulled it inside, closing and locking the door. He pushed it toward the couch, planning on setting the food on the coffee table. It would be a comfortable place to share a meal.

*

Mel left the bathroom and went in search of Snow, since he wasn’t in the bedroom anymore. He had just offloaded a few covered dishes onto the coffee table and was transferring silverware and napkins next. She rushed forward. “Let me help.”

He finished before she reached him and smiled. “It’s all done. We just need to sit and eat.”

He pulled off the domes to reveal two large platters with barbecue ribs, what appeared to be golden-brown diced potatoes, and corn on the cobs. There were even dinner rolls.

Mel’s stomach rumbled when the scent hit her. It smelled delicious enough to make her realize just how hungry she felt. He placed the domes on the tray and took a seat on the couch.

She sat next to him. “This looks so good.”

“The NSO hires excellent cooks to feed us. I wasn’t sure what you’d drink.” He motioned to the cart; the under tray held an assortment of individual milk cartons, various sodas, and juices. “What we don’t drink will go in my fridge. What would you like?”

“Milk, please.”

He sat nearest to the cart, so he passed one over to her. It reminded her of being in high school a little, only the containers were larger. She opened it and took a sip. Then she went to reach for her fork, which he’d laid out with a cloth napkin next to a platter-sized plate. “They sure give big portions.”

He chuckled. “Species eat a lot. Don’t worry, Mel. I know you can’t eat that much as a female. Leftovers can go in the fridge, too.”

She grinned. “This is perfect.”

He met her gaze, watching her closely. “You mean that.”

“I do.”

“I worried this wouldn’t impress you. I know a little about human dates from watching television. Should I have lit candles?”

“No. I’m not big on that stuff. I have great company, what smells like delicious food, and we’re both half-dressed so I get to ogle your chest.” She winked. “Perfect.”

He grinned back. Then she dug in.

The ribs were to die for. She moaned in pleasure. Whoever had created the barbecue sauce was a master at getting sweet down perfect. Not too much but just right.

A low growl came from Snow, and she glanced at his lap. The bulge there couldn’t be missed. It amused her that he was turned on by the sounds she made while eating.

She ate until she couldn’t take another bite and wiped her fingers on the napkin.

Snow, meanwhile, could really put food away. With his fangs, he could strip the meat off the bone easily. Part of her envied him.

He noticed her watching him and turned his head, going still.

She grinned. “Keep going. I’m just enjoying the view.”

“Are my table manners offending you?”

“Nope. Not at all. I like a man with a healthy appetite. You’re taking down both of those entire racks of ribs they gave you. I could barely eat half of one. Feel free to take my leftovers.”

He hesitated but finished his food. Then he used his cloth napkin to clean his mouth and fingers, sitting back on the couch. It was more of a sprawl. Mel appreciated the view of him relaxed. He had the best chest and abs. She reached out, running her hand over his stomach. The bulge in his sweats was still present.

A low growl came from him. “What are you doing, Mel?”

She got an idea, and slid off the couch, pushed the coffee table away, and got between his spread legs. On her knees, she reached for the waist of his sweatpants.

He grabbed her wrists before she could tug them down enough to free his cock.

“No.”

It hurt her feelings but she tried to hide it. “I just thought I’d play with you.” Heat infused her cheeks.

“I don’t want to choke you, Mel. I really would. As much as I hope you consider me as normal as possible, in some ways, I’m not.”

“Normal is overrated,” she tried to joke. It fell flat when he just intently stared at her without a hint of a smile.

“I’d love to feel your mouth on me there. I won’t deny that. But I am different in this regard. That’s one thing I can’t hide. Not only do I swell when I ejaculate my seed, but it comes out in abundance.”