Cael groaned at the same time as his dad. His room was right next to Dex’s as well. Perfect. “You couldn’t not have sex for one day?”
“You two need to get laid. Seriously.”
“You know what, eat some damn cookies,” Tony called down from upstairs.
Dex cackled in amusement, snatched another cookie from the plate, and bolted before Cael could whack him in the arm. The doorbell rang, and Cael froze.
“Oh my God, they’re here!” He grabbed another cookie and started munching away before Dex took it from him.
“Stop binge eating.”
Cael swiped his cookie back. “Pot, meet kettle.”
“Yeah, well, I have to actually work to keep the weight off, unlike you who burns through the calories just by breathing. You and your freaking cheetah Therian metabolism,” Dex grumbled.
He’d always envied Cael’s ability to eat whatever and however much he wanted without having to worry about his weight. Cheetah Therians had the highest metabolism of all Therians. It meant their bodies demanded a great deal of food, especially when in their Therian form. Postshift was especially important. It also meant cheetah Therians were more prone to health issues if they didn’t look after themselves.
“Why’re you nervous?” Dex asked, heading for the front door with Cael trailing after him.
“Because everything’s changed this year. Things are kind of tense with Ash right now. What if he has a terrible time tonight and things get even worse between us? Should I act like nothing’s changed? Should I give him space? Should I try and ease him into the idea of being together? He said we’d talk, but we haven’t. I don’t want to push him.”
Dex turned and took hold of Cael’s shoulders. “Relax. I’m here, okay? I won’t let things get weird.”
Cael couldn’t help himself. “But you said you’ll be here.”
“Funny. Okay, weirder.”
“Really? No awkward silences?” He’d never had any with Ash. He really hoped they didn’t start now.
“When is there ever silence when I’m around?” Dex asked, heading off once again for the front door.
“Good point.”
“Don’t worry, Chirpy, it’ll be fine. Who knows. Ash might surprise you.”
“Please don’t call me that in front of anything with a pulse.”
“No promises.”
Dex opened the door, and Cael tried to relax like his big brother had wisely suggested. He felt like an idiot. Dex was right. It’d be fine. He had his family and Sloane to take the pressure off. What would it say about them and their relationship if they couldn’t make it through one meal without things getting uncomfortable? He’d never felt uncomfortable around Ash before, and he hated the thought that the amazing friendship they had might change.
All right, enough of that. Cael straightened and smiled when Dex stepped aside to let Sloane and Ash in. His brother all but threw himself at Sloane, being mindful of his leg. Cael was sure if Sloane were fully healed, Dex would have climbed him.
“For fuck’s sake,” Ash growled, raising the large insulated bag over the pair’s heads as he pushed past them. “It’s been like six hours since you’ve seen each other, not six months.”
Cael was going to say hi when Ash kissed his cheek.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
Don’t freak out. It’s just a kiss on the cheek. And a pet name. And oh my God, someone scoop me off the floor. Cael chastised himself for being such a dweeb.
“Hi,” he managed cheerfully. If this was any indication of how the evening was going to go, Cael was in big trouble.
Chapter 3
“HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I made pie. Cherry, pecan, and your favorite, apple and cinnamon.” Ash had spent the whole morning baking. He’d been so damned nervous he’d ended up with enough baked goods to last him well into the new year. He handed the warm insulated three-tiered bag to Cael so he could take off his coat.
Dex stared at them. “Ash Keeler bakes?”