Free Letters to Julian (A Cupid Inc Novella) by Zayne Michaels Page B

anything and it was all a mistake?”
    “No, love, not this time.” Ridley brushed a stray lock of hair back from Julian’s face and whispered a kiss over his brow. “Not ever again. You’re mine now, Julian.”
    “Mmm, I’ll hold you to it.” Glancing down at the drying cum on his stomach, Julian snorted and shook his head. “I need a shower.”
    Ridley smirked as he turned to carry Julian up the stairs to his apartment. “Oh, love, I’m not nearly finished with you.”
    * * * *
    Narrow rays of sunlight spilled into the room through the thin curtains by the time Ridley pried his eyes open the next morning. Shifting so many times in one night and trying to keep up with Julian’s bedroom acrobatics had left him truly exhausted, but emotionally, he felt invincible—until he rolled over and found Julian’s side of the bed cold and empty.
    “Fuck,” he groaned. He’d known it would take more than a declaration of love and one night of sweaty sex to convince Julian he was in this for the long haul. Still, he hadn’t expected to wake up alone.
    Climbing out of bed, he made quick work of his morning routine. Showered, shaved, and dressed, he jogged down the stairs to the storeroom, determined to find Julian and make him listen. Granted, Ridley didn’t know what more he could say, but he’d wasted enough time playing the fool. He needed Julian in his life, and he’d do whatever it took to prove it.
    “There you go. I think that’ll keep you busy for a while, but when you’re ready, come back and see us. Have a great day.”
    Ridley stopped at the end of the aisle near the New Releases display, a contented smile stretching his lips as he watched Julian stack books and organize the clutter at the front counter. “I don’t remember putting you on the payroll.”
    With a brilliant smile that melted Ridley’s heart, Julian looked up from his task and shrugged. “Well, you should. This place is a mess.” Hurdling the counter, he bounded over to Ridley, bouncing up on his toes to kiss his cheek. “Did you sleep well?”
    “Like the dead,” Ridley confirmed. “What time is it?” In his hurry to find Julian, he hadn’t even looked at the clock.
    “Almost noon.”
    “What?” Damn, he couldn’t believe he’d been so irresponsible. “You should have woke me.”
    “Relax, sweetheart.” Julian laughed as he smoothed the wrinkles from Ridley’s shirt. “I have it under control, and Bridget was a big help. You needed the rest.”
    “That she -devil never helps anyone. She exists merely to punish me for some perceived wrongdoing in another life.” He didn’t bother to keep his voice down as he spoke, so when Bridget came stomping into the main room, he greeted her with a bright smile. “Hello there, pet. Nice weather we’re having.”
    “Yes, cloudy with a chance of assholes, just how I like my day.”
    Julian turned away and coughed, but not before Ridley saw the smile that stretched across his face. “You two fight like siblings,” he said when he’d gotten control of himself.
    “He started it,” Bridget accused, jabbing her finger at Ridley’s face. “You hear how he talks about me. These are horrid working conditions. I demand a raise.”
    “Or I could sack you,” Ridley countered, knowing full well he’d never fire the girl. She might drive him insane and make him want to pull his hair out, but he’d grown rather fond of her quirky nature.
    “You could.” She grinned back, all sugary sweet with the barest hint of mischief. “Bet you won’t.”
    “Okay,” Julian said loudly, stepping between them as he interrupted. “You two play nice before I put you in the time out corner.” He shooed Bridget away, laughing when she stuck her tongue out as she flounced back to her station. “She’s something else, huh?”
    “And you are amazing.” Julian commanded his full attention, and Ridley had already forgotten the troublemaking fox shifter. Not everyone got the chance to fall in love