With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

situation had him feeling more at ease. While letting the bread rise, he cleaned up his mess and pretty much stopped listening to the conversation.
    He was putting the pan in the oven when Carson’s voice lowered to a whisper again. “No wonder you
    didn’t want a blowjob yesterday. I wouldn’t have either if I’d had him waiting at home for me.”
    A knot formed in Matt’s stomach, knocking the breath out of him. Aubrey was gay?
    Matt met his mate’s startled gaze over the kitchen counter as the pan clattered to the floor.

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    J.L. Langley

    “Matt?” Aubrey stood, ignoring Carson. Damn it. He should’ve told Matt the truth. He’d hoped
    Carson wouldn’t give anything away. But Carson obviously put two and two together. Would other people
    recognize his and Matt’s bond? Jesus, he couldn’t even go there right now. He had to fix things with Matt.
    Had he really thought it would hurt Matt less if he let Matt believe he was straight?
    “Sorry.” Matt’s voice cracked as he turned away. He squatted to pick up the contents from the tray
    he’d dropped and started rambling. “It slipped out of my hand. Only a few fell on the floor. I’ll cook the rest. Would you two like something to drink? I found oranges. I can make orange juice, or there’s tea.
    There’s water and Cokes too. Or I can just…” Matt ducked his head much lower than necessary to see the
    mess on the floor.
    Shit, shit, shit. Aubrey darted around the couch and the kitchen counter. He caught Matt’s hand as he reached for the last dropped cinnamon roll. “Matt?”
    Matt looked up, eyes like a deer in headlights. He wore the exact expression he’d had upon
    discovering Aubrey was his mate, only this time the scent coming off him wasn’t anxiety. It was despair.
    Aubrey hated himself at that moment. Nothing had changed, yet everything had. The reasons they
    couldn’t be together still existed, but he had to make things right. He’d have to find a way he and Matt could continue to be around one another. Matt made him happy, even in the short time he’d been here.
    Before he’d discovered their connection Aubrey anticipated Matt’s texts…a little too eagerly. He’d gotten so wrapped up in waiting for responses from Matt he’d fallen behind on some of his work. He hadn’t even been able to find himself a new executive assistant after his last one quit the week before because he’d been happily preparing for Matt’s arrival.
    “I’m sorry,” Matt whispered as he stood. “I don’t expect— You don’t have to—” His gaze dropped to
    the floor again, and he turned his back on Aubrey. He put the pan in the oven and went to the pantry.
    The hollow ache in his chest strangled Aubrey. He was already used to seeing Matt’s exuberance.
    After standing, Aubrey did the only thing he could think of at the moment. He went after his mate.
    Matt tossed the ruined rolls in the trash.
    Aubrey caught his shoulder and made Matt face him. He lifted Matt’s chin, forcing eye contact. “The
    problem is me, not you. Never forget that. Never.” He slanted his mouth over Matt’s, taking the kiss that he’d wanted to take last night.
    Matt just stood there, his mouth ajar and his arms at his sides. He even stiffened slightly, but Aubrey didn’t relent. Cupping the back of Matt’s head in his hands, Aubrey tried to coax him to return the kiss.
    Outwardly, Matt remained unmoved, but his scent intensified and his breath grew choppy. He
    squeezed his eyes shut.
    Aubrey caressed the back of Matt’s neck with his fingers. He was close to begging.
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    With Abandon
    Finally, a soft cry escaped, and Matt kissed back. He tentatively touched his tongue to Aubrey’s, and
    his hands hovered over Aubrey’s hips.
    Aubrey let his shoulders relax and closed his eyes. The ache in his chest eased as Matt’s resistance
    shattered. Aubrey’s cock stiffened and his teeth threatened to drop.
    His plan backfired on him.
    He’d meant only to ease Matt’s fear and show Matt that he was desired. But as Matt’s head tilted and
    his fingers curled into Aubrey’s shirt, there was no turning back. He’d have Matt if it was the last thing he did.
    Whimpering, Matt submitted and allowed Aubrey to lead.
    Aubrey pulled away and stared up at his mate’s bemused face. Matt’s mouth was parted, his red lips
    shining with saliva. A soft sob puffed across Aubrey’s face, and Matt’s hands trembled