“Ooo, look at us, already having couple problems,” he says, leaning back in his chair and stretching out those long legs next to my chair.
“I have money.”
He doesn’t bat an eye. “Good.”
“So, you don’t need to pay for me.”
He nods. “Okay.”
“Seriously, Reid. I can pay for my own stuff like coffee or food when we go on a date.”
He leans forward, his chocolate eyes dancing. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
“No. I meanwhenwe go on a date.”
“So, youareasking me out on a date. I thought that was my job.”
“Reid,” I start, and his grin only grows.
“Hey,” the girl from the counter shows up suddenly. “Cold brew coffee with oat milk and sugar free vanilla and a hot black coffee.” She sets my coffee down in front of me but holds Reid’s out to him, so he has to take it. I don’t miss the way her hand brushes against his on the handoff. Irritation prickles through me and a need to set her straight. My wolf rises in me suddenly, surprising me. I manage to push her down quickly before she can gain control. I reach over and take Reid’s free hand in mine and smile brightly at her.
“Thanks.”
The girl kind of blinks, as if in a daze, and then heads back to the counter. I turn back to Reid, whose eyes are dancing again. He glances down at our hands. “I didn’t know you were such a hand holder.” His voice is full of humor.
I take a breath and release his hand. “Yeah, well.” Not my brightest return, but I’m still trying to calm my wolf, who thought it would be a great idea to leap for the girl for touching our male.
I feel Reid squeeze my hand gently. “Hey, what’s wrong?” I lift my eyes to his after a moment, only after IthinkI have my wolf under control. “Whoa, easy.” He immediately moves his chair to the side of the table, so he’s right next to me. He leans forward, blocking me from view. Apparently, my wolf isnotunder control. “Look at me,” he says in a low, quiet voice. I lift my eyes to his, and he runs his thumb over my knuckles. “What’s wrong?”
“She touched you.” The words feel like they’re ripped from my chest, and I am instantly mortified. I try to pull away, but his hand on mine tightens.
“Hey,” he tries again. “Look at me, Ry.” His voice is so tender, but his words are not a suggestion. I finally lift my eyes to his. “It’s okay; it’s the bond.”
“I wanted to tear into her,” I whisper, terrified of myself and my wolf right now.
“That’s okay. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt the same thing over the years, over the simplest things. Some guy just looks at you, and my wolf wants to claw his eyes out.”
Hearing his words make me feel a little better. “Does it get easier?” I ask.
He ponders that a moment. “It doesn’t get easier, but you get better at controlling your wolf.”
I groan and drop my head into my hands. “I’m in so much trouble.” He chuckles. “It’s not funny.”
He reaches over and tugs my hands away from my face. “Can I be honest?” I give him a wary look but nod. He leans forward. “That was worth waiting for.” He squeezes my hand. “You have nothing to worry about.” He ducks his head, so I can see his eyes. “All I see is you, Riley. You’re all I’ve seen for a very long time.”
His words chase away the remaining embarrassment, and warmth fills me and spreads through my entire body. I take a steadying breath, feeling like I am in control once again. “Thanks, Reid.”
Just when I think we’ve moved past this embarrassing moment, he grins. “But anytime you want to throwdown for me, I’m here for it.”
I groan and stand to my feet. “Let’s go.”
He laughs and stands up and pushes his chair in. I don’t look towards the counter when we walk past; I don’t trust myself or my wolf. Thankfully, she doesn’t call out to Reid; I think I would lose it if she did. Only when we’re in the car do I fully relax. Reid glances over at me as we pull out of the parking lot. “So, how’s the coffee?”
“Terrible.”
“You didn’t even try it,” he points out.
“Exactly.”
