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“Doesn’t everyone?”
“Let me take you out to dinner. We’ll only order dessert,” I promise her and she laughs.
"Would it matter if I said no? I have a feeling that wouldn't stop you."
"Are you saying no?" I ask.
Doubt starts to eat at me. I thought we were having a nice time. Was that just me?
“No, it’s not a no,” she says quietly, making me grin.
“Great. I’ll pick you up from the bookstore at close.”
“I should probably go home and change first,” she says, looking down at her clothes.
“You look beautiful. Besides, you were scared last night, so I’m walking you home from now on. That way we’ll both know you’re safe.”
She stares at me in surprise, then furrows her brow as she continues to study me. I simply smile at her, trying to show her that she can trust me.
“Alright,” my mate says quietly and I nod as she stands and gathers her things.
“See you tonight, little flame.”
“See you,” she says, though she tilts her head to the side at my little nickname for her. It’s perfect. She might not see it, but I do. My Phoenix has risen from the ashes and she has a fire inside of her. I want to bring it out and show her how strong she is.
Mary walks up a few moments later, while I’m still watching my mate cross the street and disappear inside the bookstore.
“Congrats on finding your mate, Alpha,” she says quietly before handing me the check.
“Thanks, Mary,” I say with a grin.
Now I just need to convince her that she’s meant to be mine.
My wolf paws at me and I grit my teeth as I head toward City Hall.
CHAPTER FIVE
PHOENIX
I'm not sure what I expected from my date with Griffin, but it wasn't this. There are about a dozen different desserts lined up on his kitchen counter. They're from every restaurant and bakery in town, and I stare at them as he pulls my jacket down my arms.
“I… wow,” I say, my mouth watering at the sugary treats spread out before me.
“You said you wanted desserts, but I didn’t think to ask what your favorite kind was. I was a bit distracted just being in your presence.”
I pull my gaze away from the desserts and look up at Griffin, not sure I heard him right. He was distracted by me? By mypresence? Who says stuff like that? The tips of his ears turn red, and oh my gosh, is he blushing?
“Me?” I squeak out.
“Yeah, you, little flame,” he confirms, reaching out for my hand.
Instead of grabbing it, he turns his hand over, palm out, letting me take the lead. I noticed Griffin did the same thing when he walked me to lunch earlier today. He’s showing me herespects my space, and that only makes me want to eliminate the distance between us.
I rest my hand on his, peering up into his deep, forest-green eyes. A shiver runs through me, and I swear I can feel it running through Griffin as well. He dips his head down, the tip of his nose brushing my ear.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he murmurs. “I was worried I already ruined things with you, and so damn grateful you gave me a second chance.”
I swallow thickly, not sure how to respond when my entire body is throbbing with how close he is.
