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“Good point.”
My wolf whines inside of me. He wants to go back and just tell her everything, but I have a feeling that Ryker’s plan will get us farther with our mate.
We finish up breakfast and I load the dishwasher while Ryker heads to City Hall. I call Cliff, but he doesn't answer and it's the same for Burke, Wells, and Rule. I leave a message, knowing that they'll call me back soon before I head back toward Phoenix's place.
I catch sight of her red hair as she walks outside and I put on my friendliest smile. I have to school my features because already my mouth is watering and my wolf is screaming at me to bite her and make her ours.
“Hey, I’m glad I caught you,” I greet her and she looks at me warily.
“Uh, hi,” she says, clutching her purse a little tighter. I hate that she has that reaction.
“I wanted to apologize again for last night. I really didn’t mean to scare you. I noticed you looking freaked out when I was headed home and I just wanted to check that you were alright. I wasn’t thinking though, and went about it in the worst way.”
I’m trying to be charming, but I’m not sure it’s coming across that way. It’s hard to tell with my mate.
“It’s okay. Uh, thanks for checking on me,” she finally says and I relax slightly. Those pretty green eyes betray her true feelings, however.
“Of course. Is everything okay?” I ask and she takes a step back from me.
Reel it in. She’s still nervous. You need to take things slow.
“Are you liking Twisted Oak?” I ask her instead and she nods.
“Yeah, I love it here.”
“Good,” I say and she squints at me like she’s trying to figure out why I would care if she likes it here or not. “Um, can I buyyou lunch? Apologize again?” I ask her and she’s already shaking her head.
“No, that’s alright. You don’t need to apologize anymore. Really,” she promises.
“Well, then just let me buy you lunch and get to know you a little better.”
“I’m not hungry,” she says, but at that moment, her stomach growls.
I lift an eyebrow, calling out her lie silently and she flushes.
“I have to be at work soon,” she tries and I grin.
“Okay, a quick bite then.”
I hold out my hand instead of wrapping my arm around her the way I want to. I have to be careful with my mate. Take it slow. Offer her the chance to take my hand instead of clinging to her like the lifeline she is.
Phoenix nibbles on her bottom lip, then looks up at me, and back down at my hand before slipping hers inside. Her smooth skin brushes against mine, making my wolf howl inside my chest. I swallow thickly, then wrap my fingers around her hand, gently leading her toward the closest diner in town.
Once inside, I lead her to a booth in the back where we’ll be alone. It’s not noon yet and the place is mostly empty, but I still don’t want any distractions. Now is my chance to learn about her and to try to win her over.
“What can I get you two?” Mary, our waitress asks.
“I’ll have the burger,” I order and Phoenix scans the menu quickly.
“Um, yeah, two burgers,” she says.
“Did you need more time?” I ask her and she shakes her head.
“No, a burger sounds good.”
Mary nods and heads back to the kitchen.
“You just moved to town, right?” I ask her and she nods.
