AllFreeNovel
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I don't know why that is. I don't know what's going on in his head.
I don't even know what my response would be if he asked to share my bed.
But he's been respectful of my boundaries, trying to do everything to keep me comfortable. Sometimes it seems like he's the only one making all the sacrifices.
"If you two keep this up, everything will go cold. Adam, go change."
Adam makes a huffing sound before turning his head and grabbing Riya by the back of her shirt. She giggles as he drops her in the kitchen chair and licks the top of her head.
"Ew!" She laughs uproariously, making me smile.
I watch Adam walk away proudly to the guest bedroom where I know he keeps some clothes stashed.
When he comes out minutes later, I've cleaned Riya up and have put on some coffee. He helps me plate the bakery items, talking to Riya as he does. I'm quiet, a lot of thoughts whirring about in my head. I know the pack event is in two weeks, but Adam hasn't said anything to me about attending or wanting to introduce me as his mate. I want to ask him, but I hesitate.
Adam seems to be debating something as well, and as I pour the coffee, I ask, "What's going on?"
He gives me a considering look and makes sure Riya is sufficiently distracted before saying, "There's a restaurant that opened nearby. An Italian place. Maya told me you like Italian."
He looks at me expectantly, and I stare back, waiting for him to continue. When he doesn't, I raise a brow. "Are you asking me if it's a good restaurant or what?"
"I'm asking if you want to go with me," Adam replies.
"Sure, Riya and––"
"Just you and me," Adam emphasizes.
My hand, which is reaching for my cup, freezes mid-air, and I ask, "I don't understand."
It's not that I don't understand. It's more that I want to be sure of his meaning.
"We never got the opportunity to date. I never courted you properly. So, this would be a date."
When I don't speak for a full minute, he sighs. "It doesn't have to be––"
"Tomorrow would be ideal." I pick up my coffee and focus my gaze on the liquid. "Tomorrow evening. I can ask Tony to babysit."
"Really?" Adam sounds taken aback. "I was sure you'd say no."
I stir the sugar in my coffee, trying to formulate my words. "I want this to be a new beginning for us. I'm not angry anymore. While I'm not happy with what you did, I understand somewhat. I want us to move forward. We have Riya to think of."
When I look up, his eyes are heavy. "So, you're forgiving me for Riya's sake."
"No, not entirely." I give him a small smile. "I want to be happy, too. And we both deserve a second chance."
"Are you sure you won't regret this?" Adam asks.
"No." I sip my coffee. "I won't. But I want you to be honest with me from now on. Not every burden has to be carried on your shoulders. If you had told me how hard things were for you, if you had just reached out at any point in these past four years and told me the truth, and told me about the situation you were in, I would have come back to you. I would have forgiven you. I'm mad because you took away my decision and my choice. If you ever do that again, I will never forgive you."
My voice is calm, but my eyes are hard.
He's smart enough not to offer excuses and just nods.
"So, does this mean I can court you?" he asks, a broad grin on his face.
"I mean, we're already mated so you don't have to––"
"We did most everything in a backward order," Adam insists. "I want to do everything properly this time."
