He stared at me a moment, his grin slowly widening.
“You’re thinking about where to scratch me, aren’t you?”
“I’m thinking about how I want to go home.”
He huffed a pouty sigh then opened his arms.
“Fine. You can go. I’ll just collect my payment before you do.”
I took one step toward him before I stopped myself.
“Wait a minute. I’m paid up for today. We hugged in the diner, again after I danced, and just now inside. That’s three.”
“The second two don’t count. You didn’t hug me back in the woods, and the one just now was an escape hug.”
“You can’t start adding rules now. My arms were around you on the third hug. It counts.”
“Gods, you’re stingy with your hugs. Come on. Just give me another.”
He got down in that playful pose he had, like he was ready to catch a jump hug, and wiggled his fingers at me.
“I’m not hugging you, Fenris.”
“Fine. Then I’m stealing one.”
He launched himself at me and, before I could react, had me crushed against his chest.
“You really need to find your mate,” came out as, “Boo eeddee deed do ind uh ade.”
The rumble of his laughter vibrated through me.
“Come on, spaghetti. Use those arms.”
I hugged his waist then pulled my head back enough to get some breathing room.
“Your need for constant affection will stifle someone.”
“Doubt it.” He leaned his cheek against my head and inhaled deeply.
“Are you sniffing my hair?”
“Are you going to question everything I do? Where’s the unconditional trust?”
I rolled my eyes, well aware that everything was once again in sharp focus.
“I get that you like to push boundaries, but I can’t afford to lose any more friends because of my lack of good judgment.”
He pulled back and cupped my face, his expression intensely serious.
“You will never lose me, Eliana. No matter what you say…no matter what you do…I will always be here for you.”
My chest ached at the sincerity in his words, and my eyes started to water.
“Thank you.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips to my forehead. My pulse stuttered then raced. Without meaning to, I pulled him closer. He tightened our embrace as he exhaled heavily, and his sweet scent wrapped around me, hinting at chocolate with creamy notes. As soon as I thought creamy, I felt myself going down that dark path of hunger and need.
“Let go,” I rasped.
