“About ten work for you?” Daniel asked. “James can give you my address.”
“Perfect.” And it was. A perfect chance to get to know James better. So why did she feel so nervous?
Jake threw his arms around her waist in a quick hug. “Thanks, Aunt D!” Before she could respond, he was already dashing off with Maisie, Teddy, and Bash trailing behind them.
Daniel gave a quick salute as he jogged after the kids, leaving Doreen suddenly alone with James. They turned toward each other, their eyes meeting in a moment of awkward realization.
James cleared his throat. “So...”
“So...” she echoed, a nervous laugh escaping.
“Shall we get out of here?” he asked, tilting his head toward the edge of the crowded square.
Doreen nodded, not trusting her voice. Not caring where they were going as long as they were together.
“I’m sorry I was late,” James said, apologizing again.
“I wasn’t sure you were coming,” Doreen whispered, the admission slipping out, leaving her feeling vulnerable even though it was true.
James stopped walking and turned to face her. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”
He reached out, brushing a snowflake from her hair with a touch so reverent it made her breath hitch. Behind them, a group of teenagers giggled. “You’re under the mistletoe!”
They both looked up to see the sprig dangling above, tied with a red ribbon.
“So we are.” His eyes locked with hers for a long moment, and she nodded and leaned forward.
The kiss started soft, tentative, his lips warm against the winter chill, then deepened, his palm cupping her cheek while her hand rested on his shoulder. It was tender, slow, and laced with promise. Heat flooded her veins, and she pressed her body against him, wanting more. So much more.
Until they finally parted and he rested his forehead on hers.
“I’ve never...” Doreen whispered, words failing her.
“Me neither,” he said, with a shy smile.
Sometimes, there was no need for words.
Chapter Fourteen – James
With the taste of her kiss on his lips, James felt like the world had shifted beneath his feet. The sweetness of it lingered, better than anything he could have imagined during all those nights he’d lain awake wondering what it would be like to finally find his mate.
He wanted to pinch himself to check he wasn’t dreaming.
You’re not,his bear said, with a nervous energy buzzing through him.This is not a dream; this is real. And now is the time to tell Doreen everything.
James cupped her face in his hand and stroked her cheek with his thumb. She leaned into his touch, her eyes half-closed, the trust in her expression making his heart fit to burst.
“Come home with me,” he whispered.
Her eyes flew open, and he winced inwardly at his abruptness.
Find more words,his bear urged.
James took her hand, squeezing it gently. “There’s something I need to show you. Something I need to tell you.”
Doreen looked into his eyes, and he saw fleeting fear there. Perhaps she was questioning her trust in him?
“Okay,” she answered softly.
