The blood momentarily left my head.“What about him?”
Tell me he didn’t see us together at the party.
Deacon drew closer until I could smell his musky cologne.The next thing I knew, his mouth was on mine.
He kissed me hard, his firm lips moving all over the place as if he were devouring a melting ice cream cone.When his tongue touched mine and his bristly beard scratched my chin, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
This wasn’t the kiss I had hoped for.
Please don’t ask to come inside.
He slowed the kiss but kept his lips right against mine.“Mmm.That was nice.Gonna invite me in for cake?”he asked, his voice low and smoky.
When his hand found its way to my ass, my heart thumped in protest.
“You know where cake leads,” I told him.“I don’t have sex with my dates.I’m sure that’s not what you’re looking for in a partner.”
“Exceptions can always be made.”He squeezed my hip and pinned me with his body.“That Hightower fellow may have more money, but I can offer you more.Besides, you should stick with your own kind.We’re not the same animal, but I know what you need.”He growled out the last words.
I used both hands to push him back, and it was an effort given how brawny he was.“Thank you again for dinner, but I’m not that easy.”
“Good.”
A smile played on my lips.“Are you testing me?”
“It was worth the kiss.I know every man in town’s after you, but I’m the real deal.If you’re looking for a mate, don’t choose the first guy who comes along—especially someone who isn’t your Breed.You and me, we’ve got a connection.”He stroked his short beard and admired me with a shake of his head.“Damn.You are the finest woman in Storybook.”With a wink, he turned away.“I’ll see you soon,MissThompson.”
As he drove away, I waved and then went inside.After setting my purse on the kitchen counter, I stared at the cake he had brought me.Deacon had made a solid case over dinner about why he was worth my time.I wasn’t sure if he was pursuing me as a life mate, but parts of our date had felt like a job interview.Why else would he keep bringing up his property and position?We both were in search of partners for perhaps similar reasons, the only difference being the chemistry between us was only felt on his end.
Though Deacon checked off all the boxes, something was missing that I couldn’t put my finger on.Silences with him were uncomfortable, and maybe that was because a lot of the conversation felt forced, like he was breaking down his qualifications.I had done my best to get to know him on a personal level by asking about his past, but Deacon wasn’t eager to open up much outside of his origin story.
So throughout the evening, I’d held out hope that our kiss would reveal any sparks between us, which would make my tough decision a little easier.
My father shuffled in from the elevator hall with his walker.“How did it go with Mr.Macho?”
I gave him a hug.“It was fine.”
“Fine?”He scoffed.“I hope it was better than fine with that lipstick all over your face.”
I snatched a napkin and wiped my lips and chin.
“That’s the one,” he suddenly said.
“What’s the one?”
“Deacon Shaw.”
I spun on my heel with the wadded-up napkin in my hand.“What do you mean?”
“I mean what I mean.That’s what I mean.”He scratched the corner of his nose before bracing his hand on the walker again.“You deserve an alpha, but maybe they’re too much trouble.A beta will give you security and stability.It doesn’t sound like anyone else ’round here has caught your eye.”
I rubbed the back of my neck.“You wouldn’t care if I mated a wolf?”
He shrugged.“Cats are better than dogs, but as long as that man will take care of you and stay by your side, I don’t care if he’s a rooster.”
I chuckled at the thought.“Shouldn’t I love the man I choose?”
“Look where love got me.You find yourself a dependable man who sticks by your side.”
