Yes, I’d had dates with Creed, but lunch dates at the hospital or even dinner at my condo weren’t the same. It seemed silly when he was now living with me, but… It wasn’t.
It was monumental for me.
I picked out the nicest clothes I had that didn’t make me look like I stepped out of the past or Old World and let one of my younger cousins do my makeup. Nothing drastic and I thought it was very flattering.
Anything I might have said died on my lips when I saw him. He was wearing a fitted gray sweater and dark slacks that probably seemed ordinary on anyone else, but on Creed… He looked like he stepped out of a magazine.
“Well done, Cousin,” my cousin chuckled under her breath. “Close your mouth before you drool.”
She wasn’t wrong and I quickly cleared my throat.
“You look breathtaking, Aurora,” Creed said, his voice deeper than normal. He was eyeing me over like his next meal when I looked up at him. He cleared his throat and ran his hand over his hair. “Sorry, that was rude. It’s just a really good look on you. I mean, they all are, but—”
“You look very handsome too,” I said, deciding to save him. I found it endearing that he was nervous and he saved me often enough too, so it was only fair.
“Right, thanks.” He cleared his throat yet again and offered me his arm. “Shall we? I want to be early for our reservation just in case.”
“Oh my, who knew shifters could be such gentlemen,” another cousin whispered from somewhere in the large house.
“Ignore them,” I muttered as my face flushed.
He simply chuckled and kissed my hand as he took it. He led me out to the car that Ellie had gotten me, now using it when heneeded it too. It made sense since we were living together and going to be mated.
I gave a quick wave to all the women half pouring out of the entrance of the house not even pretending to be discreet anymore.
“You okay?” he asked when he was in the driver’s seat and we were on our way.
“Yes.” I shook off my mood and nodded. “I was excited for my first real date but…”
“But? Did I do something wrong?” he worried.
“No!” I said quickly and a bit too loudly. “No. It’s not you.” I let out a heavy breath. “All of those women living there and rescued and not one had experienced it either. We were just all sold or—none of their husbands treated them with enough respect to even do something so—I don’t think basic is the right word?”
“No, it is. A dinner date is considered basic for a relationship. Where we’regoingisn’t and maybe a date this fancy, but I understand what you’re saying.” He reached over and took my hand in his. “Anything fun they said?”
“I don’t know if it’s fun or not, but they kept throwing red flags at me,” I admitted. “If you order for me and especially a salad.” I frowned. “I’m not sure why ordering a salad course is wrong.”
He tried to smother a laugh but a bit escaped, kissing my hand again. He explained it to me and how some insecure men tried to put women in their place through food and public image.
“Oh, yes, Kenneth used to do that to me all of the time,” I accepted. “Not with food since I was always too thin according to the elders and they thought that was why I couldn’t conceive again. But other ways.”
He cleared his throat and seemed extra intent on the road. “I want to say something, but I don’t know if it’s right, but we bothagree to be honest, so I’m going to and please forgive me if it’s crass.” He frowned. “Or actually, tell me if there’s a better way to say things like this so it doesn’t hurt.”
“Of course,” I accepted but wanted my hand back, hating the tension.
“Can we leave Kenneth out of tonight? Or out of our time? As much as possible? I mean, yeah, this one comment was fine, but this is our night.” He sighed and pulled his hand away, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m saying this wrong.”
“No, I understand,” I whispered, my hand feeling cold now when he pulled away when I’d just wanted my freedom. “I wouldn’t like it if you told me the restaurant was like one you took your lover to. Bringing the past up when we’re trying to establish our future is crass.”
He let out a growl and suddenly changed lanes, ignoring my yelp.
“Creed!” I yelled as I covered my face.
“What? What’s wrong?” he demanded as he grabbed my wrists. “Why are you shaking? I’m not going to hit you or yell!”
I pulled against his hands and he let me go. I took in several slow breaths and let them out. “I’m not used to riding in vehicles. I don’t even know how to drive. You just cut over and people honked—do you know how terrifying it is to suddenly be in these steel death traps and…”
“Sorry,” he whispered when I hung my head. “Sorry, Aurora. Really. I forgot. I thought you were good now. You were going to the store with Xavier for months and—sorry.”
