She went to her office and set her cell phone aside so she wouldn’t be tempted to pull up the picture again. Though she hadn’t expected any opposition, Marco’s enthusiastic support and the sense of relief that the Arizona problem wouldn’t actually be a problem, were gratifying. He assured her that he would be around to help in any way possible, but that he couldn’t think of anyone more capable to tackle a brand-new pack.
Pleased to be appreciated, she got up to go pack, grabbing the phone. Hillary she could talk to while she was packing.
Her friend answered immediately. “I just heard you’re coming out to visit before heading to California, that’s so great.”
“I’m excited, too. Although, I have to be totally honest and admit that you’re not the one I’m most looking forward to spending my time with.”
Hillary laughed. “I’m really, really glad things seemed to have progressed with you two. I was about to try introducing Adam to some single women to get his head out of his ass, but you brought it home yourself.”
Myra growled.
Hillary laughed again. “He insisted on picking you up at the airport by himself, but I made him promise to have you here in time for dinner. It’s supposed to be dinner with the hierarchy, but they won’t mind you two being there.” She lowered her voice, though Myra was pretty sure she was alone on the other end. “I didn’t tell Adam this, but I thought it would be good for him to be at the dinner, just see how the hierarchy gets along, you know?”
Myra thought it wasn’t a bad idea at all. “That works for me. And that reminds me, I didn’t even ask you if I could stay at your house again.”
“Well, you can, of course, but I was thinking you guys might want to drive out to the cabin that Peter owns. It’s about an hour and a half from town, but it’s not a terrible drive and it will give you guys privacy.”
“That’s very generous, thank you so much.”
“Absolutely.”
“And thanks for sending that picture earlier. I just…I don’t want you to get too far ahead of yourself. Or of us. I’m not certain he’s ready for—”
“No, don’t say it. I promise I won’t push anyone anywhere they don’t want to go. I’m just excited to see two people I like be happier than they were before.”
Myra wasn’t entirely sure she believed Hillary would manage to not push, but she let it go. “All right, I need to finish packing and head out to the airport. I’ll see you for dinner.”
She finished quickly, made a couple more phone calls, and headed out the door.
CHAPTER EIGHT
By the time Myra landed, she’d made a list of any wolves she could think of that she might want to approach regarding a move to Arizona. Or maybe they’d start fresh, in New Mexico. She forwarded the list, and the question on which state, to Cindy, for her friend’s input.
She helped the woman ahead of her retrieve a carry-on bag from the overhead bin, then made her way off the plane and into the airport. It was a small airport and it wasn’t long before she spotted Adam. A spike of insecurity hit her from nowhere. Last time she’d seen him, he’d been pushing her away. Hard. They’d only had a couple of phone calls and a few texts since then. Had she been stupid to open herself back up to him, not to protect her heart more?
She didn’t realize she’d come to a full halt, staring at him, until his mouth quirked up and he raised a finger, curled it toward himself in a come-here gesture. Gaze locked with his, she did as he bid, until he reached out and yanked her to him. His mouth was on hers in an instant, her bag dropping to their feet so she could wrap both arms around him and hold on tight.
When someone behind her cleared their throat meaningfully, she pulled her mouth free. “You pushed me away,” she blurted out.
“I know. I was scared.”
“What does this mean, now?”
“I don’t know.”
She nodded. She couldn’t blame him for not being able to tell her their future. “Let’s get out of here.”
He picked up her bag before she could and held out a hand for her. Charmed, she accepted, then wrapped her other hand around his arm, snuggling in as they walked. “Sometimes when I’m around you, I feel like a foolish twenty-year-old. It’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
He looked down at her. “Sometimes when I’m around you, I feel like a foolish fifteen-year-old. It’s not usually a good thing.”
She laughed and took a bracing breath as they walked out into the cold air. He led them to a car and put her bag in the trunk. “Did you want to drive?” he asked.
“I don’t care either way.” But she was impressed he’d asked, and he’d managed to sound sincere, like he would’ve handed her the keys if she’d asked. Wow.
He nodded and opened the passenger door for her, then went around to the driver’s side. She waited until they were on the highway before bringing the subject back up. “I don’t want you to think I’m expecting any kind of commitment. I just want to see how things might go, you know?”
He reached over and picked up her hand, brought it to his thigh, held on. “I think we’re on the same page, Myra. Don’t worry so much.”
