“It’s not like we planned this,” I say with exasperation. “His apartment building caught fire, Kara.”
“I know, but...” She exhales sharply, searching for words. “I… I miss just being alone with you. Don’t you miss being alone with me?”
Guilt nudges some of my anger away because she looks hurt. It’s true I haven’t spent the night at her place recently, nor have I invited her here. I’ve been turning down her invitations, blaming long shifts and exhaustion. And while those reasons are valid, there’s actually more to it. I haven’t really had the desireto spend the night with her. I don’t know why or what’s changed, and I’ve been afraid to examine it too closely. Just a week ago, Kara seemed like the perfect girl for me. Now I’m starting to nitpick every little thing about her that bothers me.
Studying her worried face, my heart softens. I still care about her a lot. I don’t want to end things with her. I really think I’m just tired from breaking in a new partner and the demands of the job this time of year. There’s no need to start questioning our entire relationship or overthinking everything. I’m just tired and stressed. It’s that simple.
“I’m sorry, honey.” I sigh and pull her against me. “I’ll do better at making time for us.”
“I… I don’t want to have to force you to spend time with me.”
“You’re not. I’m sorry. I love spending time with you. I’ve just been really stressed and exhausted.” I rub her back. “Don’t worry about Jude. His staying here doesn’t change anything between us.”
“It feels like it does.” Her voice is quieter now, less sharp. She looks up at me, her eyes shimmering with concern. “Something about Jude makes me uneasy.”
“What?” I frown. “Uneasy how?”
She opens her mouth, then closes it. Whatever she wants to say, she’s not ready to say it. Instead, she murmurs, “Never mind. I think I’m tired too. When the resort opens, the whole town gets crazy and there are so many rude strangers.” She sighs. “I was simply surprised to see Jude’s car here and it put me in a bad mood. I’m sorry. I just miss you, that’s all.”
“I know. I’m sorry too.” I pull her into another hug.
She fits against me the way she always has, familiar, comfortable. Her body is warm and soft, and her floral perfume fills my nose. When I touch her, affection makes my heart twinge, but my wolf doesn’t awaken like it has in the past. My lack of sexual interest is unsettling. Worrisome. Usually, I’d want her to stay the night, but I’m already thinking of excuses for why she shouldn’t stay over.
That’s crazy.
Ridiculous.
She’s insecure and she needs me tonight.
I kiss her and force myself to say, “I’m glad you came over and we had this talk. We shouldn’t bottle up our feelings.”
“I agree.” She appears relieved.
I touch her cheek. “Stay tonight, okay?”
She brightens instantly. “Really?”
“Absolutely. I don’t want you to feel lonely just because work is hectic right now. Stay for dinner and then sleep over. There’s plenty of food if you haven’t eaten yet.”
“I haven’t.” She smiles sheepishly. “I was hoping to eat with you.”
“Then stay.” I smooth the hair off her forehead, smiling at her fondly. “That’ll give you a chance to get to know Jude better. You’ll feel more comfortable with him staying here then.”
Her eyes flicker. “Maybe.”
“I’m serious. He’s a good guy. You’ll see there’s no reason to be uneasy.”
She hesitates. “Won’t it be awkward though? Jude knows I wasn’t thrilled that he’s staying with you.”
“Oh, he’s a big boy. He’s not going to hold a grudge over something like that.”
She looks uncertain, but then she nods. “Okay. I’ll stay.” She pushes up on her toes and kisses me again. “Thank you, Liam. I was feeling depressed but now I feel much better.”
“I’m glad.” I smile down at her. “Now, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
We head back to the kitchen. Jude has put the food on the table while we were gone, and he’s even added a third place setting without being asked. Hopefully that little gesture reassures her that he has no issue with her.
“Wow, the food is already on the table and everything.” I rub my hands together and take a seat at the table.
