Henry didn’t reply.What could he say?He hated to stress his friend.“Tell London I’m fine.”
“Your Dad and Megan worry about you.”
“I’m an adult.The four of you need to stop treating me like an invalid.I.Am.Fine.”
Gerard drove for a few minutes longer in silence.
Henry shot him a suspicious glance because he knew Gerard.Along with Sam, their friend who lived in Christchurch, they’d gone through a war together.They were tight and would do anything for each other.It was that part that made Henry pause.“What have you done?”
Gerard stopped in front of their house.Henry opened the door, and his barking dogs welcomed him home.
“Gerard?”
Gerard sighed, the sound harsh and weighty.“It wasn’t me.It was London.Know she does it from a place of love.”
“What did your mate do?”Henry didn’t hide the chill or the anger in his voice.He was tired of people thinking they knew better than him.
“London invited Maia for dinner.”
Henry cursed under his breath, the muscles of his shoulders tensing.“Why?”
“Maia doesn’t know anyone, and London wanted to welcome her.”Gerard paused and shot a glance at Henry.“And I’m sorry.I think a little matchmaking was going on when she invited Maia.”
Henry groaned.
“Sorry,” Gerard said.“I’ll tell London not to do it again without asking you first.She was extending a welcome because she liked Maia.”
Henry’s gut tangled in knots.He’d have to face this head-on.He couldn’t run from this dinner because London and Gerard would question his reasons.Yeah, his wolf wanted the younger woman, but no way Henry would let his animal half lead him by the nuts.She was too young, and while she mightn’t be a virgin, his experience was worlds ahead of hers.Yeah, he’d cook this stupid dinner and act polite.
“One dinner.That’s all.You will help me make it.One sign of blatant matchmaking, and I’ll leave.Tell London.I’m serious because I don’t need help.I have my love life handled.”
“You’re not seeing anyone.”
“London doesn’t know that.”
“I can’t lie to my mate.”
“You will if you don’t want me to leave.I don’t want London, Megan, or other well-meaning females interfering in my life.”
“Yeah, I get it.I wouldn’t like anyone managing me.”
“Thank you,” Henry said.
He climbed out of the vehicle, collected the box of groceries he’d purchased, and stalked into the house.He left the groceries in the kitchen before seeking refuge in his bedroom.Henry sank onto his bed and rested his head in his hands.What the hell was he going to do?He doubted his ability to sit through a dinner with the woman.He took his trembling hands away from his face.“Hell,” he muttered.
He stood abruptly and decided to spend half an hour with his dogs.He’d shift and play.That always calmed his wolf.Then he’d shower and start dinner.
He could do this.Hewoulddo this, and once this day was over, he’d take off a few days and drive to Queenstown because his control was at an all-time low.The last thing he wanted was to make a mistake that he couldn’t take back.
Chapter 3
AsMaiaparkedinfront of the sprawling house, she recalled the school visit to the kennels.She’d been a traumatized kid, living with an aunt who was full of rules and resentment.The dogs impacted her that day.Seeing Henry had made her heart race.His obvious caring for the animals had meant something to her, and a tiny part of her had looked forward to seeing him again.
Okay.Big fat lie.
He’d made a significant impression on her—this big, burly man with the gruff expression.From a child’s perspective, he’d seemed a giant.Heck, he was still big.Not overweight, but solid.He still didn’t smile, but something intangible about the man drew her.
She grinned, recalling his hasty departure.London and Gerard had gaped after their friend, dark-haired Gerard shaking his head when Henry had muttered something about dogs and fled.He’d run away when she was a kid.Looking back, she could see that now.
