“Isn’t it clear, Angel? I need you.”
My eyes narrow, but I don’t hide my uncertainty. I meant what I said earlier. I need space from him.
But lying here, looking at him, seeing the vulnerability in his face… I can’t turn him away.
He’s deadly serious.
He’ll stand there all night, waiting for my answer, and never once push. He’s serious and committed to people, ready to do anything for those he loves, and those who just need a protector. He even takes the blame when it isn’t his to bear. Like now.
“You look cold.”
“I’ve been running for an hour. Ignored my wolf the entire time. Now he’s ignoring me, letting me feel the cold.”
“You don’t get along with him very well.”
Garrett shrugs. “It’s a love-hate relationship. I love when he listens to me and he hates when I don’t listen to him.”
I giggle, then break into a smile. This shifter always seems to make me laugh, even when I’m not ready to.
He smiles in turn, then the smile fades as he drops to his knees so he’s at eye level with me. “This was one of those times I had to figure out where I’d screwed up, and fast. I won’t risk losing you, Angel. Letting you walk away because I’ve got too much pride to admit I screwed up? Ain’t happening.”
“I see why your wolf gave up on warming you. You’re both strong-willed and stubborn. Sounds like you spend a lot of time fighting with each other.”
“Never used to be that way.”
Only these past two years. That’s what he’s thinking. I don’t even have to ask him. I see it in his eyes.
Along with a request. Forgiveness.
I can’t stay mad at him, not when he tries so hard…
“You just gonna stand there shivering?” I ask as I lift my blanket, inviting him in.
“You sure you want to warm up a messed-up shifter who has a hell of a lot of learning to do?”
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen my brave shifter look so nervous.
“I guess that makes us a matched set.”
He slides in beside me and a hand brushes my shoulder as he pulls the blanket over us. Such a simple, unintentional touch, and already I crave more.
Lying on his side, he stares at me, as if there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. We’re inches apart, but he’s not touching me. He doesn’t need to. Those teal eyes have already caught me.
“You sound better. Did you go for a run, too?”
“Running doesn’t calm me, not like you.”
“You’re observant. Don’t really miss anything.”
“I miss a lot. That’s why I’m struggling, Garrett. I didn’t mean to blow up at you.”
“I think I needed that. I mean, I made assumptions about you, instead of asking… or trusting in you. I’m sorry, my sweet angel.”
I smile. A moment later, his hand moves beneath the blanket. My heart begins racing.
His hand hovers by my face. “May I?”
When I nod, a single finger traces my lips. “I love your smile, Angel. Never lose it, especially because of me.”
