Any one of the werewolves could subdue her in a second, but maybe they didn’t want to. It would call attention to them. She saw what happened with Konrad when she was being threatened, even slightly. He had to jump in and defend her. She could imagine that situation would get tiring.
After she turned off the water and towel dried her hair, she put on her fluffy robe and took another look in the mirror. Better. Her eyes seemed a little more awake. Glazed, but awake.
She burped. A dinner of popcorn and wine didn’t cut it, but she was out of Rocky Road. She hoped her rationale that popcorn was low in calories had saved her from committing diet suicide. Somehow she knew that paired with an entire bottle of Chablis, her dinner might not have been as low calorie as she’d hoped.
Too late now. She walked barefoot to her bedroom and looked in her closet for something to wear. Nothing jumped out. Her brain was too fuzzy for decisions, so she just tossed on a pair of sweatpants and a matching hoodie. At least they were pink and she could tell herself she looked feminine.
Oh yeah. Konrad left something at the door.As soon as she’d donned a pair of socks, she trotted into her living room and opened her door to the hall. A rose with a note lay on her threshold.
She picked up the gorgeous American Beauty rose and smelled it. Its scent was sweet and seductive. Roz opened the note and read, “I’m sorry. Please forgive my insensitivity. I love you and always will.”
Nathan opened his door and wheeled his bicycle into the hall. He glanced at the rose and note in her hand and said, “What did he do?”
“What makes you think—”
“Because he left gifts outside your door and because last night when I let him out, he looked dejected as hell.”
“Oh.”
Nathan scrutinized her from head to toe. “Another truck run you over?”
With one hand on her hip she said, “Yeah. I just washed off the blood, so the paramedics wouldn’t have to.”
He laughed and started to open the front door.
“Oh, let me get that for you.” Roz strode to the heavy front door and held it open.
“Thanks,” he said as he wheeled his bike down the steps.
She let go of the door and muttered, “Don’t let it hit you in the ass.”
He turned and laughed as if he’d heard her. Hmmm. Maybe he had. She kept forgetting that everyone in this building had freakishly acute senses, especially her wolf-man.
***
A knock sounded on Konrad’s door. When he opened it, Roz stood there with her hands behind her back, looking contrite.
“Thank you for the rose. It’s beautiful.”
“Not nearly as beautiful as you.”
She turned her head to the side and snorted.
“I mean it. I’m so sorry, Roz. I had no idea how that came across, until…well, until later.”
She still stood on his threshold, making no move to come in.
“Look, I get it. I’m the one who constantly tells you that you deserve to be loved. And youare. I adore you, Roz.”
She looked up into his eyes, expectantly.
“I know I can’t always rely on our mind connection. I need tolearnto understand my mate. But please understand there’s a learning curve here, and I’m trying.”
She nodded and stepped forward into his waiting arms. He held her reverently.
“I’m sorry I kicked you.”
“Apology accepted. Now let’s get out of the hallway.” He stepped back. She strolled to his couch and made herself comfortable.
