“He said you should bring a friend so you aren’t uncomfortable, if you can,” he offered. “It’s for four days, we leave tomorrow. I’ve sent over the information to your Narwhals email.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear and clicked it onto speaker before swiping over to my email. There in the inbox was his name. The pamphlet inside showed a lakeside resort. It looked like something I’d never be able to afford on my own, with a flowing waterfall over the pool, spa treatments, fancy rooms with sheets that probably felt like heaven, and gourmet meals.
“Got it,” I said. “This place looks nice.”
“Knowing him, I’m sure it is,” he said gruffly. “Buses leave at six-thirty sharp.”
“I’ll be there,” I said before the call disconnected. Okay, maybe he wasn’t ready to be best friends just yet, but it was at least an improvement. I hoped my words had struck a nerve.
When I hung up, Rylan glanced over, eyebrows raised. “That didn’t sound like the verbal sparring I expected.”
I blew out a breath and flopped onto the couch. Without thinking he pulled my feet into his lap, massaging the arch of my foot as he waited for an explanation.
“What are the chances you can get out of work for the next four days?” I asked with as much hope as I could manage.
His boss would never allow it.
“Why?” he mused. “Afraid of the hockey boys?”
“No, actually. The owner set up the team at some swanky resort and they offered for me to bring someone so I didn’t feel uncomfortable being somewhere with a team full of alphas and deltas with no buffer.”
He tensed. “I’ll make it work.”
“What about work? There’s no way she’s giving you time,” I protested but his face was serious.
“I’m not sending my mate to the wolves with no one there to back her up,” he said flatly. “Plus, I’ve got vacation time, I’ll claim a family emergency.”
I started to protest but he pulled me closer, shutting me right up as he pressed his lips to mine.
“I know I was dragging my ass, but I want you, Roxie. Let me take care of you,” he implored. His hazel eyes were open and begging me to listen.
With him this close his red wine, cherry, and plum scent was warm and strong, my head spinning as I stared back at him.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind going alone and I don’t mind waiting,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. I was afraid to speak too loud and cause this moment to burst.
His fingers trailed over my cheek, tugging my unruly, dark hair behind my ear before pressing his lips to mine. His lips were soft and he tasted like iced coffee as he deepened the kiss.
My head was spinning and my heart pounded, but I refused to overthink. I simply melted into my mate, returning the kiss as my body ignited for him.
Heat pulsed through me, quick and hot, both of our scents sweetening as our slick responded.
No one had ever affected me like he did.
His hand was holding me still, tilting my head and he was devouring me. I loved that he wasn’t slow or careful, he was hungry.
He slowed it down, turning the heat into a slow burn that did just as much to turn me on.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he pulled away. We stared at each other, expressions soft, lips swollen, and soaked in the moment.
A shrill ringtone echoed out, bursting the moment. He groaned and banded an arm around me so he could lean forward and snatch his phone from the coffee table.
“It’s her.”
“Answer,” I said. “Just get it over with. You never take time off.”
“This is Rylan,” he answered.
“Yes, I know who this is. I called you,” Eliza bit out. “I’m reviewing your schedule from last week and I am cutting three hours. You didn’t have a client but logged this in.”
