Page 8 of Her Werewolf Protector

She was so full of life. Maybe my initial evaluation of her was right and she was a pampered princess, but she was proving to be much more than that. It made me wonder about her life before coming here.

At one point in my life, I was a sought-after chef to the stars. I’d met more than my fair share of pampered princesses. Perhaps I’d let my prejudices jade my initial impression of her. It was morethan that though. With only a week I didn’t want to get my hopes up that we’d fall inlove and she’d want to stay here forever. To get my hopes up would make the disappointment all that much more painful when she left. I mean, why would anyone want to give upa life of luxury to be a waitress in a diner for a grumpy fuck like myself.

“Hey! You’re slowing down! Try to keep up!” she announced. The playful twinkle in her eyes broke me.

Giving my head a shake, a smile crept onto my lips as I met her gaze. Damn, she was beautiful. Her eyes were the most stunning shade of blue. A lifetime staring into those eyes would be a dream come true.

A warmth was forming inside me as I stared at her. She had a smile that could light up the darkest of nights. She sure brightened the mood in the diner. I don’t think there was a single person in the place thatdidn’t find her delightful.

Her smile faded.“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Of course. I was just thinking that you were doing an amazing job and that I underestimated you. I saw the nice clothes, fancy car, and perfect make-up and it gave me an impression of you that was wrong. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

She planted her fists on her hips.“Well, my first impression was that you were a dick. You don’t seem so bad after all. So much for first impressions.” She grabbed the two plates and spun, her long dark ponytail swaying as she crossed the room. Her hips seemed to have a little extra sway to them – for my benefit? I’d like to hope so.

Chuckling, I went back to work. Something had been sparked within me. Between us, I could feel it brewing. For the first time since I arrived here, I felt hopeful for the future.

Chapter 5

Sophia

“Is this how we’re going to spend the rest of the week?” I asked when Roosevelt shut off the open sign and flicked on the closed one.

“What do you mean?” he asked as he seated himself across from me in a booth.

“I mean, are you going to take me outfor any romantic dates? Get to know each other? By my calculation, we’re down to six days.”

He chuckled.

I really liked the sound of his laughter. Maybe it’s because he seemed so grouchy all the time that when the scowl broke it made the occasionall the more special.

“As a matter of fact, Ido have an idea for tonight. Before we go, I just want to say that I was really impressed with you today. I didn’t expectyou to help, you certainly didn’t need to.And honestly, I didn’t think you’d be very good at it. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

She smiled.“I wanted todo it. It was nice getting to know the people here. I’lladmit that at first, I was hesitant, it’s not every day that you meet areal-life leprechaun, but I did today. The people here seem nice. Genuine. It’s refreshing.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, youweren’t entirely wrong. I have spent a life of privilege. All I need to say to my father is that I want something andit’smine. You were right, I’venever worked a real job. It felt good to be needed.”

Reaching across the table, he took my hand in his. His hand was nearly double the size of mine, his grasp firm.“It felt good having you here helping me today. I’vebeen alone for a long time, and while I put up a good front pretending that I don’t need anyone or anything, it gets lonely. This was one of the happiest days I’vehad since I got here. And it was because of you.”

Heat colored my cheeks and I suddenly felt myself becoming shy.“I can only imagine. What about the people living here? You’venever connected with anyone else? Romantically, that is.”

“No. That’s notreally how it works here. You’re either already with your destined mate or you’re waitingfor them to arrive. There’s no draw to anyone here, because we’re waiting for the one destined for us.” He flipped my hand so it was palm up and ran his thumb along the inside of my wrist and palm, sending a surge of arousal through me.

My mouth went suddenly dry and my pulse began to race. Springing from the bench, I took a deep breath and exhaled.“You said you have a surprise for me?”

With an amused gleam in his eyes, he stood. He knew what he did to me. Bastard. Although I had to admit, I really liked this flirty, sweet side of him.

“I do. Let me pack us a picnic and we’llbe on our way.”

I crinkled my nose up at him.“A picnic? At night?”

“Trust me, it’llbe worth it. This place may be isolated, but it’s also magical – especially when you have someone special to share it with. You’llsee.”

Sophia

He was right. Sitting in the passenger seat of the Jeep with the top down, driving down an overgrown trail with the sounds of the night creatures in the distance, was peaceful in a way that no spa could ever compete with.

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