Page 2 of Wolf's Chance

Looking up from my breakfast as my coffee cup was refilled, I tried not to scowl. The people of Whispering Pinesmay not care too much about tourists, but they still asked questions.

“No, ma’am.” I took a bite of my toast. “Camping.” Pointing to the full plate of bacon, eggs, and sausage, I grinned at her, ensuring I was showing my full mouth of food. “Like my first meal of the day to be cooked by someone else.”

My poor table manners worked. The server failed to hide her reaction to my half-chewed toast and scurried away quickly.

Turning back to my breakfast, I ate my eggs and sausage quickly. Stuffing my bacon onto my toast, I folded it over, making a sandwich, and with a final swig of coffee, I placed my money on the table and left the diner, continuing to eat my sandwich on the way out.

I heard the low murmuring from my waitress complaining I had the manners of a dog as I left, which caused me to grin for real this time. Chewing, I wiped one hand on my jeans as I headed north, turning onto Main Street just as Willow was approaching the art store.

Her tall slender figure would have caught my attention anyway. Today, she was wearing loose light-blue jeans, a hole ripped out of one knee. A brightly patterned floral scarf was looped casually around her neck, sitting over her plain white tee, breaking up the solid white with a splash of color. Ash blonde hair hung to just below shoulder level. Today, it was loose in light waves that framed her face.

A large bag that carried her drawing pad and materials was on her shoulder, and I watched as she turned to greet a fellow “artist.” The guy picked up his pace, rushing to meet her beforethey went inside. Willow pushed her hair behind her ear, a trait I noticed she did when she was nervous.

Taking the last bite of my makeshift sandwich, I saw her weight shift to her other foot. The creep reached forward and pulled her into a reluctant hug in greeting. Willow stepped back quickly, but it had been enough for the loser lusting after her. When he walked ahead of her, I couldn’t hold back my scoff of contempt as she held the door open forhim.

Willow looked up the street and our eyes met.

She hesitated as we stared at each other, and even from here, I could see her swallow. Her tongue flicked out quickly to wet her bottom lip as she looked away with uncertainty. She glanced into the store, she looked back at me, and then with narrowed eyes, she let her hold of the door go and started walking towards me.

As she advanced, I leaned against the wall and waited. Seeing my reaction caused her to slow down, but determination willed her onward. When she was a few feet from me, she stopped, her hand holding tight to the strap of her bag as she looked me over.

“You keep watching me.”

“Do I?” At my denial, her eyes widened slightly in disbelief, and a faint blush spread over her pale skin.

Squaring her shoulders, Willow lifted her head slightly. “Yes. You do.”

“How do I know you aren’t watching me?” Scratching my jaw, I looked her over one more time. Her sneakers were scuffed and marked, and the cuffs of her jeans were frayed and torn. Looking back up, I met her surprised stare.

Green eyes. I hadn’t been this close to her to note the color ofher eyes before. The green was soft and muted. Scattered throughout the green iris were small, shimmering flecks of gold, brightening the color of the soft green. Her eyes were dull, framed by dark lashes, the opposite of vibrant, yet still, they captivated me.

“You’re doing it again.” The soft murmur of protest broke my reverie.

Blinking, I realized Ihadbeen staring into her eyes like a moonstruck fool. “I could say you were too.”

Willow huffed out a soft laugh, with a shake of her head. She looked over her shoulder, back to the store. “I need to go…”

“I wasn’t keeping you. You came to me,” I reminded her. Slipping one hand into my pocket, I waited for her to turn and face me at my mocking tone. She did and I bit back my smile when I saw her determination had returned.

“I did.” With a sharp nod, she took a step towards me. “You’ve been watching me, and?—”

“It’s a small town.” Straightening up, I still looked down at her. She was five eight, maybe five nine, but I had the height advantage. “I’ve seen the guy who owns the bakery every darn place I go. I haven’t been in the bakery once, but since I’ve been here, he’s been at the diner, the bar on the corner of Pine, and the grocery store twice.”

“How do you know he owns the bakery, then?”

I smiled at the question and the matching quizzical stare. “Because he wears aBaked with Love under the PinesT-shirt all the time.” I shrugged. Lowering my voice, I leaned in slightly. “I think he may sleep in it.”

Her soft laugh shouldn’t have stirred my wolf like it did. “So you’re not watching me?”

Glancing over her once, I dropped the teasing tone. “Well…I am now.”

Willow’s playful smile faded as we looked at each other. “Um…”

“Yo! Harper, you plan on flirting with Mr. Handsome some more, or are we gonna make some art today?”

Willow cringed and whirled to face her friend, who had just brought attention to us from everyone else in the street.

“Shutup, Lily! I’ll be there soon!”

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