Page 54 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“You’d be surprised,” he says, shrugging. “People like unique things. They’re willing to pay for quality. My daughter has a shop on Etsy for the soaps she makes. I’d bet you could find a market for your stuff. I’m sure she’d be willing to help you get set up online.”

Yeah, no. See, the thing about art of any form is that it’s personal. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the process, the emotion, the connection. And then you’ve always got someasshole who has to come along and pick that work apart, tell you what’s wrong with it and why you’re not good enough. That’s not for me. I don’t need the validation. I’m happy doing my own thing.

“I’ll think about it,” I say, humoring him.

“That for the girl who came by the other day by chance? What was her name again?”

“Jane,” I say.

“Right, Jane,” he nods. “She’s pretty. Bit of a firecracker, though. Might do you some good to have someone like her in your life. Keep you on your toes.”

“She does,” I agree.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” he says, clapping me on the back. “Just keep in mind what I said. You’ve got talent, Reiner. Don’t waste it building car parts for me.”

“Thanks, Rodney,” I say, appreciating his support.

As he walks away, I can’t help but smile. He’s right. Jane is a firecracker, and she definitely keeps me on my toes. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and I’m lucky to have her in my life.

I turn my attention back to the sculpture, determined to finish it before the end of the day. I want it to be perfect for her. The ears need a bit more work, and the tail is a little uneven. I lose myself in the details, letting the rest of the world fade away. I don’t know how much time passes until I hear a familiar voice.

“Hey, Reiner.”

I look up, surprised to see Jane standing in front of me. She’s wearing a simple white blouse and a pair of jeans, but she looks stunning. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and her gray eyes are bright and full of life.

“Hey,” I greet her with a smile, wiping my hands on a rag. “What are you doing here?”

“I was in the neighborhood,” she explains. “I thought I’d stop by and see how you were doing.”

“I’m good,” I say. “Glad you’re here. I’ve actually got something for you. I was going to bring it to you tonight, but since you’re here, you might as well have it now.”

I take her hand and bring her closer. Her nearly finished gift is sitting on the workbench, and I watch her face as her eyes fall on it.

“Oh, Reiner,” she gasps. “It’s beautiful.”

“You like it?” I ask, pleased with her reaction.

“I love it,” she says, reaching out to touch it.

“Careful, it’s still warm.”

“It’s incredible,” she breathes, moving her eyes from me to the wolf. “I can’t believe you made this for me.”

“Of course,” I say. “I wanted to make you something special. I know it’s not much, but—”

“No,” she interrupts. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

She moves to me and kisses me, and I can feel the heat between us. I pull her close, and she moans softly, her body pressed against mine. I’ve never felt such a strong connection with anyone before. It’s like we were made for each other.

“I’m sorry,” she says, pulling away. “I didn’t mean to get carried away.”

“Don’t apologize,” I say, caressing her cheek. “I like it when you get carried away. It’s sexy.”

She blushes and shifts, looking everywhere but at me.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. “You look uncomfortable.”

Jane shakes her head and says, “No, it’s not that. I’m fine. It’s just… seeing you work, it’s…”

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