Page 67 of Can't Be Love

“Tomorrow it is then,” I said, without waiting for an answer. She elbowed me in the side, but didn’t retract my statement.

I paid for one final night, and we thanked Bunny and Gino. I informed them we’d be heading out early in the morning, and they wished us both well. Bunny winked at me as she hugged Lily goodbye.

“I have full belief that our paths will cross again,” she told my mate, knowing full well I had already booked us for exactly one year from the date we arrived.

“I hope so,” Lily said.

I would surprise her with the news much later.

The night passed quickly and when I awoke the next morning, I smiled as I moved to wake my girl. Afterwards we shared a quick shower that took a little longer than I’d planned, and packed up to head out. We were both sad to say goodbye to the cottage, but I knew a year would pass quickly and we’d be back for another amazing stay.

The remainder of the day was spent driving. We were back in the States by nightfall, stopping to catch a few hours of sleep before hitting the road again. Late the next day we pulled up to Chase and Jenna’s house.

Lily

Chapter 25

I didn’t bother calling ahead. Maybe I should have, since they were still basically newly mated. I just thought it would be more fun to surprise them. It was later than I expected, long after dark, but they were in college. I was sure it would be fine. Plus, I really didn’t want to explain Thomas over the phone to my younger, but still way too protective, brother.

I jumped from the car when Thomas stopped. I really did have to pee, but I also needed to give at least a five second notice before Chase said something we’d all regret. I glanced back to watch Thomas wave me on as he got our bags from the back of the SUV.

I pounded on the door. I could hear Chase grumbling before it even opened.

“Surprise!” I said, quickly hugging him and noticing I’d woken him. “You were sleeping? You’re in college.”

“Lily? What the hell are you doing here? And we have early morning classes. What time is it?”

“I don’t know, eleven maybe? I really have to pee. Be nice to Thomas, he’s my mate,” I said quickly before pushing past him. Jenna was in the living room wrapped in a robe, looking equally sleepy-headed. “Hey Jenna, please point me to the bathroom!”

“Lily?” she questioned in surprise as she led the way.

“She didn’t tell you we were coming, did she?” I heard Thomas ask Chase as I peed.

“It’s fine, really,” Jenna said. “We’re always happy to have you. I’m Jenna,” she added as I rejoined them. I gave her a quick side squeeze.

“Jenna, this is Thomas Collier, my mate,” I said proudly, surprised to find I was officially introducing him to the family and I wasn’t embarrassed in the least bit.

Chase nearly choked, and Jenna had to run and grab a glass of water for him.

“Your what?” he finally gasped out.

“I didn’t want to tell you over the phone, and I knew you’d question it if I called and asked if you had room for two. So, I thought I’d just surprise you instead. Surprise.”

“Thomas Collier, as in heir to Collier Pack? Maddie’s brother?” Chase spit out.

“Yes, and yes,” Thomas confirmed. “It’s okay, go ahead and say it. I kind of miss hearing it.”

I rolled my eyes, but Chase looked exasperated.

“The biggest douchebag on the planet? You hate this guy,” he reminded me.

“Correction, I hated this guy. That was in the past, and to be fair, I didn’t really know him or give him a chance.” I saw Thomas cringe at my words and hated that I was hurting him. “I will spend the rest of my life apologizing for it, I’m sure,” I told him, rising on my tippy toes to kiss him. “I love you. That was in the past.”

He calmed, and I loved that I had that kind of power over him.

“Aw, you two are adorable together.” Jenna sighed.

Chase shook his head. “I don’t even know where to start with this. I guess welcome to the family,” he told Thomas, offering his hand, which he accepted. “Guest rooms are upstairs. Pick whichever you want. We’ll talk in the morning, okay?’

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