Page 41 of Beginning Fate

He grinned down at me and planted one more chaste kiss on my lips before rolling away to lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling.

“Uh, are you okay?” I asked once I finally caught my breath.

“Better than ever. Too good. Just give me a minute to calm down. I really am trying to behave.”

I snorted. “That was you behaving?” I teased.

I had no idea where this boldness was coming from. But I didn't feel embarrassed or out of my element in the least. Kissing Denny felt as natural as breathing. Well, it felt a hell of a lot better than breathing but just as easy.

If I hadn't pulled away, what would have happened next? His hand had felt so intimate on my side, nearly brushing my breast. That I'd stopped, but what would have happened if I hadn't?

That thought was going to plague me until I found out.

“Just talking,” Denny said. “We're just talking.”

“Are you reminding me of that? Or yourself?”

“Myself. If you'd like to change that plan, just say the word.”

My mouth hung open and he chuckled. “Thought not.”

“But you can kiss me again or anytime you'd like,” I blurted out.

He growled and kissed me harder and more passionately this time, stifling my gasp of surprise. That only lasted a moment before I began kissing him back fervently.

I lost all track of time and had no idea how long we laid in bed making out like a couple of teenage kids. Sure, I hadn't done it back then, but I knew plenty who had. If I'd known it was going to feel this good, would I have done it sooner? Or maybe it was just because I was doing it with him.

Through my fuzzy brain I heard one word loud and clear—Mate!

I completely froze.

“What's wrong?” Denny asked.

He jumped up looking around like he was expecting an intruder to break down the door at any second.

“You're my mate!” I blurted out.

He looked at me like I was crazy.

“Yes. I thought we'd already established that.”

“No,” I cried, jumping up from the bed and pacing back and forth. “I mean yes. I know you're my mate, but Denny, this will just encourage the bond.”

“And I'm assuming that's a bad thing?”

“It is when I'm about to get in the car and drive home, which is on the other side of the country. I've heard stories about true mate bonds. We definitely should not be encouraging this.”

“Why do you have to go back? Can't you just stay here?”

“Excuse me?”

He stood up and walked right into my personal space. It should have been awkward and uncomfortable, but it was just the opposite.

“I said, you could stay.”

He reached his hand up and caressed my cheek. Involuntarily, I leaned into his touch.

“I can't stay, Denny.”

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