Page 21 of My Mate

Tears filled her eyes. “How do you do this?” she asked.

“Do what?”

“Make it seem like everything will be okay?”

“Because it will.” He took possession of her lips, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against him. “And we can do everything, as long as we have each other.”

He kissed her again, this time a little longer, and once he finished, he rested his forehead against hers.

“You’re very naked,” she said.

He laughed. “That I am.”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“No, I run just a little hotter, especially around the fullmoon.”

“Don’t you want to go for that run?”

“No, I want to stay with you.” He held her in his arms. “I always want to be with you.”

He cupped her hips, and then she realized they were swaying back and forth. She couldn’t help but giggle as he moved her, swaying her from side to side. He took hold of one of her hands, spinning her around, then drawing her back against him.

“We’re dancing,” she said, feeling so silly for stating the obvious.

“Yes, we’re dancing and we’re doing it together, just like we’re going to be doing everything together, and you’re never going to have to worry about anything else, ever again. I’ve got you, Casey. I will always have you.”

She sunk against him and closed her eyes.

As long as she had Dex, it was going to be okay.

Chapter Six

Six months moved into seven months, and seven months moved into eight. By the ninth month, Dex no longer went for a run. When he did so, it was when Casey was busy, but he joined her at her special patch in the forest. He carried the blanket, along with a small picnic basket.

Casey tried to pretend it didn’t bother her, but he knew differently. With every month that passed, she became even more despondent. It was why he began to spend as much time with her as possible. He didn’t want her to feel alone, which is what he knew happened.

Her parents were worried. Everyone was worried, even his own parents.

When they were together, he was able to take her fear away.

“It’s cold,” Casey said.

They were heading into December. Their parents had already put up the Christmas decorations.

“Which is why I bought you not one but three blankets.”

Casey laughed. “Three. Do you think that is going to be enough?” she asked.

“With the warmth of my body, it is going to be more than enough. I also have a sweater for you.”

He stopped at their spot and reached into his rucksack that he’d brought along with him. “There, it is going to make you feel very nice and very warm.”

Sliding one of his sweaters over her head, it completely swamped her, as it was so large.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“I think you should wear my clothes more often. You make them look sexy.”

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