Page 30 of Midnight Mate
“Well, I went to your parents’ house, but the woman who answered explained you sold it to her last year.”
She frowned. Instead of explaining, she said, “I thought we were meeting at the restaurant.”
“What kind of date would I be if I let you show up alone?”
“Seriously, Cat,” Rudy scolded, and I decided to like him after all. “Where are your manners?”
“I was trying to be efficient,” she said. “Your injury—”
“Feels fine,” I assured her. “Ready?”
She shook her head as if the argument wasn’t worth it. “Sure, let me just get my coat.”
Rudy darted to the closet and came away with a long jacket the same color as Cat’s dress. He held it open for her, and she slipped her arms inside.
“Now, listen, I won’t wait up,” Rudy said, shoving her toward me and then both of us toward the door.
“Rudy,” Cat began, heat rising to her cheeks.
Outside, I turned to see Rudy’s mischievous grin. “It was a pleasure meeting you,” he said.
“Likewise.”
“And Cat, don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” Then he lowered his voice and said, “But do everything I would.”
“Rudy,” she hissed.
He laughed. “Good night,” he called as he shut the door behind us.
Cat glanced sideways at me.
“Is he always this excited?”
“No,” she said solemnly. “Sometimes, he’s dramatic.”
I laughed, and we headed for the restaurant.
Kip’s was crowded. It was also disturbingly casual.
“I swear, this place was fancy once.”
Cat laughed. “Once, yes. But not for a long time. Now, Farrago’s the place to go for an upscale meal.”
“Well, we’ll just have to save that for next time then.”
Cat didn’t answer, but I saw her frown before she lowered her head to study the menu. She was wary of me. I knew it. I couldn’t blame her for it. I also wasn’t going to bring it up and ruin a good thing.
My wolf had already accepted the challenge of winning her over, and I had a feeling there wasn’t jack shit my human side could do to stop it. Not that I wanted to.
The waitress arrived and took our orders. When she was gone, I reached for Cat’s hand. “You really do look beautiful tonight.”
She stiffened then pulled away.
I let it go.
“So, how long have you known Rudy?” I asked.
“About six years.”
