Page 11 of Midnight Mate
“A wife.”
I snorted. “Don’t have one of those either.”
Her eyes narrowed like she didn’t believe me. But she only said, “A friend then.”
I shook my head. “Short on those too.”
She frowned. “There must be someone. Ask your mom.”
“My mom would do it if I asked, except that would require me going home.” I looked away.
“You’re not staying at home?”
Her question was quiet—and knowing. I realized with a start she hadn’t suggested I go to my dad for help.
Did she know?
Had word gotten out in the years I’d been gone?
“I’m renting a room over at Nicole’s,” I said quietly.
She nodded then glanced down at the papers in my hand.
There was a long silence. I could feel her debating something with herself. Finally, she looked up at me. The fury from earlier was gone. “I could come by. Check on you. Just until you find someone else.”
I blinked.
She flushed. “I mean, that’s probably weird after all this—”
“Yes.”
My wolf practically snarled the word, but Cat didn’t flinch. She’d grown up around this stuff, had witnessed my beast rising more than once back in high school. Still. I took a deep breath to rein in my emotions. “Yes,” I said again, more calmly. “I’d appreciate that.”
“I’ll come by in the morning.”
“Perfect.”
I smiled.
She smiled.
It took about two-point-four seconds for the friendliness to give way to something else. Tension. Heat. Then awkwardness descended.
She rose slowly, nodding at the hall that led back to the waiting room. “You can let yourself out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Damn right she would.
And every day forever after that if my wolf got its way.
6
Cat
My hands shook as I watched Easton leave. At the sight of him walking away from me, my heart felt broken open all over again. It didn’t matter that ten years had passed. It didn’t matter I’d see him tomorrow or that he was only leaving an appointment and not our relationship. Standing there, watching him leave me felt like graduation all over again.
The moment he was out of sight, I retreated to my office. For the first time in almost a year, I was grateful my father’s old corner office had become mine. And more grateful for the blinds that offered privacy from the rest of the staff. Finally, being the boss had its perks.
I shut the door behind me with a soft click then sank into my chair. Dropping my face into my hands, I tried to decide whether I felt like crying or screaming or maybe even throwing a paperweight at the wall.
