Page 18 of Bella and Her Beast
“See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?”
She has no idea. I take the next exit and maneuver through the streets back through the Quarter to the lounge. A few patrons are still leaving when we pull in the parking lot. I hurry out of my vehicle over to her side and open the door for her, taking her hand and assisting her out.
“Aside from my obnoxious friend, I had a great time with you. I look forward to dinner tomorrow night.”
“Me too. And Joy wasn’t that bad, just in the spirit.”
“You’re too kind.” She pulls her key fob from her purse and presses the unlock on the door. “Well, I guess I’ll see you later.” She looks at me with those chestnut brown eyes and I can’t hold back any longer.
I brush her hair back behind her ears, cupping her face with my palms. My mouth lightly crashes into hers, and I pull back a little, gauging her response.
She places her hands around my neck, inviting me in for more.
I smile before taking her mouth with mine, devouring every sweet and tantalizing taste she offers. Instantly the wolf and I are satiated. She feels right within my grasp, and I believe she feels it, too. I pull back before things go too far.
“I think I better be going,” I remark.
“You could come over for a nightcap or a little late-night reading,” she suggests.
And while tempting, I refuse. “I think I’ll just wait till tomorrow. See you then.” I kiss her lips once again and then leave a peck on her cheek, before returning to my vehicle. I see her off and then head back to my home where I make plans for tomorrow evening.
CHAPTER SIX
GREYSON
Istayed awake all night thinking of nothing but Bella. How soft her lips were when I tasted them, how her laugh was infectious and bored through to my soul. The tender feel of her flesh beneath my palms when I cupped her face. But what really kept me up was her direct invite to her home and we know where that would lead. When I came in last night, Russell, in his half slumber state, crawled out of his bed at the sound of my stereo blaring through the home. I didn’t care. I was on a different cloud. After a few minutes, I turned it down. We had a good talk about how I was feeling. He didn’t have much more information to share about his search into her heritage, but I did tell him they named her for her five-time great grandmother whose name was, yep,Isa. She is my one. Now I have to get her to see that.
Tonight’s dinner should be one of many that will solidify what I already know and, hopefully, she will feel the same and break this forsaken curse. I had a company come out to string the lights up around the garden and mark the pathways, creating a very romantic scene. The sound system was tested, and I created a playlist for mood setting. One of the best Cajun restaurants has agreed to cater the event on short notice, and even offered to do the cleanup after the meal is over.
“Greyson, what will you be wearing tonight?” Russell asks, while going through my closet.
“I’m not sure. I wish I knew what she was wearing. I already told her it was too hot to get all dolled up. Maybe a pair of slacks and a nice shirt.”
“Okay, I will put a few choices together. What time will she be joining you?”
Fuck,in all the excitement, I forgot to text her the time. I go to grab my phone when an alert comes in from her.
Bella: I guess at sometime today you will figure I need to know what time to arrive.
Me: Ha-ha. I was literally about to text you. Is six-thirty okay?
Bella: LOL! Yes, that works. Good thing I have little to do in the way of personal maintenance.
Me: Everything I’ve seen is perfect.
Bella: (blushing emoji) Boy stop. Should I bring anything?
Me: Just you.
Bella: Okay, done. See you in a few hours.
Me: See you soon.
Russ looks at me and kind of cracks a smile at my elation.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing, sir. I’ve just never seen this look on you before. It suits you well. Even if she’s not the one, these last few days have given you a joy I had hoped you’d one day find. I’m off to make sure they set everything up.” He exits, and reality hits me.
