Page 13 of Wolfish Heart
Kaden: Honestly, I could go for the bacon grilled cheese at Fran’s. Meet you at the front door in a few minutes?
Perfect.
I shut down my computer, wipe off my lipstick and replace it with balm, looking forward to a fun dinner date with my new…well, I don’t know how he’d feel about me calling him a boyfriend. But the vibe is certainly there.
As soon as Kaden sees me in the foyer, he sweeps me into his arms, spinning me around until I’m laughing. Then I step back to take a good look at him. I’ve only seen him in worn jeans and crisp t-shirts, now he’s in a black button-down shirt with dress pants, looking like he’s about to stroll onto a private jet. Or off a yacht.
But he’s just as playful, grabbing my hands and twirling me around in a couple of clumsy swing dance steps.
“Hey, if you’re filming again tomorrow, do you want to stay here tonight? We could take the convertible to your place to grab anything you need, then go to dinner?”
“Sure.”
On the drive to Henry’s, we discuss our workdays. I gush about how relieved I am that the videos turned out pretty well. Kaden is excited for three huge new European accounts that will open the door to driving business through a couple of new industries. I don’t quite understand it all, but I love how enthusiastic he is about it, and about my day too.
It also strikes me as significant that we’re discussing our work while at the same time encouraging each other, like a real couple.
After we arrive at Fran’s Diner, a warm glow spreads through me when Kaden takes my hand and walks me straight to the back corner booth. I love that he’s so openly affectionate with me, even though every single person is watching us without being obvious about it.
Once we’re settled in, I whisper, “Do you ever get used to all the stares?”
He leans in to kiss my cheek, flashing one of his trademark sexy grins. “I’ve been dealing with them my whole life, baby. I mean, they might be a little more intense right now because this town has never seen any of us date before. Don’t get me wrong, we have, when were away at university, or travelling. But only a handful of dates, and nothing meaningful, andneverin Old Hemlock Valley…where it matters.” His fingers thread through mine, resting on my thigh. “I hope it’s clear I intend to plan a future with you here, Zoe.”
Oh my. This is a lot to take in. My heart is fluttering around in my chest, but then a bolt of fear surges through me, adding a dark note to the hopeful hum. Kaden is one of the perfectbrothers of the Wolfe family. If people decide I’m not good enough for him, they will be sure to let him know.
“You barely know me,” I whisper.
“Well, I really like every single thing Idoknow. How about that?”
I nod, then look up to see four people snap their heads back toward their dinners. This is weird. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be comfortable with this level of scrutiny. Of course, if we do end up together, and we’re here all the time, maybe it will become...normalized?
“What are you thinking about, gorgeous?” Kaden whispers, slipping an arm around me.
I can’t tell him that I’m terrified I’m not good enough for him or that the town won’t ever accept me. Ireallycan’t tell him that getting my hopes up too high feels like a bad idea. But I have to say something. “I guess I’m thinking that if I decide to stay here, I hope that the townspeople will eventually view us being together as being no big deal. Boring.”
His eyes light up, as he leans in for a slow, sultry kiss that’s entirely inappropriate for a restaurant.
“Baby, I would adore being boring with you.”
I swear, that’s the most romantic thing he’s ever said. From the way he’s holding me so close, taking every opportunity to look deeply into my eyes, I know that this is just the beginning of this evening’s romance.
I’ll be bolder this time.
When we share his bed tonight.
9
KADEN
I’ve always enjoyed eating at Fran’s Diner, no matter who I’ve been with, but coming here on an official date with Zoe was definitely the best visit of my life. The bacon grilled cheese was next level, since they’ve started using a new three-cheese blend. Still, it wasn’t as delicious as kisses from my sweet girl.
When we get back to my place, I take Zoe’s hand, pulling her close and kissing an arc across the top of her forehead. “So, beautiful: you cool with a good old-fashioned sleepover?”
The light in her soft eyes makes my heart beat a bit quicker. “Well, itwillsave driving back and forth to Henry’s…”
My bottom lip thrusts out. “Is that the only reason?”
“It will also help me get an early start on work tomorrow.”
