Page 5 of Wolfish Heart
A strange feeling of warmth spreads through me as I approach the front door. I like having a woman here. No, nota woman. Zoe. My heart beats differently every time we communicate or connect.
There was plenty of texting when I was away, chatting about things like childhood stories and which books we love. How Zoe is staying with her cousin Henry for a couple of months to look after his house while he helps their grandmother transition to a retirement residence. How she thinks she needs a little space from her mother if she wants to start coming out of her shell. Most notably, how she has fallen completely in love with Old Hemlock Valley in just two short weeks.
I’m hoping that was her subtle way of saying she’d be happy to stay much longer.
She flings open the door just as I reach for it, greeting me with a gigantic grin. I set a huge paper bag on the table, rolling my suitcase to the wall. Without even thinking, I lift her into my arms, swinging her around twice, then cuddling her against me in a long, tight hug.
“I missed you,” I murmur into her hair. “I know that’s weird. I know we still barely know each other. But I couldn’t stop thinking about you the whole time I was gone.”
She steps back, her fingers reaching up to stroke the side of my face. “I missed you too. I felt a bit like an intruder in your house, but I also kind of felt like I got to know you better.”
I chuckle. “You went through my living room bookshelf, didn’t you?”
“Of course! And your kitchen cupboards. Nothing else.” Her eyebrows lift. “Ididn’tlook you up online, promise.” She grabs my hand and hurries us to the office, where my jaw drops open.
Looking around, it’s clear that Zoe designed this space specifically for me. She chose the most adjustable chair. Made sure there was plenty of legroom for my lanky frame by boosting the desk two inches with barely visible extra wooden feet.
The back wall is more than just shelves – there are some cabinets with doors along the bottom to keep all my computer stuff out of sight. The one at the end even has a lock.
I turn to admire a big squishy sage-green easy chair in the corner next to a round side table done in a wood that matches the shelves. I open the small cabinet door next to it to reveal a rotating tray, already displaying bottles of my three favorite whiskeys and a couple of glasses.
“You made me a whiskey corner.” My voice feels rough and I’m so touched that I wonder if she can hear my heart pounding. “I’ll be able to stare at the sunsets…”
Zoe’s lovely gray eyes are shining. “You had several whiskey tasting books, so I figured…you know. I also thought by having a relaxing spot in view, it might encourage you to take extra breaks, whether whiskey or coffee? Or work really fast so you could get to the end of the day sooner?”
“I’m guessing you didn’t get any videos done, though.”
Zoe laughs musically. It’s a sound I’m already falling in love with. “Nah, too busy. All good, though.”
Pulling her into my arms, we sink into the chair together, arms entwined as if we’ve known each other for years. Zoe’s cheeks flush slightly as she squirms into a comfortable position curled against my shoulder. “You gave me exactly what I needed to get started with my project. So I thought…you know… I should return the favor.”
My thumb caresses her cheekbone. “Can you guess what I need right now?”
Her breath catches. “Maybe? Or maybe I’m just hoping.”
Leaning back slightly, I tilt so that she’s leaning over me. I want the decision to sink toward me or not to be completely hers. “Kiss me?” I whisper. “I’ve been dreaming of it since we met.”
The next few seconds while I wait are the longest of my life, as my palm strokes her back. Her lovely eyes are huge as her tongue darts across her lower lip and she takes a slow breath. Then Zoe leans in tentatively, sweeping her hair out of the way behind her ear before pressing her lips to mine.
My pulse pounds in my ears as I pull her closer, the soft kiss progressing from gentle to fiery in just a few racing heartbeats. She’s clearly as excited as I am, her lips parting as the kiss deepens even more.
My entire existence is reduced to a series of snapshots. The feel of Zoe’s soft hair against my cheek. The pressure of her fingers gripping my shoulder, and her round ass on my thigh. The sound of her uneven breath, followed by her slight gasp. The way our bodies fit together so perfectly.
Soon she’s practically lying on top of me as I hold her close, my hand shifting to caress her hip. Her lips are soft as we kiss eagerly, tongues exploring and sighs and moans from both of us hovering in the air.
I adore this woman.
The logical part of me points out that I don’t know her well enough for thoughts like this. Well, logic can sit down and be quiet. She’s what I’ve needed. What I’ve dreamed of. Like being underwater for a full minute, then resurfacing and taking that first full breath. The bright spark that has been missing and that I’ve craved my entire life.
Even though she has no idea yet what it means that I’m a Wolfe.
4
ZOE
I’m kissing the most incredible man and he’s just as thrilled about it as I am. How is this even happening?
With every sigh we let each other know how excited we are. I can also tell from the pressure under my thigh, as a large part of Kaden is making itself known. The delicious thought sends chills spiraling through me.
