Page 54 of Prince of Tides

---

“I have to go,” I said.

“Now?” she asked. “In the middle of the night? We had so much more to talk about.”

“Unfortunately, yes,” I said, not happy about missing out on more time with my mate to discuss our future. “I don’t like it any more than you do, but I must. There’s no time.”

“You realize how sketchy that looks,” she pointed out.

“I do,” I said, looking at the door. “But I must go right now.”

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, turning to go. Then I paused.

This is crazy. Don’t do it.

“Come with me,” I said, looking back at her, stretching out a hand.

She’s not ready for this.

I shoved that aside.

“W-where?” she asked nervously, fully aware her family was watching our conversations and making lots of assumptions about it.

“My house.”

“The city?” she asked.

“No. I have a place outside the city. Like this. Come with me.”

“The weather …”

“Laurie,” I said somewhat sternly. “I have to go now. The choice is yours. Are you coming with me or not?”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Laurie

Istared at his outstretched hand.

There was more to Rip’s offer than it seemed. I easily saw that in his eyes. For the first time I could recall, he truly looked worried. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

“Laurie?”

“My jacket,” I said, looking behind me.

Winston immediately grabbed my jacket and boots from the nearby closet. Rip didn’t look happy about the delay, but he didn’t protest. My parents waited by the door, frowning.

“Are you sure?” my mother asked.

“I’ll explain everything later,” I assured her. “It’s … complicated.”

That was one way to describe they were going to be grandparents. But I wasnothaving that discussion at that moment.

“Thank you, Winston,” I said, dressing hurriedly.

“You’re welcome, Miss Laurie,” the butler replied.

“Sorry for doubting you about Eric,” I added, clapping him on the shoulder before taking Rip’s hands and running out into the snow.

---