Page 44 of Hot in Witch City
The more time I spent with Gianna, the more I wanted to see her. My wolf was right—she was the only one, my mate.
One monstrous problem was that Gianna didn’t see us the same way. The repercussions could be disastrous. If she rejected me, I was doomed to live as a rejected wolf. Utterly broken. Everything I feared about my life in a pack would come to fruition in the worst imaginable way.
The only way I could avoid going down this destructive path was to convince Gianna to take a chance with me. Each time we spent together gave me a sliver more of hope.
When I emptied a bottle of madeira wine that I used for flavoring sauce, I dashed down to the wine cellar to retrieve another. As I passed the rows of vintage treasures, I slowed down, careful not to barrel into any delicate bottles.
That’s how I had to take things with Gianna, nice and slow. I couldn’t barrel into her life like a demanding beast. That’s how I’d acted the first night, like a predatorial animal, and it ended up with me tossed into the cold. I had to be patient with Gianna. It wouldn’t be easy to woo a woman who didn’t want to be wooed.
Orders kept me busy in the kitchen, keeping me from fawning. When they slowed, I went to see Gianna and Nova for a few minutes. They’d just finished up dessert, and Nova excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. I took her seat across from Gianna.
"The meal was divine.” She leaned closer and said, “And the dessert was almost better than sex,” in a lower voice.
I laughed. "That's quite a compliment for a chef. But considering our other encounters, it might be an insult."
She reached under the table and squeezed my thigh. "That's why I said almost."
Her touch stirred me with images of what I’d do with her in my bed later. “I’ll take it as a compliment then,” I replied.
“Good, that was how it was intended.” Her smile had a hint of sensuality that drove me wild.
I had to be strategic about this and think it through. If I established our relationship as occasional hookups, it could fizzle out quickly. She’d think of me as a temporary partner and move on.
She took a sip of her wine. “This dessert wine is exquisite.”
My gaze locked on the sheen on her lips. “I thought you’d like it.”
Despite the desperate longing to be with her, I shouldn’t make any moves on her tonight. With our connection, it seemed like we had the potential to build something. Maybe it was just a friendship. If so, that was much more important and longer lasting than a hookup. Wasn’t friendship critical for a healthy relationship?
What did I know? I’d never been in a serious relationship. I’d enjoyed my life as a single guy, especially since I’d met up with Lucas. We were happy to go on the hunt together while Diego brooded alone at home.
The sensuality brewing in her now stormy-blue eyes was as potent as a legendary siren song. It took all my willpower not to invite her home with me.
Nova returned to the table, and I stood.
I stole the moment to regroup. "I hope you both had a wonderful night."
Nova thanked me and took her seat. Gianna tipped her head and assessed me with a perplexed expression. Was she surprised I hadn't suggested getting together later? I’d been practically falling all over her since we met.
"Good night." I forced myself to turn and head back toward the kitchen while my feet felt like sludge. My wolf growled in disapproval.
"Sebastian," Gianna called.
The call of her beautiful voice lured me back to her.
"Thank you for a wonderful dinner." She searched me with an earnest expression, which left me speechless.
I gulped. "You're welcome. It was all my pleasure."
When I turned to walk away, she said, "Wait."
"Yes?" I turned back.
"Nova and I were just talking about the four of us going out together—you, me, Nova, and Diego. What do you think?"
My pulse jolted. Was Gianna asking me out? Although it felt like confetti burst inside me, I struggled to remain calm. "Sounds like a great idea."
This time, I turned and strode away with a confident step. I told my wolf,see—we need to play it for the long haul, not just one night. Because a woman who did not want a relationship just asked me out on a date.
