Page 7 of Bony Bony
Giannaattracted attention wherever we went.Itwas somethingI’dhad to adjust to and not let get to me.Butwhen that guy had leered at her at the concert, it had ruffled my fur more than it should have.Picturinghis smug face stirred my blood again.Itwas foolish,Iknew, sinceI’dnever see him again.
WhenIstepped into the bathroom, my gaze focused on the box on the counter.Itwas a flosser with all sorts of attachments.Ah, one ofGianna’sgadgets.Shehad all types for her hair and makeup, not that she needed anything.Tome, she was always beautiful.Evenwhen she woke up with messy hair and no makeup.Evenwhen her age had fast-forwarded by several decades.Shewas the one, the only one.Mine.
Afterremoving my stinky work clothes and shoving them into the hamper,Istepped into a hot shower.Gianna’sshampoos, conditioners, and bodywashes lined the tub like a row of guards protecting the stage at a concert.Shehad several types with aromas ranging from coconut to jasmine.Allsmelled nice on her but not as good as her natural fragrance.
Asa shifter, her scent meant so much.Itwas how my wolf knew right away that she was the one.Ittook me a little longer to catch on.Infact,I’dacted like a total buffoon the night we’d met, wrestling with my wolf’s instincts that she was the one and acting completely inappropriately asIstruggled against it.DiegoandLucasstill gave me crap about that night, whenI’dstarted something with a man who got too handsy while dancing withGianna.
Despitemy clumsy pursuit, somehow it worked out in the end.Iended up bumbling my way into her heart.
Itook my time asIwashed, using a shampoo and bodywash thatGiannaloved on me.AfterIshowered,Idressed in a pair of gray drawstring sweats that she also liked, especially whenIwore them slung low and without a shirt.Thatworked for me.Notonly did they turn on my mate, but they were comfortable.Awin for us both.SinceIwas still hot from the shower,Ididn’t add a shirt.
Ichecked the phone to see ifGiannawas close.Shewas still at the club.Iexhaled from my nostrils, fighting the urge to check on her.
Tokill time and avoid jumping in my car to drive to her,ItextedLucasandDiegoto see if they wanted to play a video game.
Working,Diegoreplied.
Same,Lucastexted.I’llbe home in half an hour.
Iplayed chess on my phone while waiting for him to finish at work.Oncehe got home,Isat at my gaming computer and pulled on headphones.Fora half hour or so, we played remotely, talking trash.
Thesound of the front door opening drew my attention.Mywolf perked up.Ourmate was home.
“Igotta go,”ItoldLucas. “Betterluck next time, fire breath.”
“Whatare you talking about, furball?I’vebeen kicking your ass this entire game?—”
Icut him off and saved the game for later.ThenIremoved my headphones and dashed downstairs.
“Hey, big guy,”Giannagreeted me as she dropped her belongings on an end table. “Whatare you up to?”
“Justplaying a game withLucas.”Iwalked over to her.AsIdid, her gaze raked over me with an appreciative glint.
“YouknowIlove you in those pants.”Shegave me a decadent smile that sent a shiver of excitement through my body.
“Oh, really?”Iteased. “Ihad no idea.”WhenIreached her,Iinhaled her scent, relishing how it invigorated me.Ikissed her on the lips, and the sweet scent of champagne filled my nose. “Howwas your night?”
“Prettygood.I’mlater thanIthoughtI’dbe.Busynight.”
Istudied her. “Didyou get a chance to eat?”
“Yes,Dad,” she joked. “You’realways trying to feed me.”
Ishrugged and turned my hands upright. “Youmarried a chef.”
“BestdecisionIever made.”Shetossed her dark hair over her shoulders. “Don’tworry,Iate a turkey wrap with stuffing and cranberry sauce.Sooogood.”Thenshe grinned. “No, it wasn’t as good as aSebastianspecial, but it was better than a quick peanut butter and banana sandwich.”
Ichuckled. “Youlove those.”
Shearched her brows. “That’sbecause they’re delicious.Anda satisfying sandwich during the lean times.”Thenshe exhaled. “Icould use a cup of tea to unwind, though.”
“Igot it,”Isaid.
“Thanks, babe.I’mgoing upstairs to change.”Shemotioned to her dress, one of the vintage styles she loved to wear.Thisone had black cats printed on a pink, babydoll-style skirt. “Imean, this dress is cute, but it’s not as comfy asPJs.”
Giannaclimbed the stairs to change in the bedroom.Mygaze followed, andIpeeked at the glimpse of her legs revealed beneath the hem of her dress.ThenIsnapped myself out of it and headed into the kitchen to turn on the kettle.Whilewaiting for it to boil,Iput anAmyWinehousealbum on low, oneGiannaliked to listen to while she unwound from the club.
Ibrewed a relaxing, nighttime tea thatNovahad created for us with herbsLucashad grown.Itoften tookGiannaand me a couple of hours to unwind after work, one of the side effects of working nights.
