Page 2 of Wolfish Hunger
2
SAMMIE
My feet automatically take me toward Corina's Coffee, even though I'm not sure I want to go. It's the best coffee in town, but I don’t know that I want to see that man again.
He probably thinks I'm a total bitch. Some snobby city girl passing through. A warm blush runs up my throat and cheeks when I consider how rudely I probably stared at him. How would he know that I was staring because he’s the fantasy lumberjack who’s prowled my dreams for years come to life?
There was also no way to tell him that I become dizzy and inarticulate when I’m really hungry.
Hopefully he won't pay me another thought, even though I can't stop thinking about him. Gorgeous, of course, and huge, yet gentle. There was such a caring look in his eyes as he brought me that muffin.
There was also a definite spark. A tingle that zipped up my spine like a lightning bolt.
I don't even remember if I thanked him properly. The world turned to white noise the moment I noticed everyone in the café staring at us…probably because I'm a stranger.
Last night, I had asked my brother Edward about all the huge lumberjack types around here. He had his nose in his laptop at the time so I shouldn’t have been disturbing him, yet I needed to know more. He said there were lots of loggers, and farmers, and workmen in plaid shirts. But if they're really striking, it might be a Wolfe. “Yes,” he laughed. “Like the mountain.”
He had said that most of the Wolfes looked like lumberjacks, except for the tech dudes who looked “quietly rich”. He also warned me to be extra nice to any of the Wolfe family.
Hey, I’m nice to everyone, unless I’m worried a low blood sugar headache is about to kick in.
Edward had zoned out again then, so I stopped interrupting him. It's bad enough that I'm crashing at his place. It’s awkward: we once shared a womb but haven’t shared close quarters since. But when I saw photos of this lovely town, I just had to come for a working vacation to see it for myself. Something in my gut is still questioning that decision, though.
Squaring my shoulders, I walk into Corina’s Coffee, determined to be more polite if I see that sexy mystery man again. Not just because it's the right thing to do. I want to see if I can talk to him without making a fool of myself.
The café is quieter today, and the woman at the counter turns her thousand-watt smile on me. "Good morning. Black coffee and a carrot walnut muffin?"
"Oh! Yes, please." How does she remember my order? I've only been here once before.
She pours my coffee, then places it on the counter beside a small bakery box tied with a red bow. “Your order has already been taken care of. Have a great day.”
My hands shake as I lift the coffee and the box, automatically heading for the back corner table. The second I sit, I see the man from yesterday across the aisle.
Deep breath. If I don’t speak to him today, he’ll think I’m a lost cause. “Hi. Um, thanks for breakfast. At least, I guess it was you?”
His smile could knock me into next week as he extends his huge hand to me. “It was. Kane Wolfe.”
Of course he’s one of those Wolfes. My gaze darts around his frame. Black button-down shirt. Dress pants. Smartwatch. I guess he’s one of the tech guys. I’ve never seen a tech guy this big, though.
“Sammie. I mean, Samantha Watson. But just Sammie is fine.”
The edges of his eyes crinkle slightly when he smiles, and when his warm palm gently holds mine for a few extra seconds, my breath catches. “Sammie as in sandwich. I like it.” His grin lights up his deep brown eyes, raising his cheekbones. Wow, he isgorgeous. “I got you four muffins to make up for yesterday.”
My cheeks are burning. “I’m so sorry I was out of it yesterday. I was starving. When I have my appetite set on one thing, it’s hard to switch when my blood sugar is already dropping.” Oh great, now I’m babbling.
Kane simply laughs. “Hangry, I’ve heard of. Hungry-confused might be a thing too, I guess.”
Wow. His laugh is so rich and deep. Like it rumbles around in that muscular body before bubbling out. This guy is – I’m smiling wider than I ever have with someone I don’t even know, put it that way.
Finally I break his gaze to take a sip of coffee and open the box. There are four perfect muffins inside, with extra walnuts on top.
“I can’t possibly eat all these.” Turning the box, I tilt it to Kane. “Help me out?”
“Sure.” He takes a muffin, then leans out of the way as the cashier speeds by to wipe a few tables. “Oops, sorry Angie.”
She smiles, tapping his shoulder with her elbow. “No problem. These little chairs aren’t built for guys like you.” After she wipes the crumbs and coffee rings from three adjacent tables, she turns to me. "Do you know that new Edward guy? You look related."
“He’s my brother.”
