Page 29 of The Wolf Slayer

Trying to start a light conversation and get both their minds off everything that had happened today, he asked, “Do you cook a lot?”

“I try but since it’s usually just me I only cook a few times a week and eat a lot of leftovers.”

“What about Jason?” He tried to sound casual, hiding the fact that he’d always hated the thought of another man living with her.

“He goes out a lot, so we usually don’t eat together.”

“You don’t go out a lot?”

She shook her head and took the noodles he was handing her. “No, I’ve been too busy working lately.”

He relaxed slightly. Leaning against the counter, he watched her. Her back was turned toward him, her hair slightly messy from the ride. Her heart was beating just a little faster than usual. Her jeans hugged her tightly showing off her gorgeous curves.

“Do you cook a lot?” she asked.

“I try but I don’t seem to have much talent.”

Shyly giggling, she turned around. She looked tired as ever, her face slightly paler than usual or at least from what he’d seen the last few times.

“Do you think you can watch the noodles without them burning while I go change?”

“Sounds like a hard task but I’ll do my best,” he said playfully.

Her eyes lit up amused and her lips twitched into a bright smile. She quickly grabbed her bag and walked to the bedroom, where he heard her close the door. He listened as she moved about before she sat down. She didn’t move for quite some time, so he finished cooking dinner before walking back and gently knocking on the door.

“Niev, dinner is ready. Do you want me to bring you a plate?”

“I’m coming.”

He turned back to the kitchen and plated her food just in time to hand it to her. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

“I’m so hungry I would eat anything right now.”

They both sat on the couch and ate a silent dinner. He wanted to talk to her but had no clue what to say. So all he did was watch her devour her dinner while barely touching his.

“There’s more if you like.”

She turned her head and looked at his plate. “Are you too afraid to eat your own food? It’s not bad, you know.”

She got up and refilled her plate while he tried to relax and forced himself to finish his plate even though he had no appetite. This whole day had been a roller coaster of emotions. He was overjoyed to be close to Niev again and glad that she now knew his secret. She’d taken the whole thing so well–or at least, that’s what she let on. It was everything he’d wanted and prayed for the past few weeks. Nevertheless, it hadn’t happened under the circumstances he’d wished for. Her pregnancy changed everything, and he still wasn’t sure what he should think of it.

“Where do you want me to sleep tonight?”

Her question startled him out of his deep thoughts. He turned his head and saw her sad, tired, and hesitant eyes. “In my bed.”

“Will you be sleeping there too?”

“Yes.” He paused, taken a little aback by her questions. “Unless you don’t want me to, then I would take the couch.”

“I wasn’t sure if… well… if you wanted to be close to me,” she stuttered.

“I do.” He set their plates aside and took her hands into his. “Why wouldn’t I want to be close to you?”

She shrugged her shoulders, tears running down her cheeks. “I messed up, and I’m still waiting for you to be mad at me.”

“I’m not angry with you.”

“You should be.”

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