Page 40 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“Sure.” She exits the house, and I drop to my knees in front of Winter, who has grabbed another pillow to hug.

“Please don’t give up on us, beautiful. This is just a speed bump, but I will never make you a promise I can’t keep, including a forever, because that’s up to both of us. I’m sure you’ll have lots of questions over the next few days. I’m willing to answer everything, so please don’t think anything is a stupid question.” I lean up, grip her chin in my hand not too tightly and press my lips to hers. I need her to feel this kiss as an apology and hope for a future—myhope for a future. She is my everything. I can already feel it in my soul.

She pulls away. “You have answered most of my questions, but I’m sure to have more over the next little while.”

“Winter, I will give you space and time.” I reach over to kiss the knuckles on her hand and glance up at her.Don’t give up on us, beautiful.

“You can wait as long as it takes. Now go, please.” I deserve that.

I stand up and make my way towards the door. Opening it, I glance back towards her and find Winter watching me before turning her gaze away. It leaves me hopeful. I only hope by not telling her about the mark sooner. I haven’t completely ruined my chances with her.

Fifteen

WINTER

My morning hasn’t gone well, and I’m late to work.

I’m almost in tears as I open the door to the birthing centre. As I’m rushing through the entrance, I’m stopped in my tracks by a very familiar man sitting in the lobby waiting room. Declan. I groan. He is the last person I want to see right now.

Looking up from his hands, where he was staring aimlessly into the bouquet clasped in them, he smiles. That smile makes my knees weak and my heart race.

Standing up, he swaggers towards me. Confidence radiates off him in spades as I check out his muscular body, clothed in a black suit jacket, a navy shirt with a white tie, down to his legs, filling out the suit pants just nicely. I’m confident that if he were to flex his muscles just a little, the seams would shred apart and give me a glimpse of the muscular body I know lives beneath those clothes.

What are you doing ogling him? You’re mad that he’s here, remember?

I turn my focus up at his face. “Declan, what are you doing here?” Anger prickles my skin, but I try not to show it. “I’m already late for work. I had a flat tyre this morning, spilled coffee all over myself, broke my phone, and to top it all off, I locked the keys inside my sister’s car.”

A whisper of a smile crosses his face, but when he looks at me, it doesn’t completely form. He probably figured now would not be a great time to start laughing.

“I came to see you. I haven’t seen you or heard from you since…well, since, you know. I needed to see how you are doing.”

He can’t be serious. “Declan, it’s only been a few days since you last saw me, and in that time, I have had to work. To be honest, I haven’t really had a chance to think about it all. As for how I’m doing, I’m a complete mess.” Stepping forward, he wraps his strong arms around me and for the whisper of a moment, I allow myself to indulge in them and the comfort and calm they offer, but I step back just as quickly. I can see the hurt upon his face. “I have to get to work.”

“Winter, we have to talk about this,” he urges.

I grit my teeth. “And I asked you for space. This isn’t giving me space.”

He exhales. “I don’t do patience, Winter. It’s not me. I need to know where your head is at.”

“Declan, I don’t even know where my head is at. As I said, I’ve been working since you told me. What I’d really like is a bottle of wine, a hot bath, and just to relax, then maybe I can get my head around my…well, for lack of better terms, my boyfriend’s secrets.” He grins. “What are you grinning about?”

“Hearing you use the word boyfriend was hot, beautiful,” he replies. “And it’s secret. There are no others, beautiful.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t have time to stand here and do this. I am running late. So, if we are done here, I’d like to get my day started.”

He nods as he thrusts the flowers towards me. “I hope these brighten your day at least just a little bit.”

I smile. They’re gorgeous and do make me feel adored and loved. But right now, I don’t need flowers. I need my car fixed. Tears brew in my eyes as I look at him. Everything is getting on top of me, and I don’t have a moment to think about anything right now.

He cups my face in his hands and leans down. “It’ll all be okay. I’ve got you. Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.”

“I want you to give me some space. I’ll be needing to spend my lunch break sorting a tyre person and locksmith for the cars; otherwise, I’ll be sleeping here tonight.”

He presses his lips to mine. It’s a sealing of everything going on without words. It’s short, sweet, and lingering. His lips are soft and gentle. I can tell he wants to deepen the kiss, claiming me as his, but he’s showing self-control.

“I’m not sorry I came. I had to see you. Now, I have, and I’m not satisfied with what I see. You aren’t looking after yourself. If space is what you need, then you shall have it. I’ll return the keys to your sister’s car in a few moments once I’ve retrieved them from the vehicle.” I open my mouth to protest, but he places his finger over my lips. “No need to thank me. I’ll do anything for you. Just go about your day like I wasn’t even here, beautiful, and come see me when you are ready to talk.”

He pulls back and walks away from me. I look at the flowers and smile. He doesn’t know me that well but he sure as hell knew me enough to pick all my favourites.

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