What the hell? Now Katie knew she was thrust into the twilight zone. Who was this woman? Oh God, she hoped it wasn’t Conner’s mother. What should she say, ‘Hi ma’am I’m Katie, Conner’s friend and baby mama. Your son is so nice, but I’ve pushed him away and put him down at every possible moment. Nice to meet you.’#p#分页标题#e#
Katie was dragged through the door, and into the most gorgeous kitchen she had ever seen; stainless steel appliances, a lovely tan granite countertop with cherry wood cabinets. There was a large island in the middle of the kitchen. But when she searched she couldn’t find Conner.
“Hello ma’am I’m Katie Ward, nice to meet you.” She held out her hand to shake but the older woman pulled her into a hug.
“Oh, you smell like apricots. Did you know that? And something more…” She came at Katie again to sniff but Katie held up her hand and halted her forward progress.
“Have you, by chance seen Conner?”
“Yes, Ms. Ward, he came in and let me know you had arrived. He requested I greet you, and give you a tour. I’m Mrs. Gracie Quinn, by the way, but you can simply call me Quinn. That’s what Conner calls me, and I’d be delighted if you would too.”
“Thank you, and please call me Katie. Would you please show me to Conner?” She’d really like to apologize for her behavior. He was so calm, and unfortunately, she was not; which made her push to make him un-calm.
“I’m sorry missus but he requested to be left alone in his gym. He asked not to be disturbed.” She really did look remorseful.
“That’s okay, I’m sure I can find him on my own. Thank you for your help thus far.” She began to walk away when Quinn reached out to touch her shoulder.
“He really doesn’t want to be disturbed. He is a very calm and relaxed man, but this last month he’s been stressed. And I hate to say it, but when you arrived he smelled of…pain.”
“We were in a car accident and I don’t think I even asked him if he was okay. I’m such a dolt. Please take me to him.” She felt miserable. Here was a great guy that wanted a life with her and she was being selfish and childish.
“No, no, Dearie. You misunderstand. He was not physically harmed, his sorrow was emotional. He needs to be alone to collect himself.”
Great now she had guilt. She knew she was being unreasonable and wanted to fix it right away, but it wasn’t fair. They both needed time.
“You’re right. This is obviously the kitchen and must be where the tour begins. What’s next? This looks to be a fairly large home.” She was mildly irritated. Conner should be the one to give her a tour but she had apparently pushed him too far.
“Correct, this home is very large. Conner chose this bit of land that borders Alpha house, to be the location of his home. He had it built and oversaw the construction himself. He was so hoping to find you.” She beamed at Katie like she was their salvation.
“Uh, so…will you please show me your home?”
“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry I keep jabbering on.” As Mrs. Quinn turned to leave she picked up a piece of luggage. “Shana and Jake had your things brought, not a lot of stuff if you ask me.”
“I know. My home burned down a few days ago. I’m sorry, that’s all I have.” She took the luggage from the older woman. She was left feeling inadequate again. Not good enough for this man.
Quinn suddenly looked thoughtful, “Well, we’re just going to have to remedy that. Conner mentioned that you shouldn’t leave because it was dangerous, but we can do the online shopping. I’ve heard it’s quite popular, and have even done it myself a few times.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, or where I’ll end up.”
Katie and Quinn stared at each other, not saying a word. Quinn suddenly leaned forward and inhaled what Katie knew to be her scent.#p#分页标题#e#
“So, you’d take away his children then? Not the kind of mate we were expecting for him but…”
“Ya know what? I’m sick of you people making me feel like I’m a bitch, and not good enough for him. You don’t even know me. You don’t know what happened, and the circumstances regarding our ‘so called mating.’ Maybe I’ll just leave. I no longer want, or need your help.” She turned on her heels and went to the front door. She attempted to pull it open but it wouldn’t budge. She tugged and pulled and twisted but the door wouldn’t open.
Defeated she turned a nasty look to Mrs. Quinn who was giggling, “I’ll just find my own room.” Shoulders slumped she began a retreat down the hall.