A Second Chance (Fated Mate)(32)
She looked dumbstruck, “No, why would you think that?”
“You didn’t even talk to me, or give me a chance to talk to you, about the new threat. Your first reaction was to bolt.”
“I thought you thought I was cheating on you. And you left to make other arrangements for my care. You looked angry.”
“I am angry that someone invaded your privacy. I’m angry that whoever wants to harm you, found out where you’re staying. And I was angry because you were leaving.”
“Oops, sorry. Communication breakdown.”
“Katie your first reaction to things can’t be to leave, otherwise this’ll never work. I know you would never cheat on me, unless one of the photos showed you puking your guts out.” He chuckled at the picture he created in his mind. And then became angry at the picture in his mind, because he didn’t want to think of her with other men.
“I understand now, and I’m sorry. I truly don’t want to be in your way. This has all gone so wrong, and I don’t know how to fix it.”
“You don’t need to fix anything. It’s new and we’ll get the hang of it, just stop trying to leave.” He went to her and scooped her up into his arms. “I want you here, with me. I want to be a family. Stop fighting it.”
She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his temple.
There it was again, gingerbread coming from his mate. She loved him.
The mood was broken when Shana said, “Damn, finally. I thought it was never going to happen.”
Jake covered her mouth but it was too late.
“What?” Katie’s innocent inquiry as Conner scowled at Shana.
Jake said, “We’re just going to, uh, go.” He went to the door and punched in the code to leave, dragging Shana out, with his hand still covering her mouth.
“What the bloody hell was that? And they know the door code, but I can’t have it?” And the gingerbread was replaced with pepper, yuck.
There was no getting around it; he’d have to thank Shana later. “Babe, you smelled, very briefly, like…cookies.” He took a step back like he was afraid of her.
“So, what’s the big deal?”
“Uh, do you remember the conversation of scents we had at the hospital?”
“Yeah, I remember. So?”
Was she honestly not getting it? “It means that even though you don’t want to, or don’t realize it, you sort of love me.”
Chapter 12
“Yeah, what do you expect? Somewhere in between the loss of my virginity, the fire, the hospital and the shower, it just kind of crept up on me.” She looked awkward, “Why, did you change your mind too? That would be my luck. Finally fall in love with a guy, just to have him fall out.”
He just stood there across from her, wide grin splitting his face. Did she really just say she loved him? He was in hog heaven. “I love you Katie, with everything I am.”
“Uh, yeah, okay. I think I’m going to have to remind you of that, several times throughout our relationship.” She gave him a tentative smile.
He simply beamed back at her, “And…”
“And what? You’re pushing your luck mister. I’m still hungry, you know.”
A look crossed his face, guilt? “I’m so sorry; you must be starved by now. Come on let’s get you fed.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the kitchen, pushing her down into a chair roughly.
“Oops, sorry, I got carried away.” Quinn was already sitting at the table eating quietly.#p#分页标题#e#
Conner gave Katie double servings of everything. Her plate was so full the food was falling off the sides, and he was still trying to pile on more. “That’s enough Conner, Thank you.” Katie turned to Quinn, “And thank you for making a lovely meal. I appreciate it.”
“You haven’t tasted it yet, Dearie. I may have spit in it, or slipped in some laxatives, while y’all were in there fighting like children.”
Harsh.
“That’s not very nice, Quinn. It’s all pretty new, and we’re trying to learn each other still. Give it time, Old Bag.” Conner was feeling a bit aggressive still from the pictures, so he hoped Quinn would back off. He wasn’t so lucky.
“Well, maybe she shouldn’t have let you mate her, if she didn’t know she liked you, or that you were compatible. And she sure as hell shouldn’t have let you impregnate her, Floosy.”
“Okay, old lady you are pushing too far now. I am not a floosy. If you want me to leave, say the word and I’m gone. This was your home long before it was mine.”
“No one is leaving,” Conner’s voice was strained, “Damn, you two are going to give me a heart attack. First, Quinn you need to apologize to Katie; who was a virgin when we mated.” At Katie’s gasp of outrage he continued, “And, she didn’t know what I was, at the time, other than the best man at her friend’s wedding. The same wedding that I mated her, accidentally.” Wait, that didn’t come out right.