“Firefly, what aren’t you telling me?” He gently touched my arm.
“I think I’m going to take that nap.”
He laughed his deep throaty laugh. “Nice try.”
“We haven’t actually had a date unless you count a night camped out together in the snow.” If there was any chance he’d ask Gage, I didn’t want to get caught making things up. Hunter wouldn’t take well to that. No matter what my future held for me, I needed to hold onto Hunter’s trust. It was important for both me and Gage.
“That’s what I thought. It means I was right about him using you.”
“No.” I brushed off his arm. “You have no right to say that when you’re using me.”
“Using you?” He put a hand to his chest. “Me? How have I used you?”
“Why do you want me as your mate?”
“No. First tell me. How have I used you? Have I forced myself on you?”
“Not fully, but you make me sleep with you.”
“And that’s using you? If I was going to use you, I’d be enjoying the benefits more.”
“Then why bother with me? Dreams aside, I shouldn’t even be on your radar. I’m just a girl.”
“Dreams aside? How can I put those aside? You’re meant to be my mate. You will be my mate.”
“For all you know the sex is going to suck.”
“The sex will not suck.” He put his hand on my leg. “But it isn’t all about the sex. There’s other benefits.”
“Oh yes, because I’m somehow supposed to help you stop the hunt.”
“You will.”
“How? How could I possibly do anything to help?”
“It’s not just you. Like it’s not just me. It’s us together. When we’re together it’s going to work.”
“What if it doesn’t? Huh? What happens if we go through this whole mating ritual thing and I’m not the right girl. What if nothing happens?”
“Then I still have the mate of my dreams.” He grinned. “Nice one, huh?”
“No more corny jokes, please.”
“Some would call it sweet and not corny.” He continued to drive down the country road.
“It’s corny. If you were sweet you wouldn’t push for personal details from me.”
He squeezed my thigh. “I’m going to know every personal detail about you eventually.”
“But not about my past. That’s still mine to keep private.”
“Nothing is going to stay private between us. I need to know everything.” He finally turned onto the interstate.
“Everyone needs to keep some things private.”
He released my leg and took my hand. “I want to be your best friend as much as your lover. Maybe when you accept that idea you’ll understand.”
“My best friend? Are you serious?” Where did this guy come up with the things he said?
“Isn’t that what you want from the man you spend your life with? Passion is important. Don’t get me wrong.” He traced his finger over my hand. It sent a chill through me. How could even such a light touch elicit a reaction? I was spending too much time with him.
“I’m eighteen. I hadn’t given any thought to spending my life with anyone yet.”
“Not even Gage?”
“Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop trying to convince me that what’s between Gage and me is nothing. Please. Let me at least have the memories.” I could feel the tears starting. Why was I crying? After everything I’d been through I shouldn’t have been crying over this.
“Don’t cry.”
“Don’t make me cry.”
He shook his head. “I’m not making you cry. You’re over tired, and that makes you emotional.”
“Stop!”
“Here, now?” he asked with alarm.
“Not the car.” I sighed. “Stop trying to analyze me.”
“What do you want me to do? I’m trying my best here.”
“Your best?”
“Yes. I can tell you want this to feel more natural.” He merged onto another interstate.
“This meaning us?”
“Yes. I’ll tell you anything you want to know about me. My past.”
“The only thing I want to know about you is why you’re so convinced I’m the girl from your dreams.”
“Because it is you.”
“Then why didn’t I have the dreams?”
“Because you weren’t subject to the magic. Besides, weren’t you too busy dreaming about Gage?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I was. Is that what you want me to say? I was obsessed and dreamed about him all the time. I’m not embarrassed to say it because you were obsessed with a girl who only existed in your dreams.”