“Are you okay?” It sounded more angry than inquisitive.
“I’m fine.” She answered. “Are you okay?”
“Not really no, I’m not. I came looking for you and you were gone. I thought you’d bolted because of breakfast.” He exhaled. “I’ll see you soon.” The line went still.
“I messed up.” Cindy took the phone and shoved it in her back pocket. “What can I do?” Harper felt like she was about to cry. Cindy put an arm around her and gave her a squeeze. “I just can’t seem to do the right thing around him.”
“This is all new to him. He isn’t used to having a mate.” Cindy put up a finger signaling to wait a second when Harper started to interrupt. “I know you aren’t mated yet but as far as he is concerned, it is a done deal. If you want to put his mind at ease you need to finish it.” Harper nodded. “He’s worried about your old pack coming after you. I should’ve brought one of the men with us. It was stupid of me to bring you out alone.”
“He said that, didn’t he?” Cindy nodded. “We should’ve told him that you were going with me and you should’ve brought your phone. He’s upset that you didn’t. From now on, keep it on you and let him know where you are going if you leave the house.” Harper nibbled her lip. “I know it sounds kind of…”
“No, it’s okay, I understand and he’s right of course. It was stupid of me and inconsiderate. I just didn’t think. I will from now on. I’m usually so much better at other people’s feelings.” Harper said the last more to herself than to Cindy but she smiled at her.
“This morning at breakfast, you were looking to escape, we all felt it.” Harper nodded. “Please don’t do that. If something is wrong, talk to him. Don’t make any rash decisions. He won’t hold you here if you don’t want to stay. Your happiness and safety are his biggest concerns. Give him a chance. Now come on, let’s get busy spending some money.” Harper nodded then went back to examining bananas. She put a bunch in the cart, Cindy put two more bunches in and Harper grinned. She wasn’t used to shopping for an army. They started down the aisles and began filling their cart.
The hair rose on the back of her neck and she felt him there. She turned and Ryder was right behind her. He grinned down at her and her brows knitted. Cindy was still talking and reading from her list. She turned suddenly. “Damn it Ryder.” She spat. He grinned.
“For the record, I don’t like apricots.” He said and Harper laughed. She’d only been half listening to Cindy once she felt him behind her but she did hear her say something about stewed apricots. Cindy stopped and picked up a commercial sized can of green beans. Harper gave the can a skeptical look. “We’re growing boys.” He rubbed his stomach.
“I’m sorry.” Harper said suddenly to Ryder. She could see the worry in his face even though he was grinning. “I should’ve told you where I was going. I’m sorry that I didn’t and I’ll carry my phone from now on.” His arms came around her then and he pulled her tightly against his chest then held her there.
“It’s all I ask little one.” Cindy pushed her cart further down the aisle paying them no attention. “You scared me. That’s all. I scared myself. I was rough on you this morning. I didn’t mean to be, I just had a bad experience once, and I don’t wish to repeat it.”
“Cindy told me. I understand.” She nuzzled his chest and he hugged her again. Ryder kissed the top of her head and started walking to follow Cindy.
Ryder followed them through the store adding things to the cart and grinned when Cindy protested. She did not want Twinkies in the house because Lucy was a nightmare on sugar. In the end though, he got his way. He stayed beside them at checkout and surveyed the other shoppers then followed them out to the parking lot where he loaded their groceries into the bed of the pickup truck. “I have an errand, go straight home.” He said more to Cindy than to Harper. “Come here little one.” Harper went to him and let him hug her. “I like walnuts and raisins in my carrot cake.” He murmured against her ear. A shiver raced down her spine and her nipples hardened. She felt her cheeks heat. “You like that.” He chuckled still in her ear. “Good.” His lips trailed from the hollow behind her ear and down her neck. He finished by pressing soft kiss to her lips. “See you in a bit.” He gave her another squeeze then let her go. Harper felt like she floated to the passenger seat of Cindy’s truck.