The Mating(82)

“We should answer that,” she panted.

“No, let the machine take it. I’m too busy.” Kane was kissing her breasts through her shirt, tugging at her nipples causing reciprocal twinges down low in her belly. The answer machine came on and a crackly male voice spoke. “Hey, this is Marty’s Auto calling. The part for the sensor in your car is in. If you can have it here before noon, I can get it installed today.”

Elise groaned and regretfully pulled away from Kane. “As much as I hate to stop, I really should go. I want to get the car taken care of today. The mechanic could be fixing it while I’m at work.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Kane had a slight pout on his face, as he slid his hands out from under her clothing.

Giving him a quick peck, she climbed off his lap. “We can finish this tonight, I promise.”

“I’m holding you to that.”

Smiling, Elise started to leave, then paused in the door way. “That voice didn’t sound at all like the mechanic I talked to. I think you need to get a new answering machine.”

“It’s getting old and the tape is probably worn out, too. I’m actually thinking of going with an automated voice mail through the phone company.”

“Might be an idea.” With a wave, Elise headed for the stairs to change. There was a distinct wet spot on the front of her shirt from Kane’s mouth and she needed to put on a fresh top before leaving.





*****





After changing her clothes, she grabbed her coat and purse and headed for the door, intent on getting her car to the shop and still making it to work on time. Opening the back door, she walked right into Marla.

“Oh, sorry, Marla. I wasn’t expecting you.” Looking at the other woman, Elise frowned at her appearance. She’d never seen Marla dishevelled before; the woman always seemed to have just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Today, her hair was windblown and her hands were dirty. Even a few of her manicured nails appeared to be broken. Glancing down, Elise noted that mud still clung to her shoes and pant legs. “What happened to you?”

Brushing at her clothing, Marla gave a nervous laugh. “Oh darn, you caught me. Don’t tell the others—I have to keep up my image of being a total sloth, you know—but I was out for a run and went farther than I’d planned. Excuse me.” She pushed past Elise and hurried inside, her head down.

That was strange, Elise mused as she walked to her car. From all reports, Marla hardly ever did the wolf thing, being more in touch with her human side. Why had she suddenly changed her habits and where had she been running to have gotten so muddy? There hadn’t been any rain for almost a week.

Shrugging, she pushed the matter from her mind and headed to the car, only to come up short as she started to open the door. Darn! She’d forgotten about Bryan. Kane still didn’t know. She considered running in to tell him, but then thought about the time. She only had a few minutes to spare and if it took longer at the garage... Well, the fact that she’d met with Bryan wasn’t that earth shattering of an event, was it? Last night had shown her that she and Kane were building a good relationship and something as minor as seeing Bryan wasn’t really a problem. Yesterday, she’d allowed Marla to get her all worked up over nothing.

Climbing into the car, she pushed the matter aside. Tonight would be soon enough to let Kane know.





Chapter 24





It was ten-thirty when Elise arrived at Marty’s Auto Repair. She hoped he had a car he could loan her. It was quite a walk to the Grey Goose, and shifting into her wolf form to run down the street really wasn’t a good idea. If need be, she’d have to hire a cab. When she asked, Marty looked her up and down and smiled. “For a pretty girl like you…anything.” Expansively he waved his hand towards the rows of cars that were for sale. “Take your pick.”

Elise forced herself not to roll her eyes at the mechanic, who obviously saw himself as something of a ladies’ man. He wasn’t that bad looking with short brown hair and a pleasant smile, but compared to Kane, he definitely fell into the ‘average’ category. Ignoring his flirting, she glanced over the line up then impulsively pointed to the end of the row. “That red one, the sports car.”

“Ah! You’re a lady of discriminating taste, I can see.” Marty nodded at her knowingly. “Marlene, my girlfriend, has a fondness for that one too. Always wants to borrow it rather than a nice conservative grey sedan.” Marty stepped a bit closer. “A hot sports car always looks good on a hot lady.”

Elise stepped back and folded her arms. “I have to get to work.” She looked pointedly at the rack were the keys hung.