Chapter 4 - First kiss.

Ava

One dinner. That was all he wanted. I was nervous while getting ready, and I tried my best not to look good, but my long legs and tiny waist were making things really difficult. I was considering putting on a tracksuit just to spite him when my grandmother shouted from downstairs that my date had arrived. She looked a little surprised as I went down the stairs.

“What? I promised him dinner if he would leave me alone after that.” I sighed and she grinned. I swear, if she didn’t have ears, her smile would go right around her head. “Shall we?” I turned my attention to Daniel, who was also grinning.

“It was a pleasure seeing you again, Mrs. Talbott.” He smiled at my grandmother and we left. I was expecting to see his sleek car from before as we walked outside, but instead, I was met with a black SUV and, by the looks of things, two bodyguards.

“Wow, you must be important.” I frowned, realizing I really knew nothing about him, and that it probably wasn’t safe to leave with Daniel, but forcing my body to move nonetheless. Something told me he was not going to leave me alone if I didn’t go on this damn date with him.

“I sometimes need protection. I might be doing business in small towns now, but my business doesn’t always lead me only to small towns.” I wasn’t sure if that was meant as a threat or a warning, and it sent a shiver down the back of my spine. We went to the only restaurant in town and this time I didn’t feel as out of place as I did the first time we went out.

The Whitehorse bar and grill was where everyone from our town came together. It was the local coffee shop, restaurant and bar. People were far more relaxed than in that place he took me to before. We sat down and ordered, and I instantly noted that our waitress gave Daniel far more attention than she did me. What was it about him that drew women in like moths to a flame?

“Okay, so I know you are in some kind of contract construction, but you haven’t told me anything personal. Since you already know everything about me, I want to know more about you.” I smiled, and I saw a flash of amusement in his eyes. What? Did he think I wouldn’t notice that he knew far too much about me already?

“My mother passed away a couple of years ago. My father is still alive, and I have a younger brother. One year younger to be exact.” It was personal, but not personal enough.

“I’m sorry about your mother.” I frowned, thinking of my own parents and not wanting to pry. We made small talk until our food arrived. While eating, I told him more about my tutors and the fact that I missed out on most of school life, but I didn’t mind.

Between my tutors and my teachers, they all helped me to graduate with the rest of the kids in town that were my age while taking part in every ice-skating competition that I could. He kept quiet and only asked the odd question here and there, but I would rather have a relaxed conversation about my dinner than try and force dinner down in awkward silence. Besides, once it was over, it was over, and I would finally be able to carry on with my life.

“Would you do me the honour of this dance?” Daniel suddenly stood up and I gaped at him. The waitress had just taken away our plates, and I was about to get ready for us to leave. I looked at the dance floor and at Daniel before nodding. One date. I reminded myself. One dance wouldn’t change that. Daniel led me onto the dance floor and as soon as our bodies were too close together for comfort, I felt goosebumps breaking out all over my skin.

It quickly became clear that he was an expert dancer as we moved, and I felt myself being dragged into something I wasn’t sure I wanted. I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. When the music ended, I looked into his eyes and when he lowered his head and his lips touched mine, I responded. My head was screaming at me, but my heart was melting.

What the hell was I thinking?! When he broke our kiss, it felt as if he had taken my heart from me. We returned to our table, and Daniel paid the bill while I sat there trying to figure out what happened. Daniel dropped me off at home, and as we stood on the porch looking at each other, I wondered if he was going to kiss me again.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening, little one.” Daniel winked and stroked my cheek. My lips parted just a little, but before he could kiss me, he turned around and left. I watched him walk to the car and stood there watching the car drive away while my mind ground to a complete halt.

“I take it your evening was a success this time?” Grandma opened the front door and I just gaped at her feeling utterly confused.

Daniel

I had to get out of there. It had become far too dangerous to stay. After kissing her, the mate bond started to pull even fiercer than before and all I wanted to do was to plunge deep inside her and make her mine in all the ways. I wanted to see my mark on her shoulder. I wanted to make love to her every night of our lives. I wanted her, and that put her life in grave danger.

If my father found out about her, she would be dead even before I could save her. I ordered my men to pack, and we left town before the sun was up. I had to get back home. I had to give Harper a date, and we had to be mated, so I would never think about Ava again.