My attempt at conversation with Gianna was seriously flailing. I was obviously not as good with the charm as I hoped I was. Not that I ever really needed it before. I was an Alpha for god’s sake, women in and around the pack usually threw themselves at me, knowing my title. Not that I was ever fussed by that, knowing they were simply after me for the title. If anything, it had repulsed me. It certainly made it hard to know who was genuine and who wasn't.And then I had met Brooke and things had changed. She was the one meant for me, and all women had ceased to exist in my mind. Shame she had not felt the same way upon meeting me. Maybe then I would not have ended up as hurt as I did.Maybe the lack of charm was why she decided to look elsewhere? I found myself questioning. ‘Do not start.’ My wolf warned me, knowing I was headed into a downward spiral the moment I began thinking like that. The hurt my former fated mate had caused had seriously damaged my mindset. My ego. My heart. It t
I had done all I could to keep Mason’s drink topped up, and the conversation flowing in a more friendly way, avoiding all awkward conversations. I was more than a little surprised at how disappointed I felt at his suggestion of him leaving. It seemed I enjoyed his company maybe a little more than I realized… But, my shift was coming to an end, and I had once again spent a great portion of it with him, however it resulted in yet another of my most enjoyable shifts… if you took out the awkward bits, of course… We laughed so much talking about the most random of things. People watching turned out to be the most fun with him. Though I enjoyed watching him the most. The little ways his face changed when he smiled, or he laughed were just the sweetest… “Well, it is that time again.” I told him with a wry smile. “Aww, are you abandoning me?” he teased. “Afraid so. My shift is done.” “It has been fun. But I do want to apologize for earlier.” He watched me clo
I looked across the parking lot toward my car, but leaning against the wall near it was a man I did not expect to see so soon. Mason. And the moment his eyes seemed to register me walking across the parking lot, his eyes lit up, and his face broke into a smile. Not a small smile either. A big, beaming smile that it was hard to resist smiling back at…“Well, hello.” He greeted me as he made his way toward me. “Fancy seeing you here.”I raised my brows at him in question, a little shocked he was even here. He had left the bar a little while ago now. Had he intentionally been hanging around waiting for me? Or was he waiting for a cab? It was difficult to say, and I most certainly did not want to make things more awkward by asking. But one thing I knew, was it felt odd that he was here outside of the bar environment.“Aww, you keep looking at me like that and anyone would think you weren’t too happy to see me, Gianna. Nothing like trying to give a guy a complex, is there?” Mason teased, a
I could not believe this stunner of a woman had agreed to have coffee with me. Admittedly, I may have pushed the boundaries a little by leading her to the nearest restaurant rather than the popular coffee shop further down the street. And, to my further surprise, Gianna did not put up any argument when I led her to the restaurant. Nor did she flinch at the touch of my hand on her lower back, which felt like the most natural thing in the world. I can not explain how this girl makes me feel…So at ease… like I have known her forever… relaxed… things seem easy with her… yet something about her draws me in… wakes up emotions inside of me I thought were long dead. She excites me. And I think she may be having a similar effect upon my wolf. And that is even more shocking.“Dinner, I assume?” Gianna looked up at me, with her eyebrows raised, a playful smirk upon her face after I asked a waiter for a table for two.I
The waiter walked across to the table with our coffees, placing them on the table with a polite smile. I couldn’t help but notice his gaze remained upon Mason this time, which was highly amusing. He obviously knew he had irritated him, despite the fact there was no real reason for Mason to be upset by this guy's behavior. I was sure he was just being friendly.“Are you guys ready to order?” the waiter asked politely.We hadn’t even had a chance to look at the menu yet. If the rest of the dinner took as long as this did, I would find myself spending all evening with Mason… or was that his plan? Though, would that be the worst thing in the world?“Not just yet, we will take a look at the menus now, and then call you over if that is okay?” Mason said, his voice full of authority. I could tell this guy was one that was used to being listened to. I may not want him telling me what to do, but it was kind of sexy hearing him being so dominant…“No problem.” The waiter scuttled away without a
Sitting in the delicately lit restaurant with the beautiful Gianna was turning into being the highlight of my week…maybe month… hell, likely the highlight of my year with how bad things had been going of late. She was such a delight when she relaxed and allowed herself to be comfortable, falling into the conversation with ease. The way her eyes lit up as she spoke warmed what I had thought was my cold heart...We had ordered our food, and chatted casually, laughing and joking so freely. The awkwardness from earlier in the bar was long gone. It all felt so natural. If this had been a date, it would have definitely been considered successful, I know that much. She was so easy to talk to. And I think I could happily talk to her forever.“So, am I to expect you at work tomorrow?” Gianna asked with a cheeky glint in her eyes.I couldn't hold back the chuckle that she caused. “Wouldn't that spoil the surprise?” I teased. In truth, I would love to head to the bar each time Gianna worked, but
The food was delicious, though it was more than I usually allowed myself to eat. But, I truly enjoyed every last bit of it. I have to say I was secretly glad that Mason had decided to convince me to order a burger now instead of the salad; because as much as I don’t mind salad, I don’t think it would have lived up to the burger…“You want another coffee?” Mason looked across the table at me as I placed my cutlery onto my plate. I felt so full now, I think I was ready to fall asleep!The meal with him had been surprisingly enjoyable. We chatted so leisurely as we ate, and laughed so much as we joked, and he told me about his friends. It seemed they were all incredibly close, and I loved hearing the many tales he had to tell of their time together. The time passed so quickly. But I didn’t know if agreeing to another coffee seemed too eager. I did not want to give him the wrong impression. I had literally spent the majority of my day with this man. A man that only a matter of days ago wa
Okay. I asked to see her again. Was that the worst move in the world? Gianna evidently thought so, as she ran out of the restaurant quicker than a horse out of the racing blocks. Perhaps it was too soon? I am so shit at this. So out of practice. And this time, it had cost me. Because I was now alone. I messed up...‘No shit, Sherlock.’ My wolf, Echo, very unhelpfully piped up. As I stood to go and pay the waiter, who I was damn sure had one hell of an irritating smirk upon that annoying face of his. What frustrated me more was Gianna had thrown money down for her meal. I asked her to join me. Did that not indicate I was paying? I did not expect her to give me money for the meal, and the fact that she felt she should made me unsettled.‘Well, consider it an excuse to see her again, and apologize for being a blathering fool.’ Echo said kindly. Wow, my wolf was being ever so supportive today. Just what I needed.But maybe he did have a point. I could try to at least catch her up and pay