My Surprise Mate

We walked the rest of the way to the house in silence.

Dane’s arm wrapped protectively around me, only confusing me more as to what was going on.

He still wasn’t talking to me—still had the same damn expression on his face—but here he was looking after me.

Then it hit me...he feels sorry for me, or he feels obligated.

I don’t want anyone’s pity and I hate the thought that I somehow made him feel responsible for me.

I could feel my heart clench.

Dane opened the front door for me, “I have some things I need to take care of, but it shouldn’t take me long.” My heart clenched.

“Will you be coming back over here tonight?” I didn’t want to sound desperate or needy, but I wanted to know.

I really wanted him here with me.

“I'll come to check on you when I get done.” He walked away, leaving me alone.

I shut and locked the front door and made my way to the bathroom.

After letting the bathtub fill with steaming hot water and bubbles, I slowly slid in and then I let the tears fall.

I wasn’t sure why I was crying.

Well, I did know because I wasn’t sure what had happened to cause Dane to act the way he is.

What I shouldn’t care.

I didn’t know him that well anyway.

Thankfully, there was no growling during my downtime tonight.

After sitting in the water until it turned cold, I finally climbed out and just threw on a clean t-shirt and some panties.

I really doubt that he’ll be coming back tonight, so I didn’t bother with pants.

I was more comfortable this way.

to think of what

stay here, where I’m not sure I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find

I needed to decide

Time was running out.

eyes shot open asI felt a

wake you up,”

just lay staring at

sure what to say without

you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you stay in here with me?” The need to be close

side of the bed and climbed under

he was there, in bed with me, he kept his

My heart cracked.

I need

hard feelings.” I did the best I could to

this because of Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My eyes stayed trained on the ceiling as silent tears fell

it’s nothing to do

acting weird since I

trust me, I get it —and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes it more difficult.” I wanted him to know I understood, and I don’t

was in

lamp on, filling the room witha

roll over on my side to hide my tears before he

crying?” What am I supposed to tell him? The truth, I guess, even if it does make

breath, “I don’t know what’s wrong

been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked confused at my words but didn’t say anything, just waited for me to

let anyone close to

didn’t even have this effect on

feel this need to be around you,

I couldn’t

in a good

close to you, it’s like your

Soothes me somehow.

acting weird and, for some reason, it

would come back or not, or even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was shattering into a thousand pieces.” I just

to him, kissing the top of my head

were