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.

trying to think

wanted, or I can leave, find a different town to

I needed to decide

Time was running out.

shot open asI felt a blanket

to wake you up,”

just lay staring at

what to say without sounding

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

nodded as he walked to the other side of the bed and climbed under the blankets

in bed with

My heart cracked.

anymore, “If I need to leave, just tell

the

won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My

to

acting weird since I

know it’s a lot, a baby, 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

heart was in

lamp on,

side to hide my tears before he saw

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

“I don’t know what’s wrong

doesn’t explain anything else I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked

have never let anyone close to

didn’t even have

feel this need to be around you, like something

guy outside, I couldn’t fight the urge to help you and

in a good

it’s like your smell engulfs me

Soothes me somehow.

acting weird and, for some reason, it

would come back or not, or even what I had done wrong,

the top of my head as he rubbed my

you were feeling the bond