Free A Mate for Kai (The Program Book 6) by Charlene Hartnady Page A

couldn’t help but to chuckle.
    “We’re dancing.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “Right now.”
    He glanced back at Carmen, catching the ass-end of an eye roll.
    Even though a fast, house track was playing, Jordy threw her arms around his neck, moving slowly to the upbeat tempo.
    He mouthed thank you and grinned at her. Kai wasn’t sure what he would have done without this female. When his life had pretty much come crashing down around him, she’d been there for him every step of the way.
    “Don’t mention it.” Jordan pulled him tighter. “I never liked her much anyway.” She whispered in his ear. She released him, ever so slightly, her hips still swaying to the beat. Her eyes closed for a few seconds, seeming to enjoy the music.
    Kai had to laugh. Others might misinterpret this banter as jealousy on Jordy’s part. It couldn’t be further from the truth. They had been friends forever. It wasn’t like that between them. Not at all. Not that Jordy was unattractive or anything. Far fucking from it. He just didn’t see her in that way and she didn’t see him like that either. Their friendship worked. They were best buddies and it was as simple as that.
    Jordy’s arms tightened around him once again. “I think we should rut,” she blurted. Her voice a mere whisper.
    Kai froze. “Come again. I swear I’m going deaf.”
    “You heard me.” Her dark chocolate eyes locked with his. Her face serious. “You can’t go on like this. Let me help you.”
    He shook his head. “No fucking way.” Kai looked around them, not liking it that so many others could listen in on their conversation. “Let’s get out of here.”
    Jordy nodded. He kept her hand linked in his. For once, it felt weird. He often held her hand like this in busy places or put his arm around her. The gesture suddenly felt intimate.
    They didn’t talk, the whole way back to her room. He swallowed thickly as he crossed the threshold into her private space, closing the door behind them. Jordy turned to face him, she folded her arms. “Why won’t you tell me what happened? You need to speak about this. I don’t even know the first thing about those two days, but whatever it was, it’s eating you up inside. You’ve always told me everything.” A look of hurt crossed her face.
    “I was with a female. Other than that, there’s nothing much to tell.” Kai took a step into her bedroom. “There really isn’t.” His answer was both the truth and a lie. It wasn’t like much had happened, yet it left him changed. It left him stuck. Limbo was not a fun place to be. How did he even begin to explain it? There were things about his time with the dragon shifter that he didn’t want anyone to know. He just wished for the hundredth time that he could move on.
    Jordy shook her head. He could see that she was worried. “I overheard those things Jenson said to you earlier. He’s right. I’ll help you get over her.” She pulled her dress over her head. Standing before him in just a tiny thong. So this was where this whole thing had come from. It wasn’t just a coincidence. Jordy had overheard them earlier. As his best friend, she was worried about him. “Let me help you,” she repeated, softer this time.
    “Jordy, no,” he growled.
    “Listen to me.” She took a step towards him, and like the pussy he was he took a step back.
    Kai shook his head. “No damned way.”
    “Yes. You need to get over this female. You won’t talk about it. You haven’t had sex since you were last with her. Let me help you.” She took another step towards him, her hands curled around his biceps. “We’re best friends. You’ve been taking my blood. You’ve already seen me naked on plenty of occasions. What’s sex between friends? It’s one more little step. Most vampires rut. It’s no big deal.”
    Kai had to smile. It was true. They had gone skinny dipping plenty of times. He’d walked in on her a couple of times while she was…busy and she’d done the