Free MoonlightDrifter by Jessica Coulter Smith Page B

don’t want you to walk out
of here without going through your usual morning ritual.”
    She snorted and moved forward,
grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the door. She picked up her purse and
keys before propelling him outside. After she’d locked up, she headed for his
truck, stopping by the passenger side. He hurried to let her in, not wanting
her to stand in the heat any longer than she had to.
    Once she was settled, he walked
around the truck and climbed in. His heart felt like it was going to beat out
of his chest as he thought about their upcoming talk. Would she want to discuss
it on the way to the diner? Or would she wait until they were eating? He’d
never felt so unsettled before, and he didn’t like it one bit. She’d turned him
upside down and inside out without even trying. He wasn’t even sure she was
aware of it.
    The diner was busy, but there
were still a few tables empty when they arrived. They slid into a booth near
the window and a waitress came over, dropping menus on the table. After taking
their drink order, she disappeared.
    “So, you said some of the women
came over last night. Did you have a nice time?” he asked. “I’ve noticed you
don’t hang out with anyone in particular.”
    “You’ve been watching me?”
    He shrugged. “I notice lots of
things. You arrived shortly after I did, so I paid attention.”
    “No, I don’t hang out with anyone
in particular and, yes, I had a nice time last night. Aislinn and Chloe came
over with two other women I haven’t hung out with before. They brought food and
we ended up ordering some pizzas, and watching movies, and chatting all night.
I’ve never done the whole girl talk thing before so that was interesting.”
    “What prompted their visit?”
    “Connor told Aislinn about me
being pregnant and you mating me, so she decided it was cause for celebration.”
    He studied her a minute. “And is
it?”
    Allie looked out the window for
what felt like forever before returning her gaze to his. She sighed and placed
her hands on the table, clasped together.
    “Look. I have to admit, I’ve
always wondered what it would be like to find my mate. Never really thought
about having kids, except for a fleeting thought here or there. All of this is
new to me and happening really fast. But…the girls made me realize something
last night. As much as you drive me batshit crazy, I’m drawn to you. If I
weren’t, you wouldn’t have gotten as far as you did that night. No one else has
made it past a kiss or two, yet I let you steamroll me.”
    “Thanks for the comparison to
being run over.”
    She rolled her eyes. “You know
what I mean. You hit me head on and I wasn’t prepared for it. Even if I had
been, I’m not sure I would have stopped you. I wanted you that night just as
much as you wanted me.” She glanced down at her hands. “I’ve thought about that
night when I’m lying awake in my bed and, as much as I hate to admit it, I’d
like to repeat it. Once wasn’t enough.”
    He reached across the table and
covered her hands with his. He knew the admission cost her, but he’d never
heard anything sweeter. Knowing that she still desired him was half the battle,
in his opinion. If she wanted to be with him again, then maybe they had a
chance. If she’d been filled with regret over their time together, he didn’t
know what he would have done. He supposed, if it was what she’d really wanted,
he would have walked away, kept an eye on her from a distance. It would have
killed him, but he’d have done it to make her happy. Connor had been right that
day. He loved her. Cain didn’t delude himself into thinking she felt the same
way, but he hoped love would grow over time.
    “I guess what I’m saying is that
I would like to give our relationship a chance. If you still want me as your
mate, I would be happy to stand by your side.” She looked up at him.
    “Of course I still want you,
Allie. Nothing would make me happier than starting a