Page 21 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

She nodded. "While I was walking around, everyone was talking about you guys. You seem to have made a very good life here and found some good friends."

I knew she was saying the words kindly, but I could see the sorrow in her eyes and knew that something was wrong. There was a reason that Riley came down.

"And you don't have that back at home?" I asked.

She paused for a moment before she shook her head. "I have things. I have your sister, for starters."

I snorted. "While she is such a catch, I don't think she makes up every aspect of your life."

Riley smirked. "I have a boyfriend. Or… had a boyfriend. That's why I came down with April. I needed a little break."

I can't hide the shock that hits me. She was dating someone? Well, of course, she was dating someone. She's old enough to be married and have children now. She wasn't little anymore.

"Why did you guys break up?" I asked.

She shrugged. "We weren't a match."

I could tell there was more to it, but she didn't want to say, and I knew better than to pry. I was happy she was telling me anything at all.

"Well, it's his loss," I said, offering her a smile.

She snorted, rolling her eyes. "And what about you? No girlfriend?"

I wondered why she'd ask, but she was probably just keeping the conversation going.

"I've had girlfriends, but nothing that stuck."

She glanced at me. "Sounds like their loss."

I knew she was just saying my own words back at me, but my heart stopped beating as she looked at me. A small part wondered if she meant more.

"Ohhhhh," an older couple stopped next to us. "You guys are under the mistletoe! You have to kiss."

We both looked up, and I didn't even realize we were standing under one of the big oak trees. There were a couple of mistletoe bunches strung up in different spots.

Riley grew red in the face and shook her head at the couple. "We aren't together. It's not like that."

"Are you sure? You guys walked right toward them." The old lady said with a smirk.

Riley continued to shake her head.

I stepped closer to her and leaned forward. Her eyes snapped to me as I kissed her cheek.

Every part of me wanted to kiss her lips. I wanted a lot more than just that, but that wasn't happening. Not with the knowledge that she was just getting out of a relationship.

I leaned back, and Riley's face was beat red. She pulled a hand up, placing it on her cheek. I smiled at her. "Well, I hope you find what you're looking for, Riley. You deserve it."

She swallowed as she stared at me. I felt that tug. My wolf wanted her so badly.

I wanted to test the water. What would she do if I leaned down and kissed her? What would she do if I pushed her against the tree and deepened the kiss? Would she push me away? Would she pull me closer?

"Cayden!"

We both jumped at my name, and I turned, finding the guys standing there. "Lunch is over. We have to get back to our post."

Shit.

I turned back to Riley. "Well, I have to get back to my post. You going to be okay?"

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