Page 38 of A Lady's Heart
Justin lay wrapped around perfection and wondered what the hell he’d been thinking.
Hehadn’tbeen thinking, or at least not with his big head, from the instant he’d gotten her naked. Or even before—
Yet after her decisive reminder that they were safe, he let his self-flagellating thoughts go and instead savoured the warmth of being tangled with her.
Justin actually fell asleep, waking as she stretched lazily against him, her smooth skin sliding over his then away far too quickly as she rolled from the bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
He dressed then headed to the kitchen to wait for her to reappear.
Mandy joined him only a minute or two later, dressed to go out. “I’m hungry. Want to go back to NLT?” She paused, wrinkling her nose in the most adorable manner. “If you think it’s safe.”
“Out of all the places we could go, that’s one of the safest,” he admitted.
She held his hand the entire trip, the tall street lamps brightening their route. He expected her to glance around nervously, but she marched with confidence at his side, asking non-stop questions about his job, and his place in Yellowknife where he lived most of the time, working with Tyler.
Instead of him distracting her from the unknowns of the day, she was in complete control. In fact, whatever magic she was using, during the short walk she managed to get him to spill the beans and share a secret about his boss.
He pulled open the door at NLT as Mandy laughed behind her hand. “And Tyler’s never eaten them since?”
Justin shook his head and guided her toward a side booth. “Who knew too many malted milk chocolates could have that effect on a big guy like him?”
He lifted her to the seat, stepping back rapidly as she scowled then swatted at him. “You need to stop throwing me around like a sack of potatoes,” she complained.
“I like carrying you.” He just grinned harder as he dodged the flimsy napkin she tossed in his direction.
Justin seated himself so he could see the door, back on guard.
It wasn’t unexpected. Nadia showed up at their table about thirty seconds after the waitress had taken their order.
She eyed them both. “Troubles, kids?”
“No trouble.” Justin stared her down, not willing to admit anything if he didn’t have to. Besides, he wasn’treallylying—there was no trouble currently happening, at that moment, in that location.
Nadia raised a brow but didn’t say anything specifically judgmental.
In fact, she turned to Mandy and offered a welcoming smile. “If you’re hanging around town for a while, pop in on Thursday night. That’s ladies night. And line dancing.”
Mandy’s eyes lit up. “If someone can teach me—I’ve never done that before.”
“Of course.” Nadia caught her by the fingers and squeezed. Then she tossed a stern command at Justin. “Ladies only. Don’t even think about trying to sneak in. I’ll kick your furry butt out myself if I catch you.”
Justin pulled himself up, drawing his dignity around him like a shield. “Ifyou catch me is the key word in that statement.”
She turned on him, folding her arms over her chest. “Oh, sugar, don’t delude yourself.”
They held a good-natured staring match for a moment before a huge bear shifter shuffled from the shadows to whisper in Nadia’s ear.
She nodded then turned to offer a farewell. “Martin says I’m needed at the bar. I’ll see you soon, Mandy. And Justin?” She narrowed her gaze. “Let me know if I can give you a hand.”
He dipped his head. He wasn’t foolish enough to turn down her help, but hopefully it wouldn’t come to that.
They were nearly done their meal when Caden and Cole marched through the door, hair tousled, clothing askew. The brothers spotted them and headed straight to the table.
“Head’s up,” Justin warned.
Mandy slid closer and tangled her fingers around his biceps.
The wolves tossed themselves onto the padded bench on the opposite side of the table. They were both breathing hard, and Cole grabbed the water jug and lifted it to his mouth to drink straight from the pitcher.
