Page 52 of Unbreakable Bond
“Oh… yes. Sorry.” Rafe ran his free hand through his dark hair, ducking his head a little in apology, “You were younger than me in school but I remember your brother. Anderson. We were friends. Is he still intown?”
April nodded, “He is. He’s a deputy now and he’s also an Enforcer for thepack.”
“Like Michael couldn’t have brought him this morning then?” Rafe growled low, just for Zoey’s ears, “But no, he had to bring that other bastard.Figures.”
“Okay so…” Zoey chirped, ignoring Rafe’s latest reason to fight with his brother, “Now that introductions are over, how about we stop making a scene on the sidewalk and go inside? God knows I could use a cup ofcoffee.”
“Me too.” April nodded enthusiastically, “I’m basically an invalid until I get some caffeine in mysystem.”
“After you, ladies.” Rafe stepped forward quickly and grabbed thedoor.
Zoey shot her friend a reassuring smile when April flinched at his sudden movement. She knew Rafe was big and he didn’t exactly come off as friendly. But she was hoping that this trip into town would convince people he wasn’t quite the animal he’d made himself out to be last night. From the looks of it, she had her work cut out for her since April hadn’t even been at thatparty.
“Ladies?” Rafe prompted when April still didn’t move and Zoey rolled her eyes and shoved herfriend.
“April. Stop staring. Go. Now.” She pushed her friend through the door and tugged Rafe in behindher.
“Sorry. Sorry. I…” April finally got moving and they stumbled into the bakery, which promptly wentsilent.
Zoey cringed and her friend gave an apologetic shrug as if she’d known this would happen. Which, maybe Zoey should have known as well. She’d expected there would be gossip in town. She’d known they would get looks and questions after the way everything had gone down last night. But back at the cabin everything had felt so right between her and Rafe that she’d convinced herself they’d be okay out here, in public. Maybe Rafe had been right. Maybe they should have stayed home today and let the rumors die down.Maybe…
“Rafe, my boy!” An older man that sat in the back got to his feet and started towards them with a big, welcoming smile on his face, “It’s so nice to seeyou.”
“Mr. Lang.” Rafe offered his free hand as the man gotcloser.
“Oh, come now, I think you’re old enough to call me Richard now.” The former high school science teacher all but beamed as he glanced at Zoey, “And good morning to you as well. Getting a late start Isee.”
Zoey felt the blush heat her cheeks and to her utter shock and amusement, heard Rafe chuckle. That sound. Her insides bloomed with warmth and pleasure. She forgot all about how awkward the conversation with April had been outside. Forgot that her old teacher had basically just called her out for her tardiness. She simply basked in the sound of Rafe enjoyinghimself.
“It was myfault.”
“I had no doubt about that, son.” Richard Lang chuckled as well, “Why don’t you come sit with me and we can catch up? Let Ms. Zoey get towork.”
She gave the older man a grateful smile for the offer, for his show of kindness. He’d always been a nice man. He’d been a good teacher, stern but helpful. As one of her regulars, he all but kept her in business buying up boxes of treats every morning during the school year for his group of retired friends. She was thankful he’d made the gesture to welcome Rafe when everyone else was still staring and whispering but she didn’t expect her mate to take him up on it until he squeezed her hand and then loosened hisgrip.
“He’s right. I should let you get to work. It’s why we’re here afterall.”
She felt her heart thump as she looked up into those gorgeous dark eyes of his, “Are yousure?”
“I’m sure.” Rafe leaned down and brushed his lips over hers gently, “I’ll be right here if you need me and you’ll try to stay where I can see you.Right?”
Zoey nodded instantly because the thickness in her throat kept her from words. He was trying. He was really trying. For her. Compromise. He’d come to town even though he didn’t want to. He would take a seat in the café and let her get some work done. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for him to be apart from her, even that small distance, but he wastrying.
She launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight and felt his answering smile against the top of her head as he caught her. Oh God, her heart ached. She was falling for him. Fast and crazy and she didn’t think it was only because of the heat or the bond or the wolves. It was because he was Rafe. Handsome and kind, sweet and sexy, protective and damaged but trying… for her. And she knew right then and there that her heart didn’t stand achance.
She was falling in love with hermate.
“Go.” Rafe whispered against her ear, “Before I change my mind and haul you back to ourbed.”
She grinned, “Tonight.”
A low growl vibrated through his chest and he pulled back and kissed her soundly before shoving her gently away, “Go to work, Zo. The sooner you finish the sooner we can get out ofhere.”
Zoey blew him a kiss before taking a deep breath and turning her back on him to walk away. It felt strange not touching him when she’d spent nearly every minute of the last twelve hours in his arms. She wanted to rush back to him as soon as the distance grew by more than a few feet but she forced herself on, knowing it was an important step in their relationship that they move it out of the bedroom and into theworld.
Knowing she was testing her limits and his, she stepped through the swinging door into the kitchen to grab her apron. As soon as she did, she bore down, expecting him to come striding through the doors behind her. When a few seconds passed and he didn’t, she finally released the breath she had been holding and looked up to find her pastry chef staring ather.
“Good morning.” She grinned at hermother.
