Page 5 of Falling for the Werewolf
“It’s my pleasure, Dani,” Jace said, extending his hand. “Though, I can’t say I’ve ever met a girl named ‘Danny’ before.” He winced inwardly. Did he just say that?
Thankfully, she didn’t seem offended.
Dani took his hand, and he was once again struck by how good it felt, how perfectly it fit in his.
His wolf growled again, though this time, it sounded suspiciously like “Mine.”
“No, I guess not,” she said with a smile. “My name is Danielle, but everyone calls me Dani. And it’s nice to meet you, too, Jace Stevens.”
Dani. Danielle. The name was feminine, playful, classic. It suited her.
Jace smiled in return, something that was easy to do in her presence, especially when she said his name like it left the taste of chocolate in her mouth.
“I almost didn’t recognize you.” She raked her gaze up and down his frame, taking in his work boots, blue jeans, wife-beater, and the bandana he wore around his head. Curious and assessing, Jace felt the power of it acutely.
“Amazing what a change of clothes will do, huh?” he joked, glad when his voice didn’t crack like he half-expected it to.
“It’s not just the clothes,” she said, her blue-green eyes finding his. “It’s the look on your face. You look ...” she paused, searching for the right words, “happier.”
Jace was stunned at her revelation. Was he that transparent, or could she read him better than most people?
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, misinterpreting his shocked expression. “I didn’t mean to offend you. You looked quite handsome in your suit.”
Jace’s first thought:she thought I was handsome.That was good. His second:she took a step back. Was she worried she had offended him? That was bad. Anything that put more distance between them was bad. He had to employ a substantial amount of self-control to keep himself from moving forward and closing the gap between them.
“No offense taken.” He smiled. “And thank you.”
“Dani!” Bess called as she emerged from the house. “Oh, I see you’ve met Jace. How are you, hon? I don’t get to see you nearly enough these days.” Bess gave Jace a big hug, not caring a bit that he was sweaty and covered in dirt and sawdust.
“I’m good, Mrs. Evans. Thanks. You’re looking great, as always.”
“Such a charmer,” Bess said, flushing a little. “Bet you get that from your uncle.”
Amos smiled at the compliment.
Bess turned toward Dani, who seemed to be having a hard time taking her eyes off Jace. “Dani, sweetheart, you’re going to be late if you don’t get moving.”
Dani blushed. “Right. It was nice to see you again, Jace. You, too, Mr. Stevens.” With that, she turned on her heels and headed back for the house.
Jace’s gaze was immediately drawn to the natural sway of her hips and the graceful curves of her legs. Heat raced through his veins, especially when she glanced back at him as she went through the door.
“Bess, maybe it’d be a good idea if you went with me to the home center,” Amos said slowly. “It’ll be easier to pick out the latticework and decorative trim if you can see it all laid out in front of you. We can even pick up the paint while we’re there.”
“Well, I would love to, Amos, but I can’t. I promised Dani a ride to the senior center this afternoon, and I’m afraid it’s too late for her to catch the bus.”
“I can take her,” Jace said quickly, his eyes still locked on the house where Dani had disappeared. “That is, if you don’t have anything you need me to finish up here.”
Amos tried unsuccessfully to cover his laugh with a cough. “No, I don’t think there’s much more we can do here today without the latticework.”
“And I would really appreciate it,” Bess added for good measure.
“Then consider it done.” Jace looked down at the dirt and sweat he was covered in. “Do you think I have time to grab a quick shower?”
Bess nodded. “Of course, dear. Dani doesn’t have to be there for another hour yet.”
Amos started packing up his tools. “Tell you what, Bess. Give us both a chance to get cleaned up, and we’ll be back in thirty.”
