Page 131 of Wisteria and Cloves
The reassurance in his voice calmed something wild inside me. This wasn't like with Julian—desperate and consuming—or with Christopher—playful and spontaneous. Miles offeredsomething different. Something patient and steady, like the gentle persistence of water shaping stone.
"Just us," I echoed, my fingers tracing the curve of his cheek. "I like that."
He smiled, the expression transforming his face. "So do I." His thumb brushed across my lower lip, the touch reverent. "May I stay with you for a while? We don't have to do anything else. I'd just like to be near you."
The request surprised me. It wasn't what I'd expected, but it filled me with warmth that had nothing to do with desire and everything to do with belonging.
"Please stay," I whispered.
Miles shifted, gathering me against his chest as he settled more comfortably in my nest. His arms cradled me with surprising tenderness, one hand stroking slow patterns along my spine.
"This is nice," I murmured against his chest, breathing in his scent as I felt my body relax more as I did so.
Miles chuckled, the sound rumbling beneath my ear. "Back to 'nice' again, are we?"
"Perfect, then," I amended, smiling against his shirt. "Is that better?"
"Much." His lips pressed against my temple as I let myself drift off feeling completely safe andloved.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Lilianna
Iwoke up earlier than I would like to admit, but before Miles left me with sleepy eyes and a smirk, he'd suggested I dress comfortably for the day. I smiled as I got dressed in dark jeans, a soft cream sweater, and ankle boots that were practical but still made me feel put-together. I'd added minimal makeup, just enough to feel confident, and pulled my hair into a loose braid that fell over one shoulder.
Now I stood by my bedroom window, watching the morning light filter through the trees as anticipation fluttered in my stomach. A date with Miles. The thought alone made my pulse quicken, memories of his lips against mine, his gentle hands, the way he'd held me until I'd fallen asleep.
A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.
"Come in," I called softly, turning from the window.
Miles appeared in the doorway, and my breath caught at the sight of him. He wore dark jeans that fit him perfectly and a forest green henley that brought out the color of his eyes. His hair was styled casually, still slightly damp from his shower, and there was something different about his energy this morning—less reserved, more purposeful.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar warmth that made my chest flutter.
I nodded, grabbing my jacket from the chair. "As ready as someone can be for a mystery date."
His smile was soft but held secrets. "Trust me?"
"With my life," I replied without hesitation, the truth of it surprising us both. Something flickered in his eyes—gratitude mixed with something deeper. He offered his hand, and I took it without question, letting him lead me out of the house.
The car he led me to wasn’t a luxury car this time, but a Jeep Wrangler. He opened the passenger door for me, his hand resting lightly on my lower back as I climbed in.
"You look beautiful," he said simply as he slid into the driver's seat. No flattery or exaggeration, just a statement delivered with quiet certainty.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a blush warm my cheeks. "You look pretty good yourself."
His lips quirked into a half-smile as he started the engine. "High praise from someone who lives with three other alphas."
I laughed, relaxing into the comfortable seat. "Still not going to tell me where we're going?"
"Where would be the fun in that?" He glanced at me with a playful smile that made my heart skip. This was a different side of Miles—lighter, more carefree than the thoughtful, steady presence I'd grown accustomed to.
As we drove out of the city, the urban landscape gradually gave way to rolling countryside. Miles kept one hand on thewheel, the other resting on the center console where my fingers occasionally brushed against his. Each fleeting touch sent warmth spiraling through me.
"You're taking me to the middle of nowhere," I observed after about thirty minutes of winding country roads lined with autumn trees in brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
"Not nowhere," Miles replied, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "Somewhere very specific."
