“Oh,” I say. “He’s in town?”
“Yeah, just for the day. Had a few things to discuss. Don’t worry, I’ll look into these kids soon and find out what they’re doing.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure it’s nothing. I feel stupid getting so scared and running off when it was only you chasing me.”
Galen smiles, stroking my hair.
“I’ve always been chasing you, Clara. You don’t need to be scared anymore—I can protect you from anything.”
Except yourself.
“Thank you, Galen,” I answer. He opens his arms and I let him hug me, enjoying a moment of complete bliss snuggled against his warm chest with his heartbeat throbbing against my cheek.
“I’d like to take you out on a date tonight,” Galen says. “What do you say?”
I pull back and look into his eyes. More and more, I’m feeling like I don’t ever want to leave his side. It’s beginning to erode my common sense, and it scares me.
But it doesn’t change the fact that I really do want to go out with him.
“I’d like to, but I don’t want to leave Nico for too long,” I answer. “He’s been doing so well over the last week, I think he needs us with him.”
“Then we’ll bring him along,” Galen says. “Let’s make it a group date, all three of us!”
“Okay,” I answer, unable to keep the giant smile off my face. “I can’t say no to that—you got me.”
Galen hugs me, and as I let myself sink into the warmth of his arms again, I know, he really does have me, my heart, body, and soul—whether I’m ready to admit it or not.
Chapter 20 - Galen
In the hours leading up to the date, I’m as nervous as if it’s my very first one—ever. As I stand in front of the mirror fiddling with my shirt collar, I try to remember the last time I was this nervous, and I can’t.
Not even leading the pack into hostile territory affects me this badly!
Of course, back in high school, I never took Clara on a date. I was too afraid someone would see us together and report it to my father. The other girls I asked out meant very little to me. I was never serious about a relationship, so there was no need for nerves.
And now I’m almost foaming at the mouth with anxiety. It looks like there’s something that scares the big, bad wolf after all!
Even as I fiddle with my collar again, I know that my worst fear really isn’t disappointing Clara.
It’s losing her.
I step back from the mirror and check myself out. I’m wearing a casual black suit with a white dress shirt, unbuttoned at the top. I was considering a tie, but I want the date to be more low-key. The only problem is, at the last moment, I decided I wanted to dress to impress, so I ended up in a suit.
Running a hand through my hair, I turn to the side to make sure my jacket is falling straight. I consider changing it for a second, then I berate myself.
I’ll be late if I keep screwing around, and I don’t think I’m going to be satisfied with how I look, no matter how long I stand here.
I grab my keys and phone, then go out to wait in front of the house. I told Clara and Nico to be ready at eight, and the clock ticks over just as I stop by the car.
When I hear the front door opening, I turn around slowly, waiting for Clara to come into view. When she steps out onto the porch, I’m mesmerized—there’s no other word for it.
She’s wearing a fitted black velvet dress with long sleeves and a V-shaped neckline, covered by a warm wool jacket in pale grey. Her dark brown hair is swept up behind her head, showing off her graceful neck and shoulders.
She moves towards me, the front porch light shimmering over her head and creating a soft, warm glow around her silhouette. My heart almost stops in my chest as I watch her walk towards me.
She truly is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
“Hey, Dad!” Nico yells, tearing around his mother and running towards me. “Mom said you had a fun night planned—where are we going?”
