Damn. She really was a woman after his own heart. Pulling out her chair for her, Kane’s voice might have been teasing, but he was completely truthful as he remarked, “Now that’s something I’d like to see.”
Taking his own seat, he watched as Sophia turned her head and quirked one eyebrow adorably. “Are you doubting my taco eating ability, Mister Fletcher?”
She was playing with him and he loved it. Mirroring her expression, he formally returned, “Indeed not, Miss St. John. In fact, I think you may prove a worthy opponent. I challenge you here and now to a taco eating contest.”
Both her brows shot up before her expression morphed into an evil grin. “You’re on.”
“Twenty tacos each. The first one to finish wins.”
“And the stakes?”
Good question. Kane knew what he’d like to wager, was in no doubt what Kane Junior would like him to wager, but things like that needed to be freely given, and never because someone had lost a bet. He may be opportunistic, but there were certain lines even he didn’t cross. Now, if he asked her, andshesuggested naked fun, he certainly wouldn’t tell her no. Squirming slightly in his seat to relieve the sudden, and quite uncomfortable snugness in his pants at the hoped-for answer, Kane put it to her. “What would you like?”
Her face turned thoughtful for a moment before it noticeably brightened. “If I win, I get to have an evening alone in your glorious new tub.”
Naked, wet skin gleaming by the glow of candlelight, bubbles playing peek-a-boo with her flesh as they popped around her. Kane swallowed hard, the mental image so compelling that all he could do was nod wordlessly at her suggestion.
“And if you win?” she prompted, driving him from this newest fantasy that was going straight into his spank bank to be fully explored later that night.
He needed to shift in his seat again, though the movement did little to ease the ache in his groin. He also needed to clear his throat – twice – yet his voice still croaked as he said, “If I win, I get to see your dragon.”
Seeing her dragon was a relatively safe wager. Well, safe in the sense that expressing the wish probably wouldn’t get him slapped, but it was a wish he’d been hoarding. Dragon shifters were extremely rare. Most supernaturals would never see one in their entire existence. He’d seen Travis in his dragon form briefly and from a distance when the man had assisted in finding Jamie after she was taken by the rogue vamps, but he’d wanted to see Sophia’s dragon since the moment he’d first met her. He wanted to meet that other side of her…
“It would have to be on pack territory, so you’ll have to get Archer’s approval, but otherwise, I’m good with that.”
With the deal struck, they ordered their tacos.
The excitement around the table was palpable, everyone else’s food was forgotten as they cheered on Kane and Sophia. Even the waitstaff and other patrons joined in, chanting their encouragement, not that he needed it. He had this. Food was his thing. There was no chance that Sophia could possibly –
“Done!”
With half a taco still hanging out of his mouth and one remaining on his plate, Kane’s head turned sharply to meet Sophia’s smug grin and her empty platter. Loud cheering resounded as everyone rushed to congratulate the victor – that was not him.
It was in that moment, that Kane knew he’d not only lost the contest, but also his heart. Sophia St. John was absolutely, no doubt about it, perfect for him. Shoving the remainder of the taco into his mouth, he’d barely finished swallowing when the words, “Marry me,” tripped off his tongue.
The statement was met with uproarious laughter all around, a few quips about eating skills being the only way to impress Kane, though he couldn’t have said who made that observation. But while everyone took his words as a joke, including Sophia who was laughingly merrily, her eyes sparkling with mirth, Kane wasn’t entirely sure he hadn’t been sincere.
Chapter Thirteen
Sophia groaned as she rolled onto her back and then groaned again even louder when she attempted to sit up. Strength training sucked. Travis and Morgan had dragged her out of bed before the sun had even risen, to go for a run, though she had to admit that hadn’t been so bad since several of the pack juveniles had joined them. Those juveniles had peppered Morgan with questions, and she’d happily shared all sorts of interesting facts about Hunters, and specifically, the Born. Sophia had paid particular attention, hoarding the information though she wouldn’t admit it out loud, since it gave her some insight into Kane Fletcher, her newest and favorite bad habit.
She’d learned that unlike Turned vampires, the Born only needed to drink blood rarely, and were far less prone to go into bloodlust provided they didn’t suffer a debilitating injury. She also learned that the large majority of the Born could shift forms, either to fog or into a cloud of bats. She had not known that. She’d been so intrigued, her attention so focused on the information, she’d barely noticed the distance she’d been running or the speed she’d been maintaining, but of course, that had only been the start of her day.
The sit-ups she’d done hadn’t been too bad either, though she was definitely feeling the after-effects now. Her push-ups, however, had been pathetic, managing only a grand total of three, while her number of chin-ups could be counted on a single finger only if she rounded up. Releasing another groan, Sophia knocked her forehead against her bent knees.
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up,” Travis said with a nudge to her shoulder as he joined her on the ground and offered her a protein shake. “You were asleep for five years; your muscles are still recovering. It’ll take time.”
“Good news,” Morgan cheerfully declared as she strode toward them and showed them her phone. “Kane’s home gym is all set up and he said we could use it whenever we want.”
That had Sophia immediately perking up, though definitely not because it promised more of a workout. Using Kane’s gym, however, did increase the possibility she’d see him again sooner rather than later. Oh, sure, she’d won the bet, the prize of using his tub yet to be collected, but she’d only wagered for one night. A workout regimen might mean daily visits and therefore, daily sightings of the man.
She had to admit the Born was becoming a bit of an obsession, her thoughts continually finding their way back to him. She’d even dreamed about him the night before. And, okay, yes, he was gorgeous. There was no denying that. But it was more than his looks. He was funny and charming, and generous, not to mention it didn’t seem to bother him that she could eat more than a linebacker. Shelikedhim.
“While you finish up that shake,” Morgan said, pulling Sophia from her thoughts, “Travis and I will set up a temporary shooting range.”
Another groan escaped before Sophia could bite it back. Yesterday, she’d been looking forward to squeezing off a few rounds, today, considering the jelly-like feeling in her arms, she didn’t think she could even raise the weight of a gun to fire it.
“You’ll do great,” Morgan assured her, mistaking the reason for the groan. “There’s nothing to it.”
