Shepard: What’s wrong with your phone?
Me: I dropped mine at Juicy and want to replace the screen protector. Nothing for you to add to your plate.
When the phone didn’t ping again, I set it in its holder, waved to Gator, and pulled away from the curb.
I found a parking spot almost right in front of the store.
Inside, I struggled with financial sensibilities and what I knew of Cross’ expensive tastes. Acknowledging I wasn’t spending my money but his, I forked over way too much on a high-end phone and left with a new line added to my plan.
Cross was outside, leaning on my car in the midday sun.
Fitted slacks molded to his muscled legs as he watched my approach with a sexy smirk. Relieved and glad to see him, I smiled back.
“Do you know how many wolves are following you around like love-sick pups? It’s going to be a lot harder to speak to you now.”
I handed him the phone.
“You’ll need to start using today’s technology then. Gain any knowledge about it lately?”
“A bit,” he said, taking the phone from me.
Then he surprised me by pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead.
“I’m sorry for leaving you as I did,” he said against my hair. “I knew the wolves wouldn’t hurt you, but…are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I assured him, hugging him back.
And I was.
Miles was finally safely back home.
Sure, I had a best friend who liked causing trouble, but now I also had a vampire willing to save me and a wolf family to watch over us all. What more could I want?
“I saw a dessert shop down the way,” Cross said, releasing me. “My treat.”
He truly spoke my love language.
Yep, life was good again.
* * *
