Page 30 of Choosing the Rejected Mate

“So you climb counters?”

“They don’t wobble.”

“They absolutely do when you climb them.”

“You’re very judgmental for a man who can’t frost a cupcake.”

“I’m still healing from that.”

She snorts, and the sound wraps around me like sunlight.

****

By nine, the bakeryis quiet except for the hum of refrigeration and the soft clatter of pans.Maisie left hours ago, not before giving me a look so pointed it should count as a weapon.

Holly rolls her shoulders and winces.I notice, and she notices me noticing.

“No,” she says.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You thought something helpful.”

“That is a terrible accusation.”

“You were going to offer a shoulder massage.”

“I was going to ask if your shoulders hurt.”

“Same thing with more steps.”

I lean back against the counter.“Would you say no?”

Her lips part, and the air changes again.

Damn it.

Her gaze drops to my hands, and my fingers flex before I can stop them.I’m suddenly very aware of how close we are.Of the silence.Of the door locked against the rest of town.Of the flour on her throat, just above the flutter of her pulse.

Holly swallows.“I should,” she whispers.

“That’s not what I asked.”

Her eyes lift to mine.There’s fear there, but not only fear, but also want too.The want is worse.

My wolf presses forward, lower this time.Quieter.Not demanding.Waiting.

I keep my voice even.“You can say no, Holly.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Her breath catches.The question sits between us, heavier than I intend.For a second, she looks away, jaw tight, and I know I have touched something bruised.

Then she looks back.“I’m learning,” she says.

I nod once.“Then learn with this.Do you want me to rub your shoulders?”