Page 38 of Choosing the Rejected Mate

“Yes.”

“Good to know.”

I lean against the counter.“Do you need help?”

His head turns, slowly, and one brow lifts.

I roll my eyes.“With the mixer.”

“Ah.”

“Don’t sound disappointed.”

“I would never.”

“You absolutely would.”

He grins and hands me a wrench.“Hold this.”

I take it.“Is this important?”

“Very.”

“What does it do?”

“Currently?Keeps your hands busy.”

I gasp.“You gave me a decoy wrench?”

“You looked dangerous.”

“I’m dangerous.”

“I know.”Something in his voice changes when he says it.Not teasing or mocking.

Warmth spreads through my chest.I look down at the wrench because staring at metal is safer than staring at Daniel.“You’re very annoying.”

“I’m told it’s part of my charm.”

“By who?”

“Mrs.Bell.”

“She flirts with the mailman.”

“She has range.”

I laugh, and Daniel looks up at me.That look again.Like my laugh is something he wants to hold in both hands.I stop laughing because my heart is being stupid and I refuse to encourage it.

He returns to the mixer, but the quiet between us changes.Softens.Deepens.

Outside, the sun sinks behind the buildings, turning the kitchen windows dark.My wolf rises beneath my skin, restless again.She has been waiting all day, patient only because there were people around and dough to knead and work to do.

Now there’s only Daniel and the pull of the woods beyond town.My fingers tighten around the wrench and Daniel stills.Of course he senses it.

His nostrils flare slightly, his gaze lifting from the mixer to my face.“Your wolf is close.”

My breath catches.“Yes.”