Azalea

“I think finding out we’re still mates is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he said, his eyes boring into mine with sincerity. He stepped closer, until he was inches away. I felt an irresistible pull toward his warmth.

Part of me didn’t want to run; part of me wanted to melt into his arms and forget the world. But how long could we ignore reality?

He reached out, gently tilting my face toward his. “Please come back and eat with me. This has been the best night of my life, and I never meant to hurt you,” he pleaded. I looked into his eyes, trying to understand his intensity. I was being silly; I knew it. Here he was, giving me the best date of my life, and I was trying to sabotage it. We were having such a great time before I messed it up.

“Okay,” I whispered, nodding slightly. He visibly relaxed. His hand remained on my chin.

“Do you forgive me?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” I whispered. Liam still held me. After a moment, he seemed to snap out of it, releasing my chin and stepping aside so I could lead us back to the picnic blanket. I walked, with Liam beside me.

Hesitantly, I reached for his hand. He let me take it, holding it lightly. I didn’t want to tell him how comforting his touch was, even just his hand in mine. I’d never felt so secure, so safe with anyone. Was this our mate bond?

We returned to the picnic blanket, sat down. He looked at me. “Um, are you hungry, or would you like to start the movie?”

“I’d love some macaroni and cheese, please,” I replied quietly.

“My pleasure,” he said, more encouraged. He reluctantly released my hand to get our plates. He handed me one and then stood. I looked at him quizzically.

“It’s getting dark, so how about dinner and a movie?” he asked.

I smiled and nodded. I hoped some of the awkwardness would dissipate with a distraction. He went behind the large screen and started the projector.

He returned with a nervous smile. “I hope you like it. I didn’t know what you’d seen, so I just picked a funny one.”

“I haven’t seen many movies, actually. Just a couple of children’s films we watched with Abi.”

He looked shocked. “Wait, so you never even watched the movies they showed at school?”

I shook my head. “No, I either did my homework or took a nap. Unless they were educational films we were tested on.”

“Not even on weekends or holidays?” he asked.

I stared at him, head cocked. Did he really think I had free rein? After a moment of silence, his eyes widened in understanding.

“Oh. Well, uh…” he began.

“It’s okay. I’ve always preferred books anyway,” I said to spare him the awkwardness. I didn’t want to make him feel bad about my past at the packhouse. I looked down at my plate and began eating. It was delicious—far better than anything I could cook.

As the movie’s introduction music started, Liam looked at me sincerely. “Azalea, will you tell me about it sometime? About growing up in the packhouse? I know we didn’t have the same experiences; I want to understand.” He looked at me hopefully.

I sighed. “Sure,” I said, not thrilled at the thought of reliving my childhood. Maybe someday I could tell him.

“Thank you,” he said, turning his attention to the screen. We fell into comfortable silence, eating. When we finished, he put the plates back in the picnic basket. It was completely dark; only the movie screen illuminated us. I shivered, realizing the temperature was dropping.

“Are you cold?” he asked quietly.

“Just a little chilly,” I said.

“Here,” he said, producing a blanket from beside the basket. He scooted closer, wrapping the soft blanket around my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I said, blushing slightly. I’d almost ruined the night over something silly, when Liam had worked so hard. I felt guilty about wanting to leave earlier.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked, breaking my thoughts.

“Yes, I’m fine now,” I replied, yawning. I’d been so excited all day that I was more tired than I realized.

Catching my yawn, he moved even closer, scooping me into his lap. He nestled me against his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I yelped in surprise but relaxed immediately in his embrace.

He leaned his face near my ear. “Is this okay?” he asked, his breath warm on my face. A pleasurable chill ran down my spine.

“Yes,” I squeaked. His proximity was affecting me—in a way I wasn’t sure whether to embrace or fear. I felt him smile. He moved his head, resting his chin on my head as we watched the movie.

I had to admit, he was comfortable. The blanket was soft, his body blocked the wind, and his warmth was incredibly relaxing. I could smell his fresh, forest scent, almost sensually.

Soon, my eyes drooped, my body relaxed further into his. He must have noticed because I heard his low, gravelly voice moments later. “You’re going to miss the best part, Azalea,” he said, then lightly nibbled my ear, waking me. A soft moan escaped my lips at the pleasurable sensation. He chuckled. “So, I do affect you.”

“Umm…” I said, unsure how to respond.

He lifted my chin, turning my face to his. “You are in control here, kitten,” he said. His eyes held sincere promise. “Say the word, and I will kiss you, touch you, anything you want.”

My cheeks burned. I swallowed audibly. A smile played on his lips. “Okay,” I said.

“Okay what, kitten?” he murmured into my ear, his breath hot on my neck. I felt a sudden need to be closer. My mind raced, wondering what his lips would feel like. I’d never felt this way before, making me blush even harder.

“Kiss me,” I whispered. I could feel his smile widen. He raised his hand to my cheek, gently caressing it, turning my head. From behind, he pulled my face to his and slowly closed the distance between our mouths.

Slowly and gently, he kissed me. It was like fireworks exploding in my face, sending pleasurable sensations through my body. He coaxed me along. A soft moan escaped my lips, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring my mouth. He tasted divine; I could lose myself in him.

All too soon, he pulled away. Without opening my eyes, I pouted at the loss of his lips. Suddenly, I felt my shoulders jostled. I opened my eyes to see the movie credits rolling. Oh no! Had I fallen asleep?

I heard Liam chuckle. I turned to look at him. “What?” I asked.

“Nothing, you just dozed off. It was actually pretty cute,” he said, still chuckling. My cheeks reddened. I’d fallen asleep and dreamed about kissing him! What was wrong with me? I turned away, trying to hide my blush.

“Sorry about that,” I said timidly.

“It’s alright. As long as I didn’t bore you to sleep,” he said lightly.

“No, no, no!” I said quickly, turning to face him. “I was just warm, and it was really comfortable…” I trailed off. A small smile played on his lips.

“Well, I’m happy to be your pillow anytime.”

“Thanks,” I said, smiling. He knew just what to say. I looked around, trying to prevent awkwardness. “Wow, it’s beautiful tonight. You can see so many stars.”

“It is stunning here,” he said, never taking his eyes off me. I blushed again, looking down at my hands. He cleared his throat, looked away. “There’s somewhere else we can go to see the stars. It’s even prettier.”

I smiled. “That sounds lovely. Maybe another time.”

He smiled widely, wiggling his eyebrows. “So, there will be a second date then?”

I giggled and nodded. “Yes, I think that can be arranged.”

“Well then, I should probably get you home. You did fall asleep on me after all,” he said, excitement evident.

He lifted me from his lap and set me beside him. I felt a little disappointed not to be in his arms. He was so strong; it was kind of sexy. He was an Alpha, after all. He got up and grabbed the picnic basket. I stood and put on my cardigan.

I handed him the blanket; he folded it and put it away, then grabbed everything in one hand and offered me his other.

I took his hand, feeling his warmth. A smile spread across my face.

“Ready, baby?” he asked. I nodded.

He led the way out of the stadium and toward the inn. As we walked, I felt both happy and sad. This was my first date, and it was amazing. He was thoughtful and sweet. Dinner was amazing. Being in his arms felt right, like we were meant to be. But was it all just the mate bond? Without it, would he even look at me?

Soon, we reached the inn. He put the picnic things in his car trunk, then we walked toward my apartment.

“Is something wrong, Azalea?” he asked.

“Oh, uh, no, nothing,” I said.

“Are you sure? You seem sad since we left the field. You can tell me; I won’t judge,” he said as we approached my door. I got my keys.

I looked into his brilliant blue eyes. “This was the best night of my life, Liam. I wouldn’t change anything. Thank you so much,” I told him.

His eyes flashed with joy, then concern. I looked down, not wanting him to know my doubts. I hadn’t lied, but I didn’t want him to know I was questioning things.

“I guess I should probably go…” I began.

He grabbed my chin, lifting my face to his. Before I knew it, his lips were on mine. At first, he didn’t move, and I savored the feeling. Then he deepened the kiss, and I wanted to melt. His hand moved around my waist, pulling me close as his other hand moved from my chin to my cheek, then through my hair. He moved his lips over mine, pouring emotion into the kiss.

A moan escaped my lips, making him smile. He tasted even better than in my dream. He gently pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. We caught our breath before I broke the silence.

“Wow,” I whispered.

“Tonight was incredible. Thank you for letting me spend it with you, Azalea. I hope I made your first date a good one,” he said, pulling away. He leaned in, kissed the top of my head, and murmured, “Good night,” before turning to leave. I watched him go. Once he was out of sight, I exhaled.