Page 42 of Two Years Gone

I woke with the events of the night before playing in my head again like they had for hours after I had stumbled in shock and heat back to my room.

I got up, took an exceptionally long shower to calm myself down, and began to dress for the day when I saw Declan stir.

“What time is it?”

“Five thirty.”

Declan grunted and rolled back over. I chuckled at my friend before walking out of the room toward the kitchen.

I started a pot of coffee and turned around, resting myself on the counter and replaying what had happened in my mind.

I had yelled at him, challenged him, and was fully prepared for his wrath. I hadn’t expected him to kiss me, or to give in as much as I did. And I was angry at myself for it.

“Good morning.” Zane walked sleepily to the kitchen island before resting on a stool.

“Good morning.”

I filled two cups with coffee and set one across the counter in front of him.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, gripping the warm mug in his hands.

I took a sip from my cup, watching him squirm in silence for a few moments. His head still lowered, he spoke, “About yesterday… I’m sorry.”

My eyes widened. Did he actually just apologize?

“I can’t seem to do the right things when it comes to you.”

I inhaled sharply, surprised at his blunt comment.

“I don’t exactly make it easy,” I teased, hoping to lighten the tension. I saw Zane smirk and knew I had been forgiven.

I looked down at my watch.

“I should head downstairs.” I pushed off from the counter and headed toward the large doors of the alpha quarters.

“Ella?”

I turned around to face him.

“Hmm?”

“Spend the day with me?”

I was frozen, not knowing how to respond.

“I, uh… I have work.”

“I’ll take care of that, don’t worry.”

“I don’t know,” I replied. Even though that kiss last night had blown my mind, I was still hesitant to let him in.

“How about just this morning then?” Zane countered.

“Why?”

“Why, what?” he asked, giving me a sideways glance.

“Why do you want me to spend the morning with you? We aren’t exactly friends. Actually, we aren’t friends at all,” I said softly.