Page 64 of Howlin’ For You

I rush over for a kiss—two—before breaking away again. I love the way she chases my mouth, wants more. She’s unashamed in her desire, and that’s everything.

“Patience,” I murmur, dragging my thumb over her chin. “Eat first, then we can celebrate.”

She takes my thumb in her mouth, sucking on it gently. “If you insist.”

I practically skip down the stairs like a kid again as I pull the ingredients for her breakfast. Hopefully, she dozes a bit as she waits and gets more rest. She won’t be sleeping much tonight.

Her scent trails toward me right before her blanket-covered arms wrap around my waist from behind.

“After breakfast, I need to head out. I had the brilliant idea to ask Georgie to go with me to Claws Out for lunch to see a band play. I’m thinking they’re going to be the ones who perform at the anniversary event.”

“Mm.” I grasp one of her arms, rubbing against her. “She won’t want to leave Tea Leaves during the lunch rush, but I’ll bet you can get her employees to gang up on her.”

She presses her face into the center of my back, taking a big breath in and letting it go slowly. “What time do you want me to be back here for the full moon?”

“I’ll make us a big dinner. Say five or six?”

“Perfect.”

What’s perfect is you, Izzy.

But I don’t say that. I just turn in her arms and kiss her until I’ve almost burnt her waffles.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

ISABELLA

Leaving Nick’s house is downright torture, but I’m excited to find a band and hang out with Georgie. I promised her girl time, and I’m looking forward to surprising her.

I’m also excited about tonight—my first full moon.

The first of many, I hope.

I’m running late by the time I’m able to extricate myself from Nick’s arms. I rush home, take a shower, and then run out to Tea Leaves.

“You’re coming with me!” I announce as I burst into the cafe-slash-bakery. The room goes quiet, Georgie’s amused smile growing with each awkward second.

“Am I?” she finally replies, gesturing to her customers.

“Yep! Your staff can handle it. Come on.”

She gives an exaggerated sigh—full of affection she’s unable to hide—and turns to her general manager. As they speak in hushed tones, I ask the barista to make me a tea. I’m going to need it.

Georgie finally hangs her apron on the hook next to the kitchen and walks to my side. “Why are you kidnapping me?”

“Is it called kidnapping when you’re an adult? Or is it abduction?” I ask, holding the door open for her and letting the chilly, autumn breeze envelop us.

She narrows her eyes at me as we walk down Main Street. “You’re unusually goofy this morning. Is it because you got dicked down by Nick?”

“Georgie!” I laugh, unable to help glancing around to see if anyone heard her. “Please don’t scream ‘dicked down’ in the middle of town, thank you.”

“I didn’t scream it, but whatever.” She shrugs and links our arms. “You didn’t answer my question.”

I lead us toward Claws Out Bar, unable to stop smiling. “Yes, I got dicked down.”

She squeals, jostling us both. “I knew it! I don’t really understand the whole attraction to men thing, but if there’s one good guy in this world, it’s Nick.”

Their bond makes my belly warm. “How did you two get so close?”