Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Tonight was the fried chicken special,” he said, the shift to casual conversation not quite masking the heat still thrumming in the air. “I’m hoping there’s some left—even this late.”
“Sounds good.”
When Jackson parked at the curb by the diner, Emily hopped out, and he followed suit, meeting up with her at the front of the restaurant. His fingers brushed the small of her back as he held the door open, and she had to fight the shiver that chased down her spine. The warm scent of fried food and fresh bread wrapped around them as they entered. The clatter of plates and the hum of conversation faded slightly as her gaze landed on Abilene Ironclaw and Xandra Millstone seated together at a nearby table.
“Well, hey there,” called a woman with white hair tucked into a bun as she bustled toward them. “You must be Emily Nightsom.”
“I must be,” Emily replied with a smile. “This place is packed. It’s so late.”
The woman wiped her brow. “The miners have been working double shifts, so we have a late dinner offering every night. I’m Laura. Gus and I own the place.” Her gaze flicked toward the two females at the table. “Well, your competition’s here. I think they waited for an invitation around the normal dinner time and just showed up here a couple of minutes ago, giving up on Jackson for the time being. Why don’t I sit you with them? Other than that, the wait’s about an hour.”
The restaurant truly was bustling with every table taken, and Emily’s pulse stuttered as she glanced toward the two women, both watching her with interest.
“Oh.” Jackson glanced at her, and panic flickered in his eyes, quick and sharp.
“Of course,” Emily said, her stomach sinking as heat crept up her neck. The two females had already spotted them, and leaving now would only seem awkward. For better or worse, there was no easy escape. “We would love to join the ladies for a late dinner,” she added, her voice steadier than she felt.
Her gaze caught on Thane and Raya sitting at a two-top against the wall. They both seemed to be trying very hard not to laugh.
She couldn’t be entirely sure, but she thought she heard Jackson mutter, “Fuck,” under his breath.
Chapter 28
Jackson was in hell. He could not believe he was having a late dinner with two potential mates and Emily Nightsom, the female he fully planned to mate. The women cast each other sideways glances like they were sizing up competition at a county fair, but everyone seemed determined to play nice. For now.
Still, Emily had paled even more, and the urge to scoop her up and haul her home pressed against Jackson’s chest like an itch he couldn’t scratch. The clink of silverware and the hum of conversation filled the diner, but every second stretched painfully long.
Abilene smiled brightly, her fork spearing a crispy piece of fried chicken. “This is excellent,” she said. “I spoke with my Alpha, and no matter what happens, Jackson, we’d love to join your pack and start a painting community.”
“That’s great,” Jackson replied, genuinely meaning it since they needed more bodies. “Do you have any decent fighters?”
“Maybe about ten,” she said. “Some younger fighters, if you need them. A few guys are interested in mining, but most of us just want to paint. We can contribute by selling our work.”
Xandra, seated beside her, arched a brow. “You paint for a living?”
“Yep.” Abilene nodded happily. “We do shows and sell our paintings. It’s a good life. Do you like to paint?”
“God, no,” Xandra chuckled. “But I shop. I shop well.”
Abilene’s grin didn’t waver. “Cool. I’ve never been much of a shopper, but I imagine it takes skill.”
“I like to decorate, too. But shopping’s my thing.”
Jackson resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck. He glanced at Emily, who had barely touched her chicken, her fingers toying with the napkin on her lap.
“What about you, Emily?” Abilene asked, tilting her head.
Emily straightened slightly. “I write romantic suspense novels and work on safety schematics for the mines. Both are gifts, and I enjoy them.”
“That’s interesting,” Abilene said, sounding sincere.
Xandra’s gaze shifted between Emily and Jackson. “You two spend a lot of time together. Why are you helping him find a mate, Emily?”
It was a fair question. Jackson glanced sideways, curious about how Emily would answer. At least now he knew she’d wanted into his territory to meet with his doctor, and not for any nefarious reasons.
Before she could respond, his phone dinged. The timing felt like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man, and for once, Jackson considered kissing whoever had sent the text.
“Saved by the bell,” Emily muttered, her lips quirking as she picked up her fork and finally took a bite of chicken. Jackson nearly choked on his drink, trying not to laugh, and the tension in his limbs loosened. Just a little.