Best Friends (New Species Book 15) Read online

  “And you rebelled now.”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you really regret it if I touched you?”

  “I’d feel kind of slutty. This is our first date.”

  His eyebrows shot up.

  “It’s kind of ingrained in me from my upbringing. I’ll think of how my mama went on and on about how only sluts go to bed with a man on the first date, and it’ll make me feel bad. I know it isn’t true but it’s my issue. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it.”

  “It’s okay. I think it’s cute.”

  “Could you tell my old therapist that? He wasn’t kind about it.”

  He chuckled. “You see one?”

  “I used to until he made me mad. He kept insisting that I return home to deal with my folks. I’m never going back. I’d have to share a house with my mama again, and no way is that happening. I got a taste of freedom. I’d be ten times more miserable if I went home.”

  “Why do you have to live with her?”

  “I can’t afford to buy my own place. There’re only two houses available to renters in my small town. One of them isn’t fit for living in and the other one is right next to the city dump. It smells something awful. My mama and her church group would also put those families who own them through pure misery for renting to me, even if I was willing to live like that. There aren’t any apartments. The only other option would be to get a boyfriend to move in with. No way.”

  “You’re opposed to living with a male?”

  “It depends on the man. There aren’t any there that I would.”

  He smiled. “I think you’d enjoy sharing my bed every night.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re kind of a bad boy?”

  “No.”

  “You are.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “I’m drawn to bad boys in a big way, especially you. I guess it’s that rebellious side of me.”

  “How about this?” He blew out a breath. “This was our first date. Tonight, I’ll come get you and we can have our second date.”

  “That’s moving kind of fast.”

  “Life is short. You were shot yesterday, Mel. All I could think about last night was how I’d regret it if I’d never gotten to spend time with you.”

  She was too tempted. “Okay.” She might regret her decision later, but in that moment, she wasn’t able to say no. “How should I dress?”

  “Preferably, in something I can get off you easily. Do you have issues with me touching you on a second date?”

  “No.”

  “Good. Bring an overnight bag. I want you to stay all night.”

  “What if our second date doesn’t go well? You’d be stuck with me until tomorrow.”

  He smiled. “It’s not going to go bad. I have learned enough to feel secure that we’re very compatible. It’s not just about sex. I enjoy spending time with you, Mel.”

  She swallowed hard. “I feel the same way.”

  “I want you to stay the night. Will you?”

  “You’re definitely a bad boy, Snow. I’ll pack a bag.”

  He grinned. “I will locate condoms and make sure they are in my home.”

  “Don’t you keep some there anyway?”

  He shook his head. “No.”

  “I think I like that you don’t.”

  “You’re the only female I’m interested in, Mel. Species tend to obsess about a female they want and no one else will do. Do you understand?”

  “You’re not going to chase tail while we’re together?”

  “If ‘chase tail’ means touch other females, the answer is no.”

  “I like that, too. I hope it’s the truth.”

  He leaned in. “You could sleep in my bed every night just to be sure.”

  “Now I know you must want me. You’re talking crazy.”

  “Species don’t need to date. We rely on our instincts and how we feel.” He backed up a little. “I’ve been drawn to you for a while. You’re the one who needs time to figure out if you want to be in my bed every night. I already know I want you there. I’ll be back at five. Is that good?”

  “Yes.”

  “Maybe a little earlier. I wish I could take you right now… How about it? You could show me your bedroom while we pack you a bag.”

  “Five is good. Maybe four-thirty. I need to cool down a bit or I’ll be the crazy one.”

  He chuckled. “Should I serve you food before I go?”

  She shook her head. “I can do it.”

  “I’ll go.” He didn’t move, though.

  “Okay.”

  They stared at each other.

  “How upset would you be if I just lifted you up and carried you to the SUV?”

  “I’d probably get over it real fast. I don’t hold a grudge when it comes to people I care about. I’d appreciate it, though, if you didn’t. I need to beat myself up a bit over some of the things I said to you and then I’ll get it out of my system.”

  “Don’t do that.”

  “It’s how I am. Don’t worry, I’ll get over that, too.”

  “Can I take a peek into your bedroom? I’m very curious.”

  “Sure. Just don’t change your mind about wanting to date me.”

  He laughed. “I won’t. I’m set on that.” He finally stood and disappeared down the short hallway that led to the bathroom and bedroom. She sat there, glad she couldn’t see his reaction.

  He walked out a minute later with a big grin on his face. “Colorful.”

  “Are you freaked out even a little?”

  “It reminded me of a movie I saw. I wish you had a bigger bed. I’d like to be enclosed inside those walls of sheets with you.”

  “Really? Most men would hate that bed.”

  “I’m not most men, Mel. I’ll see you around four-thirty. Don’t change your mind or get mad at me if I carry you out of here later. I have to prove that cable hasn’t ruined me for you.”

  She loved his sense of humor. “I’ll be ready. I might get scared but I face most things head on. I won’t run. That would make me feel cowardly.”

  He nodded. “I’m leaving. I’m going to return to Reservation and plan our date.”

  “Thank you for the food.”

  He held her gaze. “I’ve got an urge to take care of you and be around you. It’s strong. And I don’t fight my instincts, Mel. You should know that about me.”

  After a long moment, he tore his gaze off her and marched out the door. He pushed the bottom lock as he went, shutting it behind him.

  She sat there with her eyes closed, letting her head fall back on the cushions of the couch.

  “That man is pure sin, and I’m going to hell. But I don’t even care. I’m going to pack a bag.”

  Three pairs of eyes turned Snow’s way.

  Jinx sniffed and lifted a brow. “No?”

  “Shut up. I didn’t come to share sex with Mel.”

  Jinx cleared his throat. “Do you need helpful suggestions about how to seduce a human female? They are a little different from ours.”

  Torrent frowned. “I’m not going to give you any shit. I was hopeful that you’d found yourself a female.”

  “Who said I didn’t?” Snow grinned. “We’re coming back at four-thirty to pick her up. She’s returning to Reservation with me. We are having our second date. She’s spending the night.”

  “Nice.” Torrent gave him a thumbs-up.

  “Date?” Timber snorted. “You just get one into bed and convince her that you’re the male for her. Then you mate and keep her. It’s that simple.”

  “Tell me how that works out when you find a female you’re fixated on.” Snow opened the back door of the SUV and climbed inside. “Let’s go. I have things to do.”

  The males piled in, Timber behind the wheel. “We had things to do, too, but we were being a part of your four-male team—and now we have to do it again later. You could have asked.”

  “Someone’s a bit snappy.” Jinx took a seat in the ba