Chapter 28
I place a glass of wine next to her hand that is resting on the counter top. I place my hand over hers and she looks up. “Carolyn, I’m glad you’re here. I need to ask you a favor though, you think you can do something for me?” I ask her, hoping she doesn’t take this the wrong way.
“Sure,” she nods. She glances down at my hand on hers and then back up to my face. I wish I knew what she was thinking.
I’d like you to know that you have nothing to fear with me. I won’t hurt you. You are safe with me. Don’t be afraid. Can you try to relax with me, try not to fear me?” She seems stunned by my question at first, but then a smile slowly appears on her face and she looks me directly in the eyes. Thank you Moon Goddess, please don’t let her fear me.
“T’d like to do that Cody. Really I would. It’s hard you know, there are things you don’t know. I’d like to share them with you. I don’t think I am the least bit afraid of you actually. You’ve been so kind and patient with me. I’m just afraid of getting hurt I guess,” she shrugs but at least she doesn’t look away. I could look into her eyes forever, they are so beautiful. I want to take the sadness I see there, away from her.
The timer dings and I remove my hand and go to take our dinner out of the oven. It needs to cool for a bit, so I take our salads over to the table and the bottle of wine and invite her to join me at the table. We sit, talking for twenty minutes, mostly about how she is finding living at the ranch. Although she’s not one who typically spends time around animals, other than helping her daughter feed her horses, she seems to love the ranch life. She has a million questions for me about cattle ranching and I’m excited to tell her all about this life I love so much.
Once it’s time to serve the lasagna, we eat in relative quiet, a moan of delight coming from her every now and then. It makes me happy to hear that she loves my cooking. I’ve perfected it over the years, since I don’t have a lot to do with myself other than the ranch. “This is amazing Cody, where did you learn to cook?” she asks me.
“Would you believe me if I told you I watch cooking shows in my spare time,” I glance at her, hoping she doesn’t think I’m
a goof ball.
“What? You do? That’s amazing. I love cooking shows. I hope I can cook for you soon to,” She says as she smiles up at me from across the table. This woman is made for me, she must be a gift from the Goddess.
“I would love that Carolyn. You’re welcome to use my kitchen anytime. I leave me door unlocked. But no pressure.” She has
a look of surprise and then nods in the affirmative.
“Ok, maybe I will surprise you soon.” She gives me a little half smile and I couldn’t be happier.
“Listen, I was wondering,” I pause for a moment, nervous to ask. She just looks at me with big doe eyes waiting.
“The full moon pack run is in a couple of days. I was wondering if you’d run with me. My wolf is anxious to meet yours. You would be totally safe. I won’t let anyone come near you, I promise.” I give her my most hopeful of smiles and to my delight, she breaks out in a big grin.
“I’d love that Cody, thank you.” Her happiness warms me to the core. What more do I need than this right here? Nothing.
