He wouldn’t change her for the world. “As I said, you’re perfect as you are. Just put on some flat shoes, trainers or something.”
“Flats, why? Where are we going?”
“Although I draw the line at the sweatshirt. Seriously, Team Jacob? I’m insulted.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Nor did you.” Stalemate. He couldn’t remember when he’d had this much fun, and they hadn’t even begun their date yet.
She rolled her amazing eyes. “Wait there and I’ll grab some shoes.”
He waited, his chest filling with a happiness he hadn’t felt for a long time.
Jamie returned, her dog tucked under her arm. “I’ll take Cujo to Willow’s. I’m sure she won’t mind looking after him.”
“Cujo can come too.”
She frowned. “Where are we going?”
“I wanted to take you somewhere special. My favourite place, in fact.”
“Argh, you’re not going to tell me, are you?”
He chuckled as he opened the front door for her. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
Jamie grabbed a red hoodie from the hook by the door and locked up, shaking her head and muttering under her breath.
Grayson caught every word; she called herself crazy for agreeing to date a werewolf. “You do know my wolfie ears can hear you.”
She glanced at Willow’s door. “Keep your voice down. Willow doesn’t know.”
He’d suspected as much when he’d been talking to her on the phone. Grayson pretended to zip his lips closed.
Outside her apartment block, he fished his keys from his pocket and pressed the remote to his Range Rover. He held open the door and Jamie climbed into the passenger seat.
“You ready?” he asked, sliding behind the wheel and turning the ignition on.
“No.” She flashed a grin his way. “Yet here I am in a car, with no idea where an alpha werewolf is taking me.”
Grayson chuckled. “Still not telling you.”
He glanced up at the sky as he drove out of the car park.
On the journey, he observed the sky repeatedly and sniffed the air too.
Damn, it didn’t look good. The weather forecast had promised clear blue skies all day, but the air held the scent of an impending storm even though the only hint of clouds were in the distance.
With any luck, they could have a picnic before the rain ruined everything, and he wanted it to be perfect for her.
Jamie rummaged through his CD collection as he drove, taking the mickey out of some of his choices, but most of them weren’t his, they were Luna’s—she loved her girl bands and cheesy pop songs.
She settled on an R&B album, one of his favourites, and fed it into the CD player. “I love this album; their best, if you ask me.”
He couldn’t agree more.
Half an hour passed while he sang—badly—to the songs, much to Jamie’s amusement. So what if he embarrassed himself? It was worth it to hear that melodic laughter of hers that was slowly seeping into his heart.
Grayson indicated and slowed down to take the lane that led to Beckett Hall.
Jamie frowned. “We’re going to your home?”
“Yes and no.”
She groaned and fake-slapped his arm.
Electricity sparked where her fingers brushed his skin, sending tingles up his arm. His thighs jerked together. Grayson stared ahead, gripping the steering wheel as he focused his attention on navigating the potholes.
He pulled into the gravelled driveway.
Alice stood at the door. He might have known she’d spot them on the security cameras.
His dear aunt; by the size of the wicker hamper resting on the stone steps, she’d outdone herself in preparing the picnic.
He could only hope it would impress Jamie.
Chapter Eight
Jamie spotted the picnic basket by Alice’s feet. “Your big surprise is a picnic?” She grinned at Grayson. “I haven’t been on a picnic in ages. My dad used to take me all the time.”
Grayson switched off the engine and shifted to face her. “Really? You don’t mind that it’s not some five-star restaurant?”
She found his genuine surprise endearing. “No, it’s a lovely idea.” She glanced at the sky. “Not sure about the weather though.”
“It’ll be fine, I hope.” He leapt out of the car and came around to open her door.
He was playing the perfect gentleman, she’d give him that. Somehow, a date with a werewolf was getting more appealing by the second.
Jamie shuffled over the seat and stepped out of the car, but the ground was further down than she thought, and she stumbled.
Grayson caught her, his massive arms powerful yet gentle as they circled her waist.
Heat radiated from his hand as he splayed his fingers on the small of her back. His scent, earthy and masculine, surrounded her. “Steady on. Are you okay?”
Her cheeks burned. He probably thought she did that on purpose. Cujo yapped in the footwell, as though to agree. Her dog really needed some lessons in loyalty. She squared her shoulders and took a step back. “All good, thanks.”
“Jamie, how lovely to see you again,” said Alice, beaming as she limped down the steps to greet her. “We didn’t get a chance to introduce ourselves last time. I’m Alice, Grayson’s aunt.”
“Hello, Alice.” She lifted Cujo out of the car and plonked him on the ground. “Are you coming on the picnic with us?”
The woman flapped like a mother hen. “Goodness, no! Not with my dodgy hips, and it’s quite a hike.”
“A hike?”
Grayson strode over to the steps, picked up the wicker basket and then returned to stand beside her, his giant frame towering over her. “It’s not that far. Twenty minutes, half an hour, tops. I wanted to take you somewhere special. It’ll be worth it, I promise.”
Now he had her intrigued.
“I’ve packed sausage rolls and ham sandwiches made with homemade bread, and Scotch eggs and a whole, roasted chicken…” Alice slapped her palms to her rosy cheeks. “Oh my, you’re not a vegetarian, are you? I didn’t think… we’re kind of big meat-eaters around here.”
Jamie laughed. “No, I’m not. It sounds delicious. You’ve gone to so much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble, dear.”
Grayson’s daughter came running out of the manor. “Jamie, you’re here!” Luna made a beeline straight to her and wrapped her arms around her waist.
Although a little surprised by the child’s affection, it didn’t take her more than a second to return the hug. “Hi, Luna. How are you?”
“Okay, thanks. I can’t believe you’re best friends with Willow from YouTube. Can you tell her I said thanks for the eyeshadow palette? It’s awesome!”
“Of course I will.” Willow mentioned she’d given Grayson the palette—she’d be so pleased Luna liked it. “Have you used it yet?”
Cujo pawed at Luna’s ankles. She broke from their hug and picked him up, fussed over him. “No, Dad won’t let me. He says I’m too young for makeup. He won’t let me come on the picnic with you either.”
Jamie looked to Grayson. She wouldn’t mind if Luna came along too, and was about to say as much, but judging by his stern expression, she didn’t voice her thoughts.
“We’ve been over this,” Grayson told his daughter. “I’d like to spend a couple of hours with Jamie, on my own. If she hasn’t had enough of me by then, we’ll come back to the manor and maybe you can play with Cujo later.” He turned to Jamie. “If that’s okay with you?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“You have some studying to do first,” Alice said to Luna. “Your tutor is due in fifteen minutes.”
Luna ruffled Cujo’s ears and put him down. “Okay, studies first, then we can play later, can’t we, Cujo?”
Grayson raised an eyebrow, as though surprised she’d agreed so easily. “Good, all settled then.” He pecked Luna’s forehead. “Be good, little pup.”
She smiled sweetly. “I will. Bye, Jamie, see you soon,” she said, skipping back into the manor.
“Shall we go?” Grayson asked.
Jamie nodded. “Bye, Alice, and thanks again for the picnic.”
She followed Grayson as he picked up the huge hamper and headed towards a thicket to the side of Beckett Hall.
Jamie had to do a little run now and then to keep up with him; the joys of having short legs.
Grayson noticed and slowed his pace to match hers.
He led her into the woods and up an incline, taking narrow tracks that weaved between mature oaks and elms. The sun shone through the canopy of leaves, making dappled patterns of light on the ground. Every so often, the sun disappeared behind the gathering clouds.
“Careful,” said Grayson. “It gets steeper here, and slippery too, especially after it’s rained.”
Jamie navigated around exposed tree roots covered in moss.
Grayson appeared to be ultra-attentive to everything around him, like he was at one with nature. Not to mention his concern for her warmed her in all the right places.
“I wouldn’t have minded if Luna came too,” she told him.
“You wouldn’t? I guess I’m not used to someone wanting to spend time with Luna. Imogen never—” He stopped talking.
Probably just as well, but she had to ask. “How is Imogen?” The she-devil.
“Me and my big mouth. Imogen is history. I’m sorry you had to meet her the other day.”
“Me too.”
They continued up the hill, silent for a few minutes, but there was nothing awkward about it. Jamie enjoyed the sound of the birds chirping and the odd rustle from a woodland animal.
Her dog kept disappearing behind them. “Cujo, where are you?” she called. “I don’t know what’s the matter with him, he usually stays close by.”
Two seconds later, her dog appeared, nose covered in mud.
A slate-grey cloud swept over the sun, darkening the forest and bringing with it a chill to the air. Jamie shivered.
Grayson looked to the sky. “Damnit, I thought the rain would hold off for a couple of hours. Gray’s Point is just up ahead, but we could go back if you want?”
“No, if we’re nearly there, it seems daft to turn back now.”
“Good, because I’m starving.” He grinned and led her through the trees to a small clearing on top of the hill. He put the picnic basket down.
Cujo sniffed around by the edge of the clearing.
Jamie took in the stunning view across fields and hills, crisscrossed with colours of ochre and green, noting the ominous clouds that swept across the sky. The roof of Beckett Hall peeked above the trees far below. She zipped up her hoodie against the chilly breeze and chuckled.
Grayson laid a blanket on the tufty grass. “What’s so funny?”
“This top.”
“You look great to me.” He sat down and opened the hamper before arranging two plates, cutlery, plastic glasses, and a mountain of food on the blanket.
She sat beside him. “I’m wearing a red hoodie and I’m alone in the woods with a big, bad wolf.”
He stopped what he was doing and fixed her with an intense gaze, his eyes flashing with mischief and danger. “Is that how you see me—the big, bad wolf?”
Mesmerised, she gazed back, only now realising she wasn’t wearing her spelled necklace to protect herself if he decided to morph into his wolf before her. Yet, as he inched closer, his Hulk-like frame dwarfing hers, instead of fear her body reacted with something akin to excitement, and the tingling in her belly hinted at arousal too. Was it normal to be turned on by his animal side?
She licked her lips. “I’m beginning to think you’re not like that at all.”
“Was that almost a compliment? I’m honoured.” He grinned and her belly did a backflip.
“The picnic was a great idea,” she told him, trying to focus on anything but his full, well-defined lips. She yearned to know if they were as soft as they looked. “This spot is beautiful, Grayson.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s my favourite place on the whole estate. I named it in memory of my dad. He used to bring me here all the time when I was a kid.”
“I’m sorry you lost your dad too. It’s hard, isn’t it?”
He nodded as he gazed at the landscape. A deep sadness swept across his handsome features. “I still miss him. Mum too, and Piper, Luna’s mum. They all died twelve years ago, after Luna was born.”
Her mouth dropped open. He wasn’t the self-centred, arrogant werewolf she thought he was. Beneath that gargantuan, tough-guy exterior was a gentle man with an even bigger heart, and a lonely soul too. He cared deeply, and the fact that he felt he could tell her something so close to his heart touched something within.
She placed her hand on his forearm. “Grayson…” Jamie swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m so sorry.” It seemed so inadequate. She didn’t push for details, but the pain in his eyes hinted at something awful.
Grayson glanced down at her hand and inhaled sharply. “No, I’m sorry. I wanted everything to be perfect and I’ve gone and ruined it. It’s this place; it always brings back such fond memories, but sometimes the bad ones too.”
Jamie stroked her thumb over his skin, so warm despite the dropping temperature. “You haven’t ruined anything.” No, because in sharing his feelings, she saw a vulnerability in him she found totally alluring.
He didn’t look convinced. “I’m supposed to be strong, the alpha wolf, but I’m not, Jamie. I do my best, but—”
Jamie shook her head. “Showing you care is not a weakness, Grayson. It shows a strength most men don’t even possess in their little finger. Without compassion and trust, and love, of course, there is nothing.” Love? What made her say that?
Her heart beat so fast in her chest she thought it might burst free. The urge to ease his pain, if only a fraction, overwhelmed her.
“My pack don’t see it like that. I’m their alpha, a position I was forced into, but I have to be strong. As soon as my beta, Xander, proves he’s worthy enough to take over, I’ll be done with all the dramas, and the politics too.”
“I don’t know anything about what goes on with wolf packs, but I don’t care if you’re an alpha or not; I see the person.” She paused until he looked at her. “I see you, Grayson.”
Her gaze sought his lips, then flitted to his eyes. The golden flecks danced like tiny flames, drawing her into their warmth. Her pulse rate rocketed. She could think of nothing except Grayson, how this once-arrogant wolf was now melting her heart.
Throwing caution to the wind, she lurched forward and kissed him, her movement clumsy and awkward, half on his lips, half on his cheek. His full lips were softer than she’d imagined, and hot, really hot, like he had his own built-in heat source.
Grayson edged back, a frown furrowing his brow.
“Oh God, I’ve made a fool of myself, haven’t I?” she said.
“No.” His wall of a chest rose up and down. “You took me by surprise, that’s all.”
“It’s… I haven’t kissed a guy for over five years and I…”
He grinned, easing her concerns. “Five years?”
“Mock all you like. It came as a bit of a surprise to me too.” She blew out a breath, and suddenly she wanted to share something close to her heart too. “After I caught my fiancé having sex with my bridesmaid on our wedding day, I chose not to date anyone ever again, and I was happy with that decision. Until now.”
“That’s an awful thing to happen. I’m sorry, Jamie.” He raked his fingers through his gorgeous mane of hair. “It makes things even worse now.”
She frowned. “I messed up, I get it. Forget I kissed you—badly. It wasn’t really a kiss anyway, considering how I seem to have forgotten what to do.”
“No, you don’t understand.” His gaze fixed on hers. “Damnit, Jamie, I was going to play this so cool. I told myself I would keep my distance today, but I can’t.”
The space between them crackled with anticipation.
“Why?” Her voice came out in a croak.
“Because I’m terrified I’ll scare you away when all I want to do is kiss you again.”
Her breath hitched. “Then kiss me.”
Grayson hooked his forefinger under her chin, his touch feather-like, and tilted her face upwards.
A drop of rain spotted her cheek as he inched closer, his beautiful eyes holding her spellbound.
Hot lips brushed against hers, tentative and gentle, for no more than a second before he pulled back and met her gaze again.
Jamie forgot how to breathe, swept up in the moment. Consumed by his powerful body so close to hers, she hardly noticed the cool raindrops dampening her hair.
He kissed her again, deepening it this time, his tongue gently flicking across her lips, tasting, tantalising, erotic.
She wanted more.
A quiet buzzing sound came from somewhere. She ignored it.
Jamie slipped her hand around the nape of his neck and drew him closer still, tangling her fingers in the soft curls.
Grayson’s groan sounded muffled against her skin.
She flicked the tip of her tongue across his lips, tasting him too, lost in sensations she hadn’t felt in a long time. Too long. Every part of her tingled with awareness. His presence was overwhelming, as though he had cast a magical spell that rendered her helpless to his touch, his intense eyes, his muscular body that was surely built for sin…
Heat spread between her thighs, taking her by surprise at its intensity, but she succumbed to it nevertheless, pressing her body to his.
Suddenly he broke the kiss, leaving her lips cold and craving his touch once more.
“I should answer it.”
Her head spun. Not only had his kiss ignited a reaction in her body, it had done something else too. This gorgeous, endearing, gentle wolf had somehow crumbled the wall she’d built around her heart.
The buzzing got louder as Grayson fetched his phone from his pocket. He frowned at the screen. “It’s Alice. She would only call if it was an emergency.”
Jamie tried to focus. The few spots of rain turned into a shower, the clouds above charcoal grey.
Dating a Werewolf Page 6