Karla sat on her new sofa, grading papers when she heard the door. She’d been distracted, thinking about Nate. Even Kel had mentioned how quiet she’d been during their lunch meeting. She couldn’t help it. The night at his bar had been eye-opening. She’d enjoyed talking to him about his business. Loved mixing drinks for the patrons and meetings his customers and employees. But more than that, she loved seeing that side of Nate. And seeing him show her to others as the woman he wanted. It was really nice.
Nate sauntered in with a wide grin and a hand behind his back.
“Hey.” She frowned, watching his face. “Are those cuts?”
There was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. “It’s not a big deal. We encountered some shifters and had to kick a little tail.”
“Let me see.” She readied to stand, b
