Page 72 of His True Mate

“Slower than I hoped after you freaked him out.”

“Do you expect me to apologize for it?”

She huffed. “No.”

That was good because I wasn’t about to.

“I just wish you’d trust that I know what I’m doing.”

“I do trust you. It’s that beast I don’t trust.”

I wasn’t kidding either, but when a text came in calling me back to the barn, I had no choice but to kiss her goodbye and head back. I was grateful I got to spend a few minutes with her at least.

When I arrived back at the barn, Austin and James were waiting for me.

“Where the hell did you run off to?” James asked.

“I was having lunch with Winnie over at the stables.”

“Well shit. We came to take you out to lunch,” Austin said.

I looked at the time and it was already one o’clock.

“A bit late for lunch, don’t you think?”

“Sorry man. I just got off work. It’s been a hellish week,” James explained.

“What’s going on?”

“Had some kids screwing around outside of territory. Local human cops picked them up. I tried to argue it but looks like I’ll be heading to court with them soon. Don’t know when. It’s always something.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just tired.”

I nodded, worried about my friend.

“So are you coming to lunch with us or not?” Austin demanded.

“I told you; I just ate with Winnie.”

“Then you can sit there and entertain us,” he persisted.

“Fine. Let’s go,” I surprised us all by saying.

I didn’t get enough time with the guys, and I knew James had been particularly busy lately. If he could carve out some time for me, I wasn’t about to turn that down.

“Tavern or Kate’s?” I asked them.

“Tavern,” James was quick to say. “I could really use a beer right about now.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

We all piled into his cruiser and drove into town.

It wasn’t just a bar. Collier Steakhouse and Tavern was probably the nicest place to eat in the territory.

“Grab a seat anywhere,” Milly shouted as we walked in.