Page 79 of The Mating Quest

“Not the way I make it.” He pulled out a few things. “Pork loin wrapped in bacon, and fresh greenbeans.”

“Bacon?” She rolled her eyes. “You’re such a guy. Do you know how much fat is inbacon?”

“Yes, and you need it right now. Besides the bacon fat keeps the pork juicy. Tenderloin is a lean cut ofmeat.”

Ilana watched him pull out a frying pan. “I wish I couldcook.”

Damn, she hadn’t meant to admit that. Ethan glanced back at her as he drizzled oil into the pan. “Cooking is something I had to learn so I could feed myself, and later, help feed my people. It takes time, but anything worth doing well does taketime.”

He seared the pork, and her mouth watered at the crisp smell. Ilana ate another pear, too hungry to wait. Ethan prepared the pork, popped it into the oven and began steaming thebeans.

Finally he announced everything was ready. She wasn’t helpless. Ilana hunted for dishes, set thetable.

Soon as she tasted the pork and bacon, flavored with a touch of honey, she moaned with joy. “Wow. You do know how to cook,wolf.”

He grinned and poured her some lemonade. “I know you like lemonade. At least you did back at myplace.”

She hadn’t eaten alone with a man in a long time. But Ethan made it easy, talking about food and asking what her favorites were, and her experiences on the road in cooking for herself. Her menu went more to eating to survive, not for pleasure. It was fascinating listening to him explain how he’d gone from fending for himself in the wild to cooking for a pack of Lupines. Ethan didn’t say much about his time spent as a lonewolf.

She did not ask, though Ilana wanted to know how he did it. Lupines were pack creatures and neededothers.

Finally the last bit was consumed and she could eat no more. The wolf had a satisfied look on his face, as if he truly wanted her to enjoy themeal.

Of course. He needed her for this mission. Nothingmore.

“That was amazing.” She wiped her mouth, struggled for something to express her gratitude. “Thankyou.”

The least she could do was clean up. As she started clearing the table, he stopped her. “You’ve been yawning for the past ten minutes. Upstairs, go rest. I’ve gotthis.”

She started to protest when he gently caught her wrist. “Ilana, I know you’re a strong independent woman who doesn’t need anyone. But I’ve gotthis.”

His fingers on her bare skin made her shiver with a different hunger. Ilana’s breath hitched as she looked into his eyes, the blue mixed with deep green. Something jumped between them like a current, the awareness almostpainful.

“Thanks, wolf. It’s… been a long time since anyone did something nice forme.”

Nodding, he released her and brusquely began cleaning up. As she made her way up the stairs, she thought about how wrong hewas.

I do need someone. I need you. But I don’t wantto.

Chapter 23

Ilana slept deeplythat night in the second bedroom. The mattress was firm and enabled her to fall into a dreamless sleep. When she awoke, the sky was grey with streaks of rose and lavender.Sunrise.

Not wanting to waste a single minute, she showered, dressed in the flowing teal blue dress with white polka dots Lacey had selected for her. The fabric flowed around her ankles, and tapered to a V in front. After sliding her feet into white sandals with cute rhinestones and she scampered downstairs, hungry forbreakfast.

No sign of Ethan. She felt a pinch of disappointment, shrugged it off and tried to figure out what to make. Eggs, she knew how to cook eggs. And then she spied a note on thecounter.

Went for a run on the beach. Breakfast is warming in the oven. Help yourself.E

Her heart fluttered at his consideration. Running as wolf? Her mouth twitched. That would be a sight. She popped on oven mitts and slid a plate out of the oven, piled with sausage, scrambled eggs and hashbrowns.

Ilana ate in a hurry and sighed with completion. After cleaning up she walked down to the beach. Ethan was at the shoreline, wearing a gray T-shirt damp with sweat, and gray shorts. Bright red running shoes covered his feet. The color amused her, pointed out a different part of his personality. Usually he was soserious.

Ethan bent over, dragging in several breaths, then straightened and sawher.

From this distance, she couldn’t tell if he was happy or annoyed with her presence. Considering the remark he’d made about distance yesterday, best to leave him alone. She began walking on the beach in the opposite direction, pausing to scan the white sand forshells.

Pounding footsteps next to her. “Good morning,Ilana.”