My Surprise Mate (Book 1+ 2) novel Chapter 11

We walked the rest of the way to the house in silence.

Dane’s arm wrapped protectively around me, only confusing me more as to what was going on.

He still wasn’t talking to me—still had the same damn expression on his face—but here he was looking after me.

Then it hit me...he feels sorry for me, or he feels obligated.

I don’t want anyone’s pity and I hate the thought that I somehow made him feel responsible for me.

I could feel my heart clench.

Dane opened the front door for me, “I have some things I need to take care of, but it shouldn’t take me long.” My heart clenched.

“Will you be coming back over here tonight?” I didn’t want to sound desperate or needy, but I wanted to know.

I really wanted him here with me.

“I'll come to check on you when I get done.” He walked away, leaving me alone.

I shut and locked the front door and made my way to the bathroom.

After letting the bathtub fill with steaming hot water and bubbles, I slowly slid in and then I let the tears fall.

I wasn’t sure why I was crying.

Well, I did know because I wasn’t sure what had happened to cause Dane to act the way he is.

What I shouldn’t care.

I didn’t know him that well anyway.

Thankfully, there was no growling during my downtime tonight.

After sitting in the water until it turned cold, I finally climbed out and just threw on a clean t-shirt and some panties.

I really doubt that he’ll be coming back tonight, so I didn’t bother with pants.

I was more comfortable this way.

I lay there trying to think of what I should do.

I can stay here, where I’m not sure I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find a different town to hide in.

Either way, I needed to decide fast.

Time was running out.

My eyes shot open asI felt a blanket being pulled over me.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up,” Dane whispered.

I didn’t say anything, just lay staring at him.

I wasn’t sure what to say without sounding pathetic.

“I'll be on the couch if you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you stay in here with me?” The need to be close to him was overpowering everything else.

He nodded as he walked to the other side of the bed and climbed under the blankets with me.

Even though I knew he was there, in bed with me, he kept his distance.

My heart cracked.

I can’t do this anymore, “If I need to leave, just tell me.

I understand, no hard feelings.” I did the best I could to carried through the room.

I felt the bed shake as he sat upin bed, “Is this because of Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My eyes stayed trained on the ceiling as silent tears fell down my face.

“No, it’s nothing to do with her.

You’ve been acting weird since I saw the doctor.

I know it’s a lot, a baby, trust me, I get it —and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes it more difficult.” I wanted him to know I understood, and I don’t blame him.

His heart was in the right place.