Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 303

Ch.73

Cassandra

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The restaurant Jack chose is beautiful. After months spent living life as a rogue, sometimes dirty for days with no shower to be had, it’s hard not to feel out of place. Imposter syndrome at its finest.

Our table is a good one, next to a large picture window with a view of the mountains under the moonlight and a sky full of stars. Jack’s chest swells with pride when I gush about how stunning it is.

“I’m rather fond of the view too.” He flirts, his eyes fixed firmly on me instead of the view outside.

I’m blushing hard when the waiter arrives to take our drink order. Jack smirks when he takes in my flushed cheeks and sudden shyness. Thankfully, he takes pity on me and orders for us.

“Very good, sir,” he says when Jack orders a bottle of red wine. “And I see you’ve already ordered your meals. I’ll have the first course out for you momentarily.”

“You ordered ahead?” I ask, finding I’m more delighted by the idea than I expect.

“I know you mentioned you don’t like surprises,” he answers sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind. I just want you to relax and enjoy the evening without stressing over options or worrying about menu prices. Plus, I think I know you well enough by now to know what you like. I want to see if I’m right.” He winks at me and my belly flutters all over again.

I did say that, early on. I’m surprised he remembered it. But even so, I’m not upset he disregarded it in this case. I’m looking forward to it actually. It’s been so long since someone has gone to so much trouble to impress me.

The smile hasn’t left my face as I look at him across the table. This man is paying attention to me. Not to what I can do for him or what role I play or what the bond says I am. To me. To the things I say even when I’m not intending to make an impression.

“That’s perfect, actually.” I reassure him and I know it’s the right call when his smile lights up his whole

face.

The courses arrive, each one more delicious than the last. And the dinner conversation is the best we’ve had since we met. Not that we’ve ever had trouble in that department

He tells me things about himself I haven’t heard yet, about his siblings and their families, nieces and nephews he seems to adore. He asks about Liam too, questions that belie a genuine interest that warms my heart. And all the while, the adoration never leaves his eyes, and he reaches for me, small touches here and there, every chance he gets.

I feel the anticipation for what comes next building between us, higher and higher with each passing moment. Both of us know what tonight is about. The fact that our date is going so well just confirms I’m making the right choice.

“You’re different outside the pack,” he remarks, and I know he means it as a compliment.

“How?” I can’t help but ask.

He thinks about it before he explains. “You’re careful in there,” he says. “You watch everything. You’re-”

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Ch 73

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he finds the word “guarded. But here, with me, you’re just you.”

“Is that a good thing?” Ishamelessly bat my eyelashes, doing a little flirting of my own. At least, I hope it comes off that way. I’m woefully out of practice.

“It’s the best thing,” he returns, licking his lips hungrily. “I like knowing there’s a side to you only I get to see.” I don’t miss the double entendre in his words.

This man wants me, really wants me. And that makes me feel powerful. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that way. Not since Noah rejected me.

I’m very deliberate about not comparing the two, though. Noah clearly doesn’t want me. And when I’m near him, I only ever feel powerless. No, there’s no comparison at all.

That’s what I tell myself anyway. Closed. Done. Not going there.

Noah made his choice. I’m making mine.

Sure, I’m nervous about what happens after dinner. But Jack is looking at me with that glint in his eye. And I’m ready to move on. With him.

After dinner, we drive back to Ironwood. On the way to the car, he tucked me into his side like he was reluctant to allow any space between us. And the whole way home, his thumb has traced lazy circles on the exposed skin of my thigh where my dress has ridden up. I swear he’s doing it purposely to drive me mad.

At the gate, he parks but doesn’t get out immediately. We sit in the truck with the engine quiet and the evening settled around us, his eyes boring into mine.

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