Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 11713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 59(@200wpm)___ 47(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 11713 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 59(@200wpm)___ 47(@250wpm)___ 39(@300wpm)
“How much did you hear and how did you find me?”
“Enough to know this isn’t the place for the conversation we are about to have and, really, how do you think I found you?”
Kenan brushed their mouths together but didn’t allow her to chase him, desperate for more contact.
“Let’s go.”
* * *
The incredible aromatic scent of the rainforest flowed into his nose and he groaned as that was intermixed with the perfect one of Jo. He’d tracked her the second he stepped out of the shower and realized she’d ghosted.
Not hard for him to do, even if she’d taken buses to get across town. He observed from the perch of a building as she at her breakfast, then walked down the street. He shifted with a blur and moved up behind her as she talked to Emily.
He didn’t see it, she had no idea that she was his mate and there wasn’t going to be anyone else for him, ever.
Needing to get her away from others before they had this conversation, he took her back to the rainforest. He loved the admiration in her gaze as she looked around, up and down, taking in the gift presented them.
“You know our ecosystem here is often considered as the ‘lungs’ of the planet. We have over four thousand flowering plant species that have been recorded.”
Her gaze wove around, taking in all she could and yet, he knew she wasn’t able to see all of it, but it didn’t stop her from trying.
She squeezed his hand. “I’ve always enjoyed the Everglades because it was a place that reminded me how small I was in the grand scheme, and how important a place like it was. But here,” a small huff of air escaped her delightfully plump lips, “I’m constantly blown away. Here and in Brazil. It’s like no matter how many times I step into the rainforest, I’m guaranteed to see something new. Somewhere.”
Kenan led her along the path, until he found a place they wouldn’t be disturbed. At least not by other humans.
“Jo, I know this is a lot for you and I want to hear you talk to me about your family. Why you think I would ever want to walk away from the woman who I have wanted since the first time I saw you in Brazil?” He put a hand over her mouth when she went to answer him. “Let me finish first. Please.”
“I know you’re older than me. I don’t give a fuck. You, Josephine Carlile, are the sexiest woman I have ever met. I worry that I don’t and won’t have enough to keep you around. But I will spend all of my days doing my best to prove it to you.”
“Guys always want women younger when they get older.”
“Dad did a number on your confidence and I’m guessing some other guy as well.” He flattened his lips as he shrugged before skimming his hands up and down her arms. “I’m not a typical human male of my age, baby. I’m a shifter and I’m sure about what I want. And who.”
He watched her as she held his gaze. Deep in those dark brown pools he saw her desire to trust his words. However, for that to reach the surface he also saw all the betrayal, heartache, and pain that had to be traversed. It wasn’t an uncomplicated trail he had before him to get her to see he meant what he said.
Kenan tucked some of her hair behind her ear as he tried to slow the clench in his gut. He couldn’t tell her they were mates, she would flee. He knew that as he knew how much he loved to soar through the air.
“Let me show you, my rainforest.”
There it was.
The spark of excitement and joy that had been there the first time he’d met her. Jo hadn’t been able to slow her gaze from taking in the majesty around her. Kenan wanted that look back in her eyes but wanted to be the one who placed it there.
“Yours?”
He nodded, cupping her face in his palms, trilling over the way she pushed into him. Whether or not she was ready to accept it, her body knew. Deep down, her soul did as well. He just had to get her brain on board.
“Yes. Let me take you to a place and show you what tourists rarely get a chance to see.”
The glimmer in her eyes grew and hell, he felt ten feet tall. He fought the urge to puff out his chest because damn it, he loved being the one who brought that look into her eyes.
Jo canted her head to the side. “What will I get to see?”
“So much more than you could ever believe possible.” He put his forehead to hers, inhaling her minty breath like the lifeline it was—and would forever be—to his heart. “Will you come with me?”