**Erick's POV**
We headed into town shortly after Doc left. She held my hand as we drove. But the way she sat next to me was one of the cutest things I had ever seen. She slipped off her shoes and curled her feet under her. With her knees and pointed in my direction, her whole body angled to be as close to me as the center console would allow her.
She was overly animated and excited when she talked. I had to force myself to stop staring so I wouldn't run off the road.
"Where did you go to school? What did you major in? What do you do for a living? Where do you work now?" She rambled off question after question.
"I went to Appalachian University. I was a business major, I worked for a fortune 500 company before branching out to tech development. Although, given the change in my life's circumstances I am on a sabbatical."
"Wait a minute," the shock registered on her face. "Are you Erick Connor, like the Erick Connor who ran AI technologies?"
"Guilty." I hesitated, I wasn't sure how she would take that news. People tended to react in one of two ways. Either they were intimidated out of speaking to me, or simply wanted to use me for my money or connections.
"I can understand why you stepped away. Especially just discovering you were a werewolf. I can imagine with the stress of the job you may not have been able to well, control your emotions."
Was she so nonchalant about that? I was relieved honestly, I had debated on using my cover identity but the thought of lying to her wasn't an option.
"You're amazing! Most people don't react so casually when they know who I am."
"I happen to think you are pretty amazing yourself. Even if you tackled me when we met." She smiled at him. Her face lit up when she smiled almost as if the light itself was glinting off her emerald-colored eyes.
"Hey! Not fair, technically you ran into me." The banter continued easily between us and before I knew it we had arrived in town. "Where to first?"
"I would really appreciate getting a few more outfits. I don't know if you are just too polite to say anything but I'm starting to get a bit funky smelling."
"Anything you want, but I think you're pretty cute even if you are funky!"
Everything with her was just so easy, natural. Not that I didn't do my fair share of dating but never in my life was I so at ease with another. At the store, I couldn't help but laugh and grin every time she came out and did a little twirl to show me her outfit despite choosing basic like jeans and a T-shirt. She posed and joked like she was walking a runway in couture.
We picked up all the necessities she would need staying with me and grabbed dinner at a small local diner before heading back to my place.
"If you don't mind I would love to take a shower," she asked when we got inside.
"Sure, let me show you the way and grab you some towels."
"Thanks!" She beamed and I was reminded once again how much that smile could bring me to my knees.
** Rhian's POV **
Standing in the shower I let the hot water rush down over my shoulders. The difference 24 hours made was astounding. Erick was amazing, we acted like we had known each other our entire lives vs running into each other this morning.
He had taken her shopping so I would feel at ease in his space. I looked down and saw his body wash in the shower and opened it up inhaling deeply. Hmm, it didn't quite have the same earthy scent but it reminded me of him. Despite picking up some for myself earlier that day I used his.
The only thing that would make this shower better would be him joining me. I had to get a grip on myself. All day long my wolf was itching to jump him. "Chill out!" I had to audibly remind her. I mean I can't blame her. The man was gorgeous, intelligent, and kind. The best part he was mine I would have all the time in the world to explore that side later.
I was beginning to feel the effects of running all night and my muscles were sore with every move. The shower helped take the edge off the pain but I knew I could use some rest. Not that rest was really what was on my mind.
I finished up my shower and put on some comfortable clothes to sleep in. I emerged from the bathroom with my hair still wrapped in the towel. "Would you mind if we just relaxed and hung out? I am realizing how tired I am and just want to chill out."
"Absolutely, what do you think about popcorn and a movie on the couch. And I promise I won't mind if you end up drooling on my shoulder before the movie is over." He smiled proud of his little joke.
"I do not drool!" I huffed with a hand on my hip. "That sounds amazing though be right back!"
When I came back out he had popcorn and a blanket ready on the couch. I snuggled in under his arm. Immediately warmth spread through my body. This was perfect he was perfect. I rested my head on his chest my arm wrapped around his waist. He tightened his hold drawing me closer. Tracing circles around my shoulders.
With the relaxation, I felt within his arms and the gentle caressing of my shoulder I was out cold in a matter of minutes. I vaguely remember him scooping me up and bringing me to his bed and tucking me in.