"I know you're a good girl but boys can be dangerous. All they think about is sex so you have to be on your guard. Don't let this guy take advantage of you," Henry warned.
"Uh . . . thanks Henry. I'll be careful." Layla never had someone be so concerned about her welfare. Even though she already knew how to protect herself it touched her.
"Don't put yourself in a compromising situation and never do anything you are not 100% comfortable with," Henry continued to give Layla as much advice as possible.
The afternoon brought a barrage of customers to Small Treasures ending their chat so the pair had returned to work. Layla was glad for the distraction to take her mind of the sexy man who was taking her to dinner. Layla was helping a woman find a snow globe for her daughter when he entered the shop. She looked up and felt tingling warmth take over her nearly causing her to drop the globe.
Rowan could practically feel the heat coming off her caramel skin when he entered and she immediately turned back to her customer. Rowan flitted among the store vaguely looking at the knick knacks and discretely checking out his mate. Every second he found something new to lust over. The sway of her hips and the sparkle in her eyes. He found himself praying to the Goddess Luna that she would give him the strength not to jump her.
As the last customer left the shop the old man turned on Rowan.
"Son, what are your intentions with my employee?"
"Um, excuse me?" Rowan looked down at the old man confused.
"I may have only known Layla for a short time, but this girl is very special," the pair heard a snort near the register. Layla had her hand covering her mouth as she tried to suppress her laughter. The sight of the slightly stooped old man bullying the dark giant was ridiculous yet sweet.
"I'm serious young man,"
"We are just going to dinner. I already promised to be a gentleman."
"Right. I'm watching you. But if you hurt her" the old man said, reaching up to jab his finger into Rowan's chest, "I will hurt you." Rowan could have laughed at the old man's threat but he admired his loyalty however foolish it may have been.
"Henry, not that I don't appreciate it but, I can take care of myself," Layla reminded him. She seemed to be reminding people of this a lot lately.
"What kind of man would I be if I let you go out without threatening your date first? I know you don't have a father out here to do it so I'm just looking out for you." Layla rolled her eyes.
"Now run along and have fun. I can close the shop myself."
"Are you sure? I don't mind staying-"
Henry cut her off with a wave of his hand. "Child I was tending this store before you were born and I can still do it today."
"Alright," Layla said scooping up her bag "I will see you tomorrow then."
"Good bye. And don't forget what I said young man. I will come after you."
"Yes sir" Rowan replied nodding to Henry and holding the door open for his mate.
Rowan led Layla to his large SUV. Opening the door for her, Rowan admired Layla's effortless leap into the tall car. Making sure she was securely in the car he hustled around to the other side.
"So, where are we headed?" Rowan could hear the nervous timbre in her voice. She pushed her thick hair behind her ears and twisted her hands in her lap.
"A local restaurant called Silver Moon. They have wonderful food."
"Oh, okay," Rowan had no idea what to say so they drove the short distance to the restaurant in an uneasy silence. After helping her out of the car they approached the entrance of the restaurant. From the parking lot Rowan could see the curious looks from his pack member just inside the door. It took him a moment to realize Layla wasn't by his side. Turning he saw her gaping at the restaurant.
"What's wrong kitten?"
Shaking her head at the nickname, she had a feeling he wasn't going to let it go, she continued to look at the extravagant establishment.
"I can't go in there."
"Why not?"
"Look at me" she exclaimed. "I'm wearing a faded t-shirt and jeans. The waitresses are dressed better than I am. They wouldn't let me clean the floors. Besides, I'm more of a greasy diner, street vendor kinda girl."
Returning to her side Rowan took her trembling hand in one of his. Gently brushing his fingers along her cheek he looked deeply into her eyes. "I think you are beautiful," he whispered causing her to shudder and looked down embarrassed. "And they had better let you in because I own it. But, if you are uncomfortable we could go somewhere else. There's a small diner up the street. I wouldn't call it greasy but it's more casual."
Layla smiled with relief making Rowan and his wolf rumble with satisfaction. He'd give anything to see that smile on her face all the time. Turning her down the street he waved to Ron who looked completely distraught at their departure.
Anne's Diner was a charming little place with checkered red and white table cloths and brown plastic booths that would stick to you in the heat. It wasn't very crowded at this early dinner hour but there was a pleasant buzz of conversation throughout the diner. Finding an open booth near the front they took a seat. An older waitress came up to take their order popping gum and apparently bored. She quickly wrote down their drink orders and shuffled away.
"So, are you going to tell me how you found me?" Layla asked drumming her fingers on the table between them.
Rowan hadn't thought about that question. He couldn't exactly tell her that he trailed her using his shifter enhanced scent. "I . . . um . . . I just happened to see you at the café this afternoon and followed you back to the shop."
"And instead of calling the cops or forcing me to pay you back you asked me out?"
"I have plenty of cash"
"Clearly," she said rolling her eyes.
"And like I said earlier you intrigued me. I'm usually pretty vigilant but I didn't even see you coming."
"It's a gift," Layla shrugged.
"How exactly did you develop such a gift."
Pausing for a moment to consider what she should tell him she decided on the truth. Something about him made her want to share. "Not all foster families care about their kids like they should. I learned to steal what I needed at an early age. And when I left foster care it became necessary at times when I couldn't find a job." Layla looked up from the table to see a strange expression on Rowan's face and felt the need to add "I'm not a professional thief. I don't steal for fun."
Rowan's heart bled for his mate. He couldn't imagine growing up without his family. His wolf howled in sorrow within him. Family and pack members meant everything to a shifter, to know his mate was alone for so long was devastating. "What brought you here?"
"I've been travelling since I was 17. Nothing kept me in the places I was in so I moved on. I guess I've just been looking for somewhere that felt like . . . home." Layla was shocked that she actually admitted that out loud and to a stranger. Embarrassed she stared at the table. What was it about this man that made her talk so openly? "What about you?" she said trying to change the subject. "Have you always lived in the city?"
"I actually live a little bit out of town in a small community. I just work in the city."
"And your family?"
"It's just me, my parents, and our close-knit community. No siblings, however, I always felt like my friend Dom was as close as any brother."
"Dom? You mentioned him before. He was one of your goons?"
"Yes" Rowan replied with a smile "He works with me. We were on our way to a conference when we ran into you. We manage a bunch of companies that my father built or bought. When he retired he left me in charge. It's really very boring stuff."
Layla unconsciously leaned forward with her chin resting on her hands a small smile gracing her lips. By the time their waitress returned to take their food orders they had started a comfortable conversation.
"What will you have?" The couple had completely forgotten to look at the menu and began quickly browsing through the menu.
"Do you know what you want?" Rowan asked.
"I don't know. So many things sound delicious."
"Order whatever you want. Get three or four things if you can't decide." Turning to the waitress he ordered. "Can I get the steak special with extra mashed potatoes, toast, and a side of scrambled eggs?" The waitress nodded with a raised eyebrow and turned to Layla.
"Um, I guess I will have the grilled cheese with a side of fries."
"Are you sure that's all you want?" Rowan asked gently.
"Yea, I'm sure."
"Ok, kids I'll be back shortly with your order."
They continued to talk and getting to know each other a little better. When the food arrived, Layla's stomach grumbled in anticipation. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until the food covered the table in front of her. Rowan happily watched his mate eat with passion. His wolf was equally excited to be providing for his mate. However, it couldn't wait to hunt for her. She savored every bite she took as if it was the food of the gods. When Layla realized he was watching her, she set the sandwich down on her plate and looked away embarrassed again.
"I really like grilled cheese,"
"I noticed" Rowan chuckled.
"What about you? I think you ordered enough to feed a third world country!"
"You don't grow this big by eating like a mouse."
"I suppose not. You must do a lot of cooking."
"Actually, Mina my housekeeper doesn't allow me in the kitchen."
"Not allowed in your own kitchen?"