Once they were outside, she led him to the parking lot. At her car, she turned to face him.
"I can't help being a bit surprised to see you again, Royce. I'm glad to see you, don't get me wrong, but I was under the impression you didn't want to see me again. That kiss you gave me back there says you've changed your mind again. Are you messing with my head, or do you really want to pursue this?"
Royce crowded Billie with his body until he had her trapped between him and her car. He put his hands on the car's roof and leaned down to look her in the face. "I'm not messing with your head, Billie. I've come to the conclusion that there is no denying what fate holds in store for you. It's just not worth the pain and suffering."
"Okay. You've lost me with the pain and suffering part."
"What I mean is I was too hasty when I decided that I didn't want you around. I'd like for us to start over. Get to know one another better. Take things a little slower. I'm not used to having a woman pursue me." As he spoke, Royce took another step closer to Billie until their bodies were almost touching. He could feel Billie's breath fanning his face as her chest rapidly rose and fell.
"My brothers are forever telling me I sometimes come on a little too strong." Billie's words came out breathy. Her eyes were riveted to his mouth as he spoke.
"I'm not complaining, Billie. But you do have to give a guy a chance to be the one to take the lead, or he may start to question his masculinity." He gently brushed her lips with his. "A man likes to know he can seduce the woman he wants."
"And is that what you are trying to do to me? Are you trying to seduce me?"
"Most definitely."
"Well then, it's working."
"Good." Royce quickly took a step away from her. "Then how about I take you out this evening?"
"How about we just go back to your place and you can show me the inside of your bedroom instead?"
Royce shook his head and chuckled. "Don't you know patience is a virtue? We're going to take things slow and easy."
Billie groaned. "I'm not known for being particularly patient when I want something. But, for you, I'll try. When do you want me to pick you up?" Seeing Royce's arched brow, she shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay. When will you be picking me up?"
"Around seven okay with you?"
"Fine. How should I dress?"
"Something suitable for a nightclub. I want to take you to Wulf's Den. There is someone there I want you to meet."
"All right. I'll see you at seven then."
Billie rattled off her address before she got inside her car. Royce watched her drive away before he crossed over to where he had his car parked. He was pleased with how things had gone with Billie. This was a big step for him. After his first mate's death, he had focused all his attention on raising his infant daughter. Then in time, he had watched over his grandchildren and all those that came after them. In all that time, he had not once become involved with another woman. The loss of his mate had affected him greatly. He hadn't wanted to find another to take her place, and he never had been one for casual sex. But now all that had changed since Billie had come barging into his life. Now, after hundreds of years had passed, he was ready to move on. He only hoped he wasn't making a mistake. If he claimed her as his mate and he ended up losing her as well, he wasn't sure he could survive another loss such as that.
Chapter Five
Billie stood in front of her closet and felt herself begin to panic. There was absolutely nothing inside it that could remotely be classed as nightclub wear. She would have been fine if the dress code was jeans or yoga pants, because that was all that hung in her closet. There were no skirts, no dresses, or even dress slacks, of any kind. She was screwed.
Not wanting to mess things up with Royce before she even managed to make it out on their first date, Billie quickly picked up the cordless phone in her bedroom. She needed help, and she knew of only one person who could help her. After hitting the