The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls Book 2) by Kristen Painter Page A

normally. “It’s a great one, but I want to make sure this whole thing is going to work out before I introduce him to you.”
    That sounded like a weak excuse even to her but she wasn’t sure what else to say. School was out for the summer so she couldn’t use that.
    Hank shrugged and went back to plating breakfast. “Whatever you think is best.”
    Her shoulders dropped in relief. She slid out of her seat, done with the conversation. “I’ll set the table.”
    “Good, because we’re ready to eat.”
    She collected silverware, napkins and the syrup. “What time do you have to be at the station?”
    “Half an hour.” He brought the plates over. “What are you going to do today?”
    She set two places, then grabbed her coffee and sat at one of them. “I hadn’t thought about it.”
    “You know how to get back into town.” He put a short stack of pancakes in front of her, then took his spot. “Why don’t you go explore? See the town you’re about to become a resident of. Nocturne Falls is anything but boring.”
    “So I’ve heard.” The town was well known amongst supernaturals as the place to live if you wanted the most freedom to be yourself. Celebrating Halloween three hundred and sixty-five days a year made that possible.
    “And if you stop by the station at noon, I might be able to break away for lunch.”
    She grinned. “Are you making a date with me?”
    “You’re the one who agreed to the wooing.” He winked at her as he carved up a forkful of pancake and stuffed it in his mouth.
    That she had. “I’m glad you don’t think you’re off the hook for that after last night.”
    He swallowed, his seriousness returning along with a hint of gold in his eyes. “If anything, last night showed me that making you happy is a very worthwhile endeavor. One I will be pursuing many, many more times.”
    She did her best not to show how light-headed and swoony those words made her, but a little sound of pleasure escaped anyway. She covered with a bite of pancakes. More sounds of pleasure ensued. “These are really good.”
    He preened. “I’m not without some skills.”
    “Yes, you proved that last night. I just didn’t think you could manage breakfast, too.”
    He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her syrup-sticky mouth.
    They finally came up for air, finished breakfast and a few minutes later, she sent him off to work with a promise to see him at lunch and another long kiss that almost ended up with them back in bed.
    Life was remarkably good.
    She hoped it stayed that way, but so far, that wasn’t her track record.

For once in her less than illustrious career as the receptionist for the Nocturne Fall’s sheriff’s department, Birdie was at her desk before Hank arrived. He checked his watch. That explained it. He was six minutes late.
    He grinned. The kiss had been worth it.
    “Something’s wrong,” Birdie chirped.
    He stopped in front of her desk to pick up his messages. “What’s that?”
    “I have no idea, but you’re late and you’re smiling. Are you feeling all right? Bend down so I can feel your forehead.”
    He frowned at her. “I’m fine.” He turned one of the message slips so she could see it. “What does this say?”
    She squinted at it. “Beats me.”
    “It’s your handwriting.”
    Her brows lifted. “Can you always read your handwriting?”
    “Yes. Because it’s my handwriting.” But he was in too good of a mood to let Birdie’s nonsense get to him.
    “You’re just trying to change the subject. What’s going on with you?”
    “Nothing. I’m just happy. Or I was until I got in here. I’ll be in my office.”
    “You want coffee?”
    “That would be great.” Now who wasn’t acting like themselves?
    “Then you should probably go buy some. We’re all out.”
    And that explained it. At least he’d had coffee at home. Shaking his head, he took ten dollars out of petty cash and slapped it on her desk. “Go to the Shop & Save and buy some.