Read Rae, Beverly - Chasing Cally [Night Runner Werewolves 2] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Special Edition) for Free Online Page B

for me. Otherwise, I’d never have met you.”
    She tugged playfully at his ear. “And Roxy wouldn’t have met Ranlon.”
    Ranlon had dated Roxy a few times, thinking she might be his future mate, but he’d never gotten past the impression that something important was missing from their connection. Max hoped Cally would drop the subject of their friends. Better not to get involved until Ranlon sorted out his feelings.
    “Although one of my friends said she saw Jimmy in town the other day. But he only stayed for a few minutes. She said he looked really nervous the whole time he was there. Then he left like he couldn’t get out of town fast enough.”
    He shrugged off her curiosity. “Beats me. I don’t keep track of the other guys.” He squeezed her closer. “I hope you get your wish about being a songwriter. From what I’ve heard, I don’t think you’ll have much trouble.”
    She gave him one of her smiles that made him feel warm all over. The kind of smile a man would fight heaven and hell for.
    “Really? Thanks. I appreciate it.” She played with a strand of his hair. “Let’s hope you’re right.”
    “I will be. And I’ll do everything I can to help you.”
    She tilted her head to the side. “You mean that, don’t you?”
    “Of course I do.”
    “But why? You hardly know me.”
    “I know you well enough to know I care for you.”
    Tears welled in her eyes and she leaned against him, curling her body next to his. They settled into a comfortable silence, letting their bodies, the familiar way they held each other say more than words ever could.
    He was happy, pleased things were going so well. But what would she say once he’d told her about the pack? Would that change her mind about settling down? After all, the pack wasn’t a traditional kind of family.
    “Cally?” He needed answers.
    “Hmm?”
    “Why don’t we ever go to your place? I mean, Roxy’s home is nice, but I’d like to see where you live.”
    She stiffened, then moved away, ruining the moment they’d shared. “I like it here better.”
    “But why?” He grinned, hoping humor would help ease the tension. “You’re not hiding a husband in the attic, are you?”
    She didn’t laugh or even smile. “I just like it better here, that’s all.”
    He wasn’t ready for the irritation flooding him. “You already said that. But I want to know why. Do you live in a dump? Because if you do, I don’t care. Are you a lousy housekeeper or a hoarder? If so, no problem.”
    She rested her back against the arm of the couch and crossed her arms. “No on all counts.”
    Crap . He should’ve kept his cool and given her more time. But he couldn’t stop the question from flying out of his mouth. “Then what is it?”
    “ It is none of your business.” She stood and picked up her purse. “I think it’s time for me to get home.”
    He’d pushed her too far and would have to try again another night. Rising, he followed her to his pickup and drove her back to her car in Sadie’s parking lot. She gave him a quick kiss good-bye, hurried to her car, and pulled out of the parking lot.
    He frowned and let his truck’s engine idle. “What the hell are you hiding, Cally?”

    * * * *

    Max sauntered into Sadie’s, whistling one of Cally’s songs. He slid onto his favorite bar stool and set the box filled with a dozen long-stemmed roses on the counter.
    “How’re you doing tonight, Max?” Fay slid a rag over the counter in front of him, wiping away the remnants of peanut shells. “The usual?”
    “Sure thing.” He lifted his gaze to the mirror behind her and scanned the crowd. “She’s here, right?”
    “Yep. She’s helping Sadie right now, but she’ll be back in a bit.” Fay set the bottle of beer in front of him, then rested her elbows on the counter. “Are you two getting together again tonight?” Her gaze drifted to the long box. “Are those flowers?”
    He grinned, opting to answer her first question. “I’m hoping I