Josie didn’t know what else to say, so she decided to tell him about her. “Since we don’t know each other, maybe we can continue our conversation from last night. Or I’ll talk and you can listen. I think I’m done working for my family. It will make things awkward at Sunday dinner, and if that happens, I’ll invite my mom over to my place. I want you to meet her. She’s the best mom in the world. Well, maybe next to yours. Your mom has to be some kind of special to raise seven boys. I dreamed about them – your brothers.”
Kai’s heartbeat sped up under her cheek, and Josie smiled. “Not like that. I dreamed we were on a beach, and all of you were dancing to tribal drums. There was a huge bonfire, and I think I dreamt about that because of my fever. Anyway, I’d like to see you dance. I love to dance, even though it’s been years since I’ve done anything outside my kitchen, shaking my butt while I’m cooking. And yes, I cook. I don’t know if I told you that. I think I did in my ramblings. The meal you made us was delicious, by the way. I’m sad we didn’t get to dessert. If you wake up, maybe we can have it because I’m hungry. I’m sure you noticed I’m not one of those women who’s afraid to eat. I’ve always had a little extra weight, but you said my curves are sexy. I hope you meant that. It’s not that I’m lazy. I just work so many hours that by the time I get home, exercise is the last thing on my mind.
“Oh, back to my job. I’m going to give notice. I already have the next few months’ cases ready for my dad and sister. They can find someone else to take my place. I’m ready to have a life. I’ve given them the last eight years of it. It’s time I take it back. And if Presley gives me any grief, I’ll sic Tessa on her. I think I’m going to like Tessa. She can help me find my inner badass. I’m not sure what I’ll do for work, but I don’t want to go from one firm to another. I’m done with law. At least for now. Maybe I’ll take cello lessons for a while. Who knows? I’d also like to travel. I haven’t been on a real vacation in years. I know you’re opening your gym, but maybe we can take a short trip together. Somewhere you can surf, and I can watch you prance around in a swimsuit. Not that you prance. It was a figure of speech. No, you stalk. I know because you stalked toward me, and it was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Besides you biting your lip when I kicked your ass at pool. Not to bring up a touchy subject, but if you wake up, maybe I’ll let you win a game. Or we can play something you’re good at, and I’ll be the one biting my lip. Not that I don’t do that anyway.”
A rumble in Kai’s chest shook Josie’s cheek. “Oh, you like that idea, huh? Or did I piss you off talking about kicking your ass? I know how you macho types can be. Hating to lose to a woman. I think you mentioned Tessa shooting pool. Maybe she and I can go run the tables against some unsuspecting men and win some money. Not that I really need the money because we already talked about my portfolio. But I could use a new tattoo. Maybe another turtle to match the one I already have. Oh! Have you ever seen sea turtles while you were surfing? That would be so cool. I saw some in Hawaii when I was on vacation with my parents. That’s what started my obsession with them. I swam with them in a lagoon at the resort we stayed in. It surprises me you don’t have any ink. Not that you need any. You’re distracting enough without it. If we’re going on vacation, I need to get it done soon so it has time to heal. Or I could wait until we get back. Wow, look at me. Quitting my job. Going on vacation. Getting ink. You’d think I was having a midlife crisis. I prefer to think of it as an awakening. You did that. You woke me up, Malakai Palamo. Now you need to wake up so you can enjoy the new me.”
“I like the old you just fine.”
“Well, yeah. You only know the… Kai?”
“Hello, Sunshine.”
Kai’s heart and soul mended a little bit with each word Josie rambled. There was no deception in what she was saying. She wasn’t talking merely to get him to come back to the real world. His Sunshine spoke from the heart, with conviction.
“I’m glad you’re putting in your notice, but I like the Josie you are. I don’t want you to change. I told you already, you’re perfect.” Kai ran a hand through her sweaty hair.
“Oh, god. I need a shower. I’ve been sweating, and…” Josie sniffed the scrub top someone had dressed her in. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
Kai gingerly sat up, taking his mate with him. His body wasn’t hurt, but battling his beast had taken a toll. Settling Josie on his lap, he held her to his chest and kissed her hair. She smelled of sweat, sadness, and fear. But beneath all the bad was something else. He reached out with his shifter senses… there it was. Happiness. For all she’d been through in the last several hours, there was joy in his mate.
“I can’t wait to take you on vacation, and yes, I’ve swum with turtles.
