CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate called Lara that same evening. He had to make sure she accepted before letting his mind work on where to bring her after the party.

It was supposed to be an informal event, so they wouldn't be bothered by the press all the time. Also, cocktail parties were usually a calm environment where to introduce a girlfriend.

Oh, but could he even call her that? She did accept to date, but she never said anything more. They didn't go out just for fun yet: it had always happened by chance, with the pups, or because they needed to talk alone. Never once had he brought her to a nice place where they could be alone and enjoy some time together.

«Hello,» her voice greeted him. She didn't look angry or bothered. It meant he could hope she accepted, couldn't he?

He had messed up when he kept his identity hidden, for he really thought it wasn't all that relevant, but it all ended up ruining their growing relationship.

He knew Lara was disappointed, even if she didn't dare show it openly. For some reason, she thought she had no right to feel disappointment or rage, even if he did make a mistake.

«Hello, Lara. Are you busy right now?»

«A little... What is the matter?»

«I wanted to ask you out.»

«Oh, really?» she chuckled, slightly embarrassed.

She was even clumsier than Nate, which made his heart pound harder and with more desire.

If only he wasn't that unable to use that weakness of hers; if only he wasn't speechless after her embarrassed chuckles or her blushing face...

«There's a cocktail party this Friday, and Samantha refused to accompany me. I can't go alone; it would be impolite to the host. So, would you like to save me and come along?»

«A cocktail party? The kind where people drink and talk about business and gossip?»

«Yes, exactly.»

«I don't know either of the topics, Nate.»

«Doesn't matter. It'll be fun, and you'll find someone to talk to. Also, I'll be by your side, so you won't be alone if you don't wish for it.»

«There's something else, Nate... I don't have a dress for a cocktail party.»

«Is that a problem?» he replied. He could buy her one if only she would accept... But she wouldn't.

He needed to bypass the issue.

«Samantha can lend you one of hers. She has thousands... I'm sure there's something good for you in her wardrobe.»

He would have found a way no matter the obstacle.

«Are you sure she won't mind?»

«No, she won't.»

«And what are we going to do with the kids?»

«Samantha will keep them for the evening.»

«She's the answer to everything, isn't she?»

«No, not everything... Only the most relevant questions.»

«Well, then, let's go to that party,» she whispered.

He could imagine her fingers gripping the phone, her teeth nervously biting her lips.

He would have heard her heart through the phone if his wasn't beating in his ears. He was so excited by her acceptance, and he couldn't wait to meet her.

«I'll tell Samantha to bring you a dress tomorrow... Or maybe it's better if you two find one together.» He could buy a dress for her and make it look like he didn't.

That way, Lara would accept his favour without knowing it. He would feel useful, and she would wear a pretty dress. Women liked that kind of thing; it would improve her mood.

«Yes, sure... Thanks.»

«No, thank you for accepting, Lara. You're doing me a favour.»

How many parties were there in a social season? Could he use that same excuse again in the future?

«Also, may I introduce you as my girlfriend?» he asked, leaning back on the chair. «I'll understand if it's early; I just want to avoid making you feel awkward.»

«It's fine,» Lara breathed from the other side. «You can say that... In the end, we are dating. It's the truth.»

«Yes, of course. I'd not lie about this. So... we are dating,» he repeated, a wide grin on his face. «You're my girlfriend, and I'm your boyfriend.»

«Yes,» she whispered.

He could picture her blushing face. It was so cute in his mind, but it must have been even more beautiful from up close.

She gave him permission to act possessive, more or less. It meant he didn't need to worry too much, for he had the right to a few territorial moves from time to time. And he could take care of her without the need to ask permission every single time.

If only it was that easy to convince her to marry him.

«After the party, we can take a stroll together. Or maybe go somewhere else and enjoy some time alone. We can watch a movie or eat out.»

«I don't want to leave the kids alone,» she said.

«Oh, they won't be alone.»

«Samantha is so kind as to keep them for us, but we shouldn't exploit her so much, right?»

«Don't worry, she came up with that idea for me. She'd love to stay with them, and I'm sure the kids will love her as well.»

«I hope so, too. It's nice for them to have a family.»

«Also, my mother would like to meet them. She agreed not to get involved until we clear things among ourselves, but she's dying to meet them.»

«Sure,» Lara sighed. «I understand. If your family wants to meet the kids, I'm okay. When are you planning to bring them there?»

«We can go together this weekend. Saturday, maybe. I promise my mother won't be mean to you. She just might try to stick her nose in your business... But she's usually polite and proper.»

«I'm not afraid of what she'll say to me, Nate. As long as she treats the children... well, normally? Like a grandmother.»

«She will.»

«You're so lucky, Nate. Your family... No, not just that: your entire pack is beside you. I'm jealous, sometimes.»

«Oh, you have no reason to be.» Only after saying it, he realised she wasn't referring to sharing him with others.. «I mean, you can have this pack as well if only you want it.»