Unforgettable (4 page)

“About your memory loss?” he finished. “Yes, he did. I hope you don’t mind.”

Eden sighed. “No. It’s no secret, I guess.”

“We weren’t gossiping, honey,” he said gently. “I was concerned about you. It must be terrifying, not knowing who you are.”

Eden blinked back tears. “Yeah, it is.”

He smiled, his whole demeanor gentle. “Would you like to come up for dinner tomorrow night? I’m cooking.”

“You are?” Eden hated cooking. She tended to live on toast and scrambled eggs.

Galen nodded. “Yep, I like to cook. Please say yes.”

She couldn’t deny him. There was something in his eyes that compelled her to say yes.

“Yes, thank you. Shall I bring anything?”

“Just your lovely self,” he replied with a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow night then. Sleep well.”

“You too.”

As he walked away she wondered whether she should have questioned him about her knowledge of how he liked his coffee. But what if they didn’t know each other? He’d think her foolish.

And if they did know each other?

Well, it was best that she figure out quickly whether he was one of the good guys or not.

*****

Eden stood on the porch of Rick’s house and took a deep breath, trying to ease the racing of her heart which was working hard with a mix of anticipation and fear. Already she felt aroused, on fire, her body attuned to the man inside.

Her extreme reaction to him scared her.

Why this man? She didn’t even know him and yet she couldn’t get him out of her head. For days all she’d done was think of him. The feel of his touch still burned her skin.

Stop it!

She shook her head and pressed the doorbell before she changed her mind. Clutching the bottle of red wine she smiled widely as the door opened.

Rick stared down at her in surprise. “Everything okay?” he asked.

Eden let the smile drop. “Too much, huh?”

“Well, you kind of looked like a clown. Come in.” He waved her inside. “Are you all right, Eden? You can tell me anything you know.”

I want to fuck your friend
.

Eden bit her lip and gave him a more natural smile. She patted his chest. “I’m fine, sorry, just been a long day.”

A low growl had her jumping and turning. Galen stared at the end of the hall, his eyes bright as he glared at Rick. She turned her head, looking at where her hand lay against Rick’s chest. She snatched it back, not even sure why she did so, but feeling a ridiculous urge to soothe the man stalking towards them.

Galen stopped and held out his hand. Then he waited. Eden looked from him to Rick, not understanding the tension, but needing to ease it. Taking a step forward, she took his hand, her breath whooshing out of her at the touch of his skin against hers.

Galen smiled down at her, clearly pleased. “Thank you for coming, Eden.” He tugged her close then let her hand go and placing his hand at the small of her back, guided her down the passage towards the kitchen area. Rick had knocked out a couple of the interior walls making a wide open space for his kitchen and living area.

She looked over her shoulder at Rick who followed them, his face grim. But he winked when he saw her looking, putting her at ease.

“Have a seat. Dinner’s almost ready. Can I get you something to drink?” Galen asked, clearly playing host.

“Umm, I brought some wine.” She handed it over before sitting on the sofa. Rick sat back on his favorite chair.

“Red?” Galen queried. “You don’t—I mean, do you drink red?”

“No, but it’s Rick’s favorite.”

Galen looked over at Rick who stared back at him calmly. “Is it just? Do you want a glass of white? I have some Chardonnay.”

Eden smiled at him warmly. “Thanks, that would be great.” Maybe a glass of wine would ease her tension.

“How was work today?” she asked Rick.

He grunted. “Nothing too bad. Mrs. Henderson reported that someone stole her underwear,” he said, disgruntled.

Eden’s lips twitched. “Mr. Jones again?”

Rick nodded. “I told him next time he stole them I was going to make him wear them.”

“Oh dear, he’s just trying to catch Mrs. Henderson’s attention. He loves her.”

“You do not show someone you are in love with them by stealing things off their washing line,” Rick told her.

Galen returned with her wine and she took it with a smile of thanks. “No, but he wants to be the hero who finds her things. He wants to look strong and protective in her eyes. I think it’s sweet.”

“He’s seventy-six years old. He’s senile not sweet.”

“Well, I hope someone still finds me attractive at that age. What about you, Galen?”

Galen ran his gaze over her. “Oh, I definitely find you attractive at any age,” he crooned.

She blushed. “That wasn’t what I was asking.”

He merely winked.

Eden shifted on the sofa, trying to still the throbbing between her legs. “So what’s for dinner?” she asked huskily.

“Lasagna.”

“Yum,” she said, pleased. “My favorite.”

Galen smiled. “It is? You remember that?”

She nodded. “Oh, I remember little things. It’s a bit weird, actually. I can remember that my favorite color is purple and I love lasagna and Chardonnay, but I can’t remember what my own parents look like.”

Blinking, she held back tears.

Galen suddenly sat beside her, taking her hand in his. “It will come back to you, kitten.”

Even though many people had told her that, more for something to say than because of any real belief that it was true, Eden felt the conviction in his voice. So instead of nodding with a fake smile as she usually did, she let her tightly held fear free.

“What if they don’t? What if I never remember?” she whispered.

“Then you’ll make new memories. And we’ll make sure they’re so good you won’t even need what came before.”

“Eden, the doctor said it could take some time, remember?” Rick said to her, drawing her gaze over to him. “The more you worry the more tense you become and that’s not good for you. You need to relax, let the memories come to you.”

“I know. But it’s easier said than done.”

“You don’t have to do it alone.” Galen stroked his thumb over her wrist and she barely held back a whimper. “Any time you need to relax, you just let me know. I give a damn good massage.”

Eden’s breath caught, wondering if she’d imagined the sexual innuendo in his voice. And she was shocked by her reaction, how she wanted him to touch her. Eden found it hard to trust anyone, to let them close.

Yet talking to Galen, being around him, was effortless.

“So, umm, how long are you going to be sticking around long, Galen?” she asked.

 “I thought I would visit for a few weeks, although eventually I will have to go back home. I have an excellent foreman but there are things I need to do to keep the ranch running.”

“You have a ranch?” she asked in surprise. Somehow she couldn’t picture him as a rancher. “What sort of animals do you have?”

“Oh, we have all sorts,” he said vaguely. “Rick and I met a while ago through a mutual friend so I decided to look him up while I was here. I like it here. It’s peaceful. Intriguing.” He looked at her as he said that.

“Well, it’s good you’re here now,” she said, wondering at the strange look on Rick’s face.

“Shouldn’t you check the lasagna?” Rick asked abruptly.

Galen’s face hardened subtly but he rose without a word, giving her a soft pat on the hand. As soon as he was out of the room, Rick turned to her.

“Sorry he’s coming on strong, honey,” he whispered.

“Why are we whispering?” she asked, matching his quiet voice nevertheless.

“He has really good hearing,” Rick told her.

She raised her brows, grinning. “Really? Wow, he could make money from that. Become a superspy or something.”

Rick just shook his head.

“It’s okay. For some reason I feel really at ease with him.” No way was she telling him how attracted to Galen she was. “When he first appeared, I thought he was acting odd, like he knew me. But that can’t be the case, because he’d have told you, right? Guess I’m just letting my need to regain my memories take over everything else. I’m imagining relationships that were never there. He is a bit full-on, but I don’t mind.”

Rick stared at the floor then flicked his gaze up to hers. “You tell me if he’s overcrowding or annoying you. He can be a bossy bastard.”

Her lips twitched. He’d said that last sentence at full volume. “He certainly can,” she agreed quietly.

“I heard that,” Galen called back.

Damn, he really did have good hearing.

Galen watched his mate throw her head back and laugh at some story Rick was telling. He wasn’t really listening, just happy to be able to sit close to Eden and watch her.

He wished he could do more, drag her close, hug her tight, kiss her. The small touches he managed were pure torture. He longed to gather her up and take her somewhere safe while he hunted down the bastards who had dared to hurt what belonged to him.

Who could it be? She knew better than to leave his protection on her own. Knew that she wouldn’t sit for a week if she dared to disobey him when it came to her safety. So the only conclusion was that someone had taken her from under his nose. Someone he trusted.

Why, he didn’t know. There had been some surprise and some anger when he’d chosen to take a human as mate. His mother, in particular, had been horrified. But she’d come around and the pack seemed to take to Eden.

Although she wasn’t an overly demonstrative or extroverted person, when Eden made a commitment, she kept it. When she gave her loyalty, she gave it totally. And that was something his pack admired.

This was so frustrating. He wished he could see inside her, but their mate link was damaged. He felt it like a gaping hole in his gut. And he was terrified that it was gone for good.

But it couldn’t be. He refused to believe that. Refused to let her go.

She was his everything.

“Galen? You okay?” Eden asked softly.

He shifted his attention back to Eden who was peering at him in concern.

“Sorry?” he asked.

“You looked really worried. Is everything all right?” That was his mate, always more concerned about those around her than herself.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Sorry, just thinking about something else. Would you like some coffee with dessert?

She shook her head with a groan. “There’s dessert? Oh man, I shouldn’t have eaten so much lasagna. But it was so good. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” Thrilled that she’d eaten his meal with gusto, he didn’t push dessert on her. He’d bring some over to her tomorrow. It would give him an excuse to visit.

His lion agreed. Feeding their mate was their right, their privilege. Shifter males took care of their females. Protected them, sheltered them, and ensured they were happy and fed. They could be dominant and overprotective but they always put their mates first. Always.

And right now, his mate looked ready to drop from exhaustion.

“Why don’t I walk you back home?” he offered. “You look ready for bed.”

She grinned. “Is that your polite way of saying I look like crap and I’ve overstayed my welcome?”

He gaped at her, horrified. “Not at all...I...”

She laughed, the happy sound filling the room. “You’re cute when you’re embarrassed. It’s okay, I was teasing you. I am ready for bed, you’re right. I can make my own way home, though, it’s not like it’s far.”

“I’ll walk you,” he said stubbornly.

Eden stared at him, but then nodded, obviously realizing how serious he was. “Okay, that would be great. Thanks.”

Rick stood and walked them out, giving Eden a quick peck on the cheek, despite Galen’s warning growl.

As they stepped outside, Galen put his arm around her shoulders.

“What are you doing?” she asked, sounding a little breathless. He knew she felt the attraction between them, he could smell her need. It only added to his own, pressing at his control.

“Keeping you warm, it’s cold out here.”

“Hmm. Why do you keep growling at Rick when he touches me? He’s my friend. We don’t even know each other and you’re acting like...”

“I’m jealous? That’s because I am. I see how easy the two of you are together and I want that between us.”

“Galen.” She stopped, turning to him. Her hands on her hips. “I only met you a few days ago. I don’t know you.”

He ran his hand over her face. “When I want something then I go after it. I’m a man who knows his own mind, darling. And I want you.”

Her breathing quickened. “I-I’m not ready for that. I don’t even know who I am, let alone who you are.”

“So get to know me. I’ll be around a while. Remember, you promised we could be friends.” His pleading look made her laugh.

“Okay, okay. Just take it easy on me, all right?”

“I’ll take care of you, sweetheart. Never worry about that.”

“And stop growling at Rick.”

“I’ll try.”

Chapter Four:

Eden glanced over as the diner’s door opened. She knew it would be him. On edge, breathless, she’d been waiting for him to arrive. He’d been coming in each day since he’d arrived nearly a week ago.

“Hello, Eden.” His voice trickled over her skin, a caress of heat, a hint of pleasure.

“Hello, Galen. Are you here for lunch?” she asked.

“Actually, I was hoping to convince you to come for lunch with me. I made a picnic.”

“You did?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yep. Especially for you. It would be cruel to make me eat it alone. So will you come dine with me?” He gave her puppy dog eyes and she grinned.

“Hmm, I don’t know. Do you promise to behave?” she teased him as he stood there, a cheeky grin on his face, his stance relaxed and non-threatening. Over the last week she’d become more at ease around him. Her body and mind dropped their guard bit by bit.

“Oh, I’ll try very hard not to,” he practically purred. She shivered. Not in fear or nervousness, but in pure, demanding heat.

“Eden, time for your lunch break,” Rosie, her boss called out.

“See, perfect timing,” he murmured. “I’ve got it all ready, we can go sit wherever you like.”