Simon & Rose by V.A. Dold Page A

her part, but it was one she had to take. She wanted Mark to choose her on his own terms. “It’s evident this is too strange for you to accept. At least coming from me. Talk to Simon. Ask him if I’m telling you the truth, and then come back and we’ll talk.”
    Mark drew a breath as his body visibly relaxed. “I’ll do that. Thank you for last night. I’m sorry this didn’t work out.”
    She stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. “Don’t be so quick to assume it hasn’t. While you’re chatting with Simon, I think I’ll take a nice long bubble bath. When you return, let yourself in and come find me here in my bedroom.”
    Mark gathered his scattered clothing without making eye contact. “You seem awfully confident I’ll be back.”
    She just shrugged. “Once you believe what I’ve told you, our mating bond will bring you back. That doesn’t mean I’m nonchalant about you leaving. Your walking out my door is going to be more painful than you know. But you’re my mate, and letting you leave is what’s best for you. I’ll always do what’s best for you no matter how much it hurts me to do it.”
    “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, Sharon, but claiming to be a wolf is more than a little nuts. You should really take my advice and seek professional help.” Pulling on his slacks, he dressed in record time. Minus his ripped shirt. She was giving him an easy escape and he was grabbing it.
    Taking a shaky breath, she held back the tears threatening to fall. “I appreciate your concern, however misplaced it is. My father left a lot of clothes behind when they left, would you like a clean shirt to replace the one I ruined?
    “No, that isn’t necessary, I have a change of clothes in the car.”
    “In that case, drive safely, and I’ll see you in a bit.”
    Mark’s lips tightened. “Good bye, Sharon.” He gave her a nod and walked out the door.

Chapter 8
     
     
    Rose Le Beau poured a cup of tea for herself and coffee for her mate. Mornings on the veranda were her favorite time of day. She loved that the house had a wrap around porch. The space felt warm and inviting without all of the pomp and circumstance that came with a formal gallery.
    Using her hip to open the screen door she handed Simon his cup as she took a seat next to him on the glider. The day was shaping up quite well. Not a cloud in the sky, a light breeze cooled her skin, and zero event details to attend to. She loved planning the charity ball, but she was also happy it was over.
    “Thank you, mon amour. But I should be the one serving you. How are you feeling this morning?” Simon smiled lovingly at her and took her hand. He kissed the backs of her fingers and warmed her with feelings of love and utter devotion.
    Rose rubbed circles over her nonexistent baby bump. “Better. Anna shared her secret remedy with me. This tea your mother makes for her is really helping. The morning sickness is much less.”
    “I’m happy to hear that. It tears me up inside when you’re ill,” Simon said as they watched Mark’s car pull up the drive.
    He frowned as he took his first sip. “I wonder what brings him here? I thought things were going well with Sharon.”
    “Yeah. They were very cozy at the ball last night. I thought they made a handsome couple.”
    The sound of a car door shutting was followed by footsteps crunching gravel was heard.
    Mark waved as he rounded the corner with Rizzo at his side. “Mind if we join you?”
    “Not at all. Would you like a cup of coffee?” Rose asked as she halted the loveseat’s motion.
    He shook his head. “Thank you, but no. I don’t want to be a bother and I can’t stay more than a minute or two.”
    “All right.” Rose pushed off with her foot to start the glider moving again.
    She watched as Simon indicated a vacant chair. “Good morning, Mark. What’s up? I didn’t expect to see you until Monday.”
    “Well,” he began rubbing his jaw, still standing at the bottom of the stairs.