Bane had left that morning to pick up Sloane, so I was on my own for a few hours.

First, I went for a run, then came home to shower and eat, now I was wandering aimlessly around the house, wondering what to do with myself as I began to grow more and more nervous with each passing second.

Sloane was just a little girl, and I was good with kids, but after spending time with Bane, I realized how much was riding on this introduction. And how much I wanted to like her and for her to like me.

If we didn’t get along, it was a definite deal breaker, and I found that even though it had only been a short time, I didn’t want to leave.

I wanted to stay here and become Bane’s mate.

To be claimed by him.

And, since I was alone and could be honest with myself, I wanted more than a loveless marriage, even if it included marital benefits.

I wanted it all… and I wanted it with Bane.

These thoughts probably contributed to my nerves and had me pacing the living room as I bit the skin next to my thumbnail and muttered to myself.

“You agreed to his terms… if you try and change things, you’ll ruin it and he’ll send you packing… but, if you don’t tell him the truth and go through with the ceremony, you’ll be lying to the man you’re going to spend the rest of your life with… Crap… What should I do?”

I’d just taken a breath and was about to continue my verbal rant when the doorbell rang.

My head swung to the door and I stopped mid pace.

I wasn’t expecting anyone, and this was the first time anyone had dropped by since I’d arrived at Bane’s.

I went to the door and was surprised to see Shonda standing there waiting, a covered dish in her hands.

“Hi, Shonda,” I greeted with a smile.

“Uh, hey,” she replied nervously. “Um, Bane said he was going to pick up Sloane and I should stop by… so, here I am. I, uh, brought banana bread.”

“Oh, yum, thanks,” I said, stepping aside so she could come in.

How sweet was it of Bane to ask her to come over so I wasn’t lonely?

The thought warmed my insides, and I walked into the kitchen with a pleased grin on my face.

“Would you like coffee to go with the banana bread?” I asked as she set it down on the counter.

“Sure, that sounds good,” Shonda replied, taking a seat at the island.

“It was sweet of you to come by,” I said as I put the pod in the Keurig. “I was starting to freak myself out…”

“About what?” she asked quietly.

“Oh, you know…wondering if Sloane and I will get along, and what would happen if we don’t… that kind of thing. Do you take cream or sugar?”

“Yes, please,” she said, then added, “I don’t think you’ll have any issues. Sloane’s a great kid. Sweet, kind, easy going. And she really loves her daddy. She’ll want him to be happy.”

I started my own coffee then turned and leaned against the island.

“You watch her sometimes, right?” She nodded. “Do you have any tips for me? Is there something she likes to do, or make, that could help us break the ice?”

Shonda was silent for a moment, like she was really thinking about my question, which I appreciated.

“She likes cookies. Chocolate chip is her favorite. She loves to play with her dolls… Oh, she also likes to be read to before bed.”

I nodded, thinking this was information I could work with.

“Thanks,” I said, then went to the pantry and grabbed a bag of chocolate chips. I held them up and said, “Score,” when I joined Shonda back at the island.

She smiled shyly.

I cut into the banana bread, which was still warm, and lathered two slices with butter, then grabbed my coffee and sat next to Shonda.

“Oh my God,” I moaned after my first bite. “This is so good.”

“Thank you,” Shonda said sweetly, obviously pleased by my reaction.

“We should be best friends,” I told her as I took another bite.

She looked surprised for a minute, then her face cleared and she said, “I’d like that.”

“Then it’s done,” I replied with a grin.

We enjoyed the rest of our bread, and although I wanted another slice, I controlled myself, instead shifting toward Shonda on my stool and looking at her curiously.

“So, since we’re besties… do you want to tell me about Gray?” I asked gently, hoping my question wouldn’t scare her off.

Her eyes widened and she asked, “Gray? What about him.”

I gave a half shrug and replied, “I noticed yesterday that there seemed to be something when you asked about him. Did you use to date or something?”

At first, I didn’t think she was going to answer me, but then her shoulders sagged and Shonda whispered, “No. I never got up the nerve to tell him how I felt. Then, he was gone.”

“So, you’ve liked him for a long time, huh? Have you dated other guys since he left?”

She shook her head.

“No. I mean, I thought about it, but when push comes to shove, Grayson is the only man I want. Unfortunately, he just wants to be alone. He never comes here, and no one but Bane and Sloane ever go out to see him. Well, Sarah did… sorry,” she winced and looked apologetic at the mention of Bane’s mate.

“That’s okay,” I assured her. “I know Bane loved Sarah, she was his mate and Sloane’s mother. I don’t mind talking about it. But, about Gray… have you ever tried to go see him?”

“No. The last person who tried got shot at for stepping onto his land. He really, really doesn’t want to be bothered.”

“But, I’m sure if you went he wouldn’t shoot at you… if you just explained…”

Shonda’s eyes looked sad when she said, “I don’t think so, but it’s sweet of you to be concerned. I’m okay. I’m used to the way things are…”

I could tell by her tone and expression that she didn’t want to talk about it anymore, but I vowed if I ever met Bane’s brother, I’d put out feelers to see how he felt about living alone. And about Shonda.