chapter 23

“So, where are you headed again?” Tally’s voice crackled through the car’s Bluetooth, sharp and clear, filling the quiet interior.

Nita glanced at her rearview mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, her stomach twisting as she braced herself to lie. She *hated* lying, especially to Tally. Deception always left her feeling queasy, like she’d swallowed acid. She was a terrible liar anyway—her face gave her away every time. Lies only led to trouble, and she’d learned that the hard way.

It wasn’t that Tally would judge her. Not even close. But Nita felt foolish enough already, diving headfirst into a multi-day date with a shifter from Mrs. Wilder’s Paranormal Dating Agency. A *multi-day* date. Who even did that? She’d never heard of such a thing, let alone tried it. Her nerves churned, the acid creeping up her throat. She should’ve eaten before hitting the road, but excitement had killed her appetite. Gerri had been cagey about her date’s identity, only revealing the details at the last minute, which had Nita speeding toward the mountains.

“I don’t want you going in with expectations,” Gerri had said. “This is new territory. Trust my judgment.”

Trusting Gerri had been surprisingly easy, fueled by a desperate hope she was right. Unlike Tally’s double-date situation, Nita was getting one guy, not two. That was fine by her—she didn’t have the energy to juggle two growly Alphas.

“Just taking a mini-vacation for a few days,” Nita said, wincing at the lie. If things went well, she’d spend those days with a guy who might be her dream man—or a total disaster. Either way, she’d packed light, giving herself an easy out if needed. Besides, her DVR was loaded with a week’s worth of *Shark Week* and *Naked and Afraid* waiting at home.

She cringed, reminding herself not to mention her TV habits to her date. Her last guy had lectured her for an hour about how reality shows would rot her brain. She’d wanted to snap that his rant had killed any spark she’d felt. The only highlight of that date had been the bartender’s steady stream of cocktails. Otherwise, it was as awkward as a first visit to a new gynecologist.

She had high hopes for this guy, though. Gerri’s enthusiasm had been infectious, boosting Nita’s confidence. Apparently, there were men out there who appreciated a curvy Latina with a chocolate obsession and a sharp tongue. Who’d have thought?

“You *never* leave your doctor’s office without an assistant,” Tally said, her voice tinged with suspicion and worry. “This isn’t like you.”

Nita could picture Tally’s frown over the phone. Her cousin knew her better than anyone, and Nita’s strict “no screw-ups” rule at work was practically legendary. Fun was one thing, but her job? She didn’t mess around.

“I just need a breather,” Nita said, forcing a laugh. “A few days to binge ice cream, watch trashy TV, and live in pajamas.” It wasn’t entirely a lie—those things sounded heavenly. If this date tanked, she might just go home and do exactly that.

“Yeah, I guess,” Tally said, sounding unconvinced.

A quick glance at the GPS showed thirty minutes left on this desolate stretch of road. Dusk was settling fast, and Nita’s unease grew. She should’ve insisted on a daytime date. Her fear of the dark prickled at her, but she shook it off. Her pepper spray was tucked in her bag—not because she courted trouble, but because living in a rough city taught her to stay prepared.

“Besides, you, Connor, and Theron are busy getting cozy,” Nita teased. “You don’t need me tagging along as the fourth wheel.”

Tally gasped. “Nita Islas! Don’t you dare say that! You’re *not* a fourth wheel!”

Sure she wasn’t. But every time they met up for drinks or dinner, Connor and Theron were all over Tally, their chemistry undeniable. Nita wasn’t jealous—she was thrilled for her cousin, truly. But it stung, not having someone to look at her the way those two looked at Tally, hands wandering like lovesick teenagers.

“Have you called Mrs. Wilder?” Tally asked suddenly.

“Um…” Nita hesitated, her stomach lurching.

Tally growled. “Why haven’t you? I really think she could help you.”

Nita wasn’t hiding things from Tally—not really. She loved her cousin more than most of her family, save for her parents and Grandma Kate. But after her last relationship turned into a bizarre nightmare, she wasn’t ready to jinx this date by talking about it too soon.

“I’m going to trust her to find me someone. I promise,” Nita said, her voice tight. She was headed straight to hell for this lie. Where were her antacids when she needed them? Lying to Tally, who loved her fiercely, felt like a betrayal.

“Okay. As long as you try,” Tally said, her voice softening. She murmured something too quiet to catch. “I’ve gotta go—we’re heading out for dinner and a show.”