CEO's Runaway Mate and Her Cubs

Nate had brought a new phone for Lara. Yet, he didn't know how to give it to her.

He had chosen the newest model, only thinking to give her the best of the best. He had forgotten, while swiping his credit card, that she hated that kind of attention. Only after that moment of freedom did he return to the real world.

His mate was difficult to spoil, for the Moon Goddess.

«A contract benefit,» he said while looking at the box on his desk.

Lara had gone out to deliver an urgent document, and he was waiting for her to come back.

«A work necessity.»

Oh, but she had never used her phone for work! And, what if she avoided using it for personal means? No, it was not the right idea.

«A present for our first month of dating.»

But it hadn't been a month. Since they met, maybe. But not since they had started dating.

His brain would consider the day when she had entered the company by chance as day one. But it was not like that!

«The first week of dating,» he corrected himself. Oh, it had been what? Ten days?

The Black Moon was right around the corner, and he had to solve it before falling into depression. He had to make sure Lara had the phone and didn't sulk before the effects started kicking in.

He had a few days, he realised. No need to hurry.

«A lottery win?»

How could he explain it? Ah, life wasn't easy for clumsy Alpha CEOs.

When she returned, he had made up his mind. Something as close to the truth as possible.

«Since your phone is broken, I've bought you a new one,» he said. «Your contract will expire soon, won't it? If you accept to sign a full-time one, you will need to keep track of many things. A good phone will be necessary then.»

«Nate, I still have two months. A lot of things can happen in two months. It's a little early to buy me a phone just for that...»

«Oh, but like this, I bought it once,» he pointed out. «Or would you prefer to have two phones? I can arrange it, sure. One for work and one for your private life...»

«No, you're right,» she sighed. «One is better. And mine is broken, so it's the right moment to change it.»

He nodded, using all his wits not to chuckle. He had succeeded!

«But why such an expensive model!» she exclaimed when she saw the box. «Nate, you can't be serious! This costs more than my salary!»

«Does it?»

How little were they paying her?

«Yes, of course. I'm just a part-time worker, remember? I have no use of this phone, and I won't have it ever. Even if I work full-time, my job won't require so much tech. Just a regular phone would be all right.»

«I want you to take pictures of the twins. This one has a good camera. You can even print the pictures if you want. What do you think? Two copies each, of course.»

«Pictures?» she said, tilting her head. «Of the twins?»

«And of us, too. But only if you want. I haven't taken any pictures of us together yet...» Because he had those from the newspapers. «But I'd like to, one day. And you? You don't want it?»

«I haven't considered this yet. Pictures are... I don't know, Nate. I always think of the present moment when I'm with you. It's difficult to consider the future... I'm too distracted.»

«One day, you might want to. If that day ever comes, I want you to have a phone able to take good pictures.»

«Sure,» she chuckled. «If that's the case, I can't refuse.»

After all, that phone had a lot of space to save her cubs' best moments. She hadn't taken any photos in ages... since her camera had fallen from the table.

«Your number is here. I've recovered it from your broken phone.»

She nodded, accepting the box and the card with her number.

«I feel a little spoiled right now,» she said. «Just like when I was a kid.»

«I won't change my mind, Lara. I won't stop spoiling you if you do something I don't like. I'm not like them. You don't need to be afraid this time.»

«I'm sorry, Nate. It's stronger than me. I don't want to doubt you, but everyone gives when they're expecting something in return. I doubt I'll be able to fulfil your expectations.»

«I don't have expectations.»

She chuckled again, wondering whether to tease him a little. Just a little.

«I see... your opinion about me must be poor, then.»

«I have no right to expectations. And I have no use of something like an opinion, Lara. I don't want to be your boss. I want to be your partner.»

She blushed, taken back by his words. How could he start with the most innocent of the intentions, and then transform their conversation into blunt flirting?

«And I want to be the same for you. We're both adults, and we have kids to bring up. We should give them an example of marr... of a family that they will want in the future. Not something to fear, mistrust or take advantage of.»

«Thank you.»

«No need to thank me. I'm selfish, Lara. I'm doing it for myself.»

«I mean, thank you for the phone. I like it very much.»

«You're welcome.»

He looked her in the eye, keeping his instincts in check. He couldn't get up and kiss her at that moment even if her red face was triggering old instincts. It would have looked as if he wanted something in return for the simple gift he had prepared.

But it was not the case. He didn't need her to give him back anything, not even her gratitude.

Just as he had said, he was doing it for himself.. For his own heart, and for their kids and family.