Page 34 of Not Ready

Bishop stomps into my office shortly after I wrap up the call to Kate’s landlord.

“You’re taking Vale shopping?” He tosses himself down in the chair on the opposite side of my desk.

“Yes,” I agree, closing the file folder in my hand. “I’m unsure where, outside of Clover’s, but I imagined we’d stay in town.”

“Good, pick up her prescriptions, too, while you’re at it. They’re at Harrison’s Family Pharmacy on Main Street, and do not let her pay,” he says like that was ever an option.

“Got it,” I say drolly. “Anything else, boss?”

“Yeah.” He shoves himself out of his chair, leaving me wondering why he even bothered sitting. “If you happen to wander into the baby store, try to get a feel for which crib and furniture set she likes. Also, ask about car seats. If she has one, then it’s not in her car. She only has six weeks left. It’s something that needs to be taken care of.”

“I will,” I assure him. I’m still baffled how he thought he’d be able to handle being out of communication for the time she was to give birth. I imagine he was only a week or two away from trying to get our tech team to hack into the Slick website’s private information servers. That, or flat-out telling her he needed to be there and asking for her information.

I’m perturbed to see Vale is in the same too-small coat that she’s been in daily since we met.

My instincts don’t like it at all.

I bite my cheek to keep from offering her one of mine, but only because it would likely upset her.

Although, if she’s going to be my wife, then it should be acceptable for me to make sure she’s warm enough.

I notice exactly how low to the ground my car is when Vale struggles to get into it. My eyes fly to Holt’s truck, but that monstrosity is a little too far in the opposite direction. Once she’s settled inside my vehicle, I pull the little handle to slide her seat back.

“Thanks. I think I’m supposed to be twelve inches from the air bag.” She grabs the seat belt, tugging it around her and clipping it.

I eye the distance suspiciously. “Should I grab a ruler? We could take Holt’s truck if necessary.”

She laughs. “No, this is perfect. I don’t think I could get back into that thing without help, anyway.”

I give her a nod, catching my tie as it billows in the cool air. Closing the door, I circle around to the driver’s side. I get myself situated, and my nose flutters. Good God, her sweet strawberries and cream scent is everywhere.

Starting my car, I shift into reverse. My hand falls to the back of her seat as I twist to back out of my spot right in front of the garage. Her big blue eyes meet mine as she gives a timid smile.

Yes, fine.

I can clearly see the appeal.

The problem isn’t that she’s Bishop’s. It’s that I’m essentially completely inept where women are concerned.

I’m not being vain when I say women often approach me. I’m fairly confident that I’m not bad to look at, but I’ve attempted relationships several times in the past. My blunt nature and need for independence didn’t mesh well with what was expected of me.

It’s certainly a concern, as I can’t imagine an omega being more accepting of my oddities than my past girlfriends. Although, my biological father did somehow find someone willing to cope with him. No alpha wants to think of their mind failing them, and that’s exactly what happens when we slip over the line into feral territory.

My hand falls to the gearshift to put us into first gear, but it’s dreadfully silent. “You can choose what you’d like to listen to.”

“That’s okay. If we’re supposed to be getting married, then I imagine we should get to know one another.” She chuckles awkwardly. “Tell me something about you.”

“I have two brothers, but I’m the only member of my family who enlisted. That was in the British Armed Forces. How about you? Any siblings?”

“No, it was just my mom and me.” Her head tilts, and she stares out the window.

The way that sentence is framed leads me to believe her mother is no longer living. I should have taken the hint after what she said last night. “I’m sorry. I’m obviously terrible at small talk.” We cruise toward the gate as my hand lands on her thigh, giving her a reassuring squeeze. Or, possibly, I’m asking for forgiveness for bringing up a sensitive subject.

“No, there’s no need to apologize.” She gives me a soft smile as I remove my hand to downshift due to the gate. “It’s a completely normal topic of conversation when getting to know someone.”

Well, this is going to be exceptionally painful, especially if she keeps being so bloody polite.

Shopping is a much easier experience than I initially expected. Vale keeps a friendly smile on her face, even when she hears the astronomical total.

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