Page 13 of No Strings Attached

“Like birthday parties?” Morgan wasn’t why Sam wanted to know that.

“House parties. The kind with loud music, booze, and a bunch of people.”

“No,” Morgan said. “Though I’ve invited some of my coworkers over and threw some food on the grill from time to time. I’m also more of a quiet music person, and I’m not really a drinker. Why do you ask?”

Sam looked down at his hands. “This just seems too good to be true. I still believe no one does nice things without a motive.”

That only told Morgan the kind of life his mate lived. “There are nice people out there that just want to help without anything in return.”

His mate eyed him. “Except housekeeping and running errands.”

“Hey.” Morgan gave Sam a crooked smile. “I’m paying you for that.”

Sitting forward, Sam arched his back, as if the bench was hurting it, then hissed. The guy really should be resting right now. “Trial period,” Sam said. “The first sign things aren’t legit, or if you try anything, I’m gone.”

Something settled inside Morgan. He didn’t want Sam sleeping in a car, let alone one with no AC. And Morgan’s gut told him the human was still in some kind of danger.

“So, we have a deal?” Morgan stuck his hand out.

Sam hesitated then shook it. “We have a deal.”

“I’ll handle the business with your car later today.” Morgan stood. “Right now I’ll just drive you to my house and let you get some rest. You can’t do any work with your back still healing, so the first week I don’t expect anything from you.”

Sam eased off the bench and stood. “When the other shoe drops, you’re only going to confirm my belief that people truly suck and that no one is to be trusted.”

Morgan was going to make it his mission to restore Sam’s faith in humanity. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know where the guy was coming from. For over two centuries Morgan had thought the same thing. Life had kicked him in the nuts too many times to count, and he’d all but given up hope that there were any decent people left.

Until Sheriff Harper had changed that for him. The grizzly bear shifter had offered Morgan a job, a chance to see that there were still good people in the world. The change hadn’t happened overnight. The first few years working as a deputy, Morgan had been a growly bastard.

But the more he helped the community, the more he realized that it had been his lifestyle and the people he’d surrounded himself with that had been the real problem.

All he’d needed was a wholesome town to settle down in. Maybe all Sam needed was one good person in his corner, and Morgan was that person.

Instead of using the front exit, Morgan had Sam follow him to the side door. He unlocked his pickup and noticed how his mate quickly jumped in, almost slouching in his seat as if he was hiding from someone. That fast leap into the truck hadn’t been good for his mate’s back.

Morgan didn’t say anything about the human’s behavior as he pulled from the lot, but as they drove onto the main street, Sam ducked down even more.

Glancing around, Morgan didn’t notice anyone watching them or the station. There were people walking down the street, cars passing by or parked at the curb, but nothing made his polar bear sit up and take notice.

It took ten minutes to get home. Morgan used the garage door opener to pull inside before he cut the motor. As the door closed, Sam finally sat up straight, but the pained look on his face said the awkward position had cost him.

They entered the house through the garage door, which entered directly into the kitchen. Morgan tossed his keys onto the counter. “I’ll forego the tour since you need some rest. When you’re up to it, feel free to explore.”

Sheriff Harper had said that Morgan was off the schedule until things were sorted with Sam, but his mate was already skittish, so hanging around the house wouldn’t help matters.

He led his mate upstairs and showed him to the bedroom across from his own. “It’s not much, but the bed is very comfortable,” Morgan said.

Sam stepped into the room and looked around. “It’s better than what I had.” His eyes widened, as if he hadn’t meant to say that.

For now, Morgan let it go. “The kitchen is fully stocked. Nothing is off-limits, so if you’re hungry, go for it.”

It was as if Sam had never seen a bedroom before. He just kept standing there looking around, but Morgan saw the unshed tears in the guy’s eyes.

“Thanks.” Sam’s voice was tight. “I appreciate this.”

More than anything Morgan wanted to pull Sam into his arms and simply hold him. The guy looked like he needed a hug, but Morgan didn’t want to give Sam the wrong idea.

“Are you heading back to work?” Sam asked, though he hadn’t fully turned to look at Morgan.

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