Page 55 of Crushes and Confections

He blinked over at me, confused but processing.

“What?”

“We can fix this. Start heading for the highway and go east, I’ve got you from there,” I said. “It’s only lunchtime so they’re open for several more hours. Oh, and they have the best pizza and hot dogs so we can cover both of our bases,” I said with a grin. For once, I got to be the solver. There was something so poetic about being able to swoop in and help my alpha, even though he’d intended for it to be the other way around.

“You’d do this for me?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” I asked. I wanted to ask why he was always so surprised by simple kindness, but I bit back the question.

“Because not everyone is so giving,” he admitted. “Let me call Boone.” The call was quick, Boone was never a talker, and they set a new time tomorrow to pick up what he had planned.

“Buckle up,” I reminded him.

“You’ve caught me at a rare moment, I’m afraid,” he sighed as if he were disappointed in himself. He hadn’t started the car, so I unbuckled and leaned over the console, using my hand to gently make him face me. I pressed a kiss to his lips and pulled back, staring into his eyes.

“This is what makes a pack, alpha. These vulnerable moments where we choose to step up for each other. It’s alright, and I’m honored you let me in like this,” I said seriously before kissing him once more and settling back in my seat.

“I’m a lucky alpha,” he said more to himself than me as he put his seatbelt on and started the car. He followed my directions out of town, and we sat in companionable silence until I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Okay, tell me something I don’t know about you,” I prompted. “That’s what courting is about, right?”

“Well, I do have something to discuss with you,” he admitted. “It’s not happy though, I’m afraid.”

“I’ll take whatever you give me,” I reassured him. “Happy can come next.”

“The reason we left France was how strongly my parents disapproved of me. Or Vance and I specifically. They rejected me, disowned me, the whole nine yards,” he explained. His eyes were focused on the road, but I watched him tense as he explained. My hand went to his thigh, resting there and squeezing as I tried to hide my heartbreak on his behalf.

It all made so much sense. The shock at kindness, the hesitation to show who they were, the blockers.

“I’m so sorry.”

“It wasn’t the only thing we faced. Several towns and cities before this… we had encounters about our choice. But I would never give up Vance,” he said vehemently.

“And you shouldn’t. He’s amazing, and you both deserve love. Honestly? Fuck them all, including your parents. They’re assholes if they can’t look past designation to see how good you are together.”

He didn’t bother to hide his amusement as he looked over at me.

“I’m glad you think so. Holiday Hollow has been a nice change from the rest of the world. There’s always going to be someone who disapproves of you. I’m trying to learn that their opinion doesn’t matter. But when your parents are at the heart of it… that makes it harder.”

“It does,” I said. “I’m sorry they failed you like this. Did Vance’s family feel the same?”

“It was more his sexuality in general, but I’ll let him tell you more about that,” he said. “I bring this up not only because we’re courting, but because I heard from my lawyer recently. The one I had in France to help cancel my affairs.”

“Oh no,” I breathed out. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes and no. He thinks my parents are trying to find me and are going to eventually come to America looking,” he admitted.

“Oh! Turn at the next exit!” I blurted out, startling him. Of course, the calm, collected alpha didn’t even swerve like Riley or I would have done. “And Holiday Hollow won’t let anyone bother you or us. The sheriff might have some ideas, trust the people in town to back you up. You’re not alone anymore.”

He chuckled. “I’m starting to realize that.”

We slid easily into lighter conversation as we reached the large restaurant supply store. It was fairly slow today so I was even more excited to show Adrien around.

“You like this place? You seem excited.” Adrien questioned as he opened my door and helped me out. I took his hand and let him lead me toward the front doors.

“I do. For some reason, the giant warehouse stores always feel special. It’s a reminder that I made it as a business owner,” I admitted. “It’s silly.”

“It’s adorable,” he corrected, wrapping an arm around me to stave off the chill in the air as we picked up the pace. I flashed my membership card and the doorman let us in. Adrien gaped at the store as I grabbed a cart, unsure if we’d need it. But anytime I came here needing one thing, I left with ten. The deals were unmatched.

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