Page 99 of Wanted Beta

“No problem. Whatever you want.”

“I hope I don’t regret this,” she says.

“Regret what?” Gio asks as he reaches my side.

She smiles at him. “Becoming your business consultant.”

The confused expression he’s wearing when he looks at me for an explanation is priceless.

“I’ll let Gio work out the payment side of things with you,” I add, before I get my keys out of my pocket. “I assume you’re free for lunch tomorrow so we can discuss the job before you get started?”

“Sure,” she says.

“Job?” Arrow asks, as he approaches. “Did I just hear something about a job? Can I stop manning the front desk? Please, tell me that’s what you were talking about.”

He’s curious and eager to find out, but he doesn’t have too long to wait.

“Ignore that,” I tell Beth as I pass him my keys. “He loves his job.”

“I love the perks,” Arrow admits, giving Beth a look that makes her cheeks flush.

He steps inside, and Enzo follows with my band equipment as he holds the door open.

I have to admit, I’m reluctant to say goodnight to Beth.

She deserves more than I just offered her.

So much more.

Gio clears his throat. “Wait inside for me. Lock the door.”

“You didn’t see anyone though, right?” I ask.

He sighs and gives me an expectant look. “No one’s lurking in the alley. It doesn’t mean it’s safe to stand around out here on your own.”

He probably has a point. “Fine. I’m going inside.”

I look back at Beth. “See you tomorrow.”

She nods, and I go inside.

Enzo locks up while I move to the window to watch them walk away.

Gio offers his hand, and she stops hugging herself to take it.

It’s a good sign. She fell asleep on Enzo tonight, and she’s taking Gio’s hand.

She trusts us, I can feel it. She just needs a little time to figure out we’re what her life is missing.

As soon as she does, I know she’ll be ready to hear what I already want her to know.

She belongs here with us.

Chapter Forty-Two

Beth

Did that actually just happen? Did the hot guy I met this morning really offer me a job as a consultant for his pack’s restaurant?

---