Page 21 of Pack Plus Three

“Thank you,” she said as I stood, holding out my arms to help her up.

“Let’s go get you some fries.”

A moan that was almost indecent slipped from her sweet lips. “I swear, a man has never said anything sexier!” At my laugh, she stilled, her eyes going wide. “I should have kept that thought to myself, shouldn’t I?”

“No, I want to know what you're thinking. How will I know you need fries if you don't tell me?” I stayed a step behind her as she slowly made her way out the door. Gilbert trotted dutifully at my side.

While we weren’t in the safest of areas, it wasn't too terrible, especially when walking in pairs. It was actually kind of beautiful, a lot of old 1940s buildings and condos. Many new buildings were being built, including a community center and a pool. Hopefully, the area would vastly improve within the next ten years. That was why I saw the apartment project as such a good bet. It was an investment of my time, money, and effort. With any luck, I would sell the apartment at a good profit, and I could put that money into looking after my future family.

Into looking after Daisy.

“So, what have you been up to today?” I gestured to her stomach as we walked. “Other than growing the little one.”

“Not much. I did a little bit of admin work, and I tried to make my fries, but again, I was sadly disappointed. I don't know how I'm going to go about making cookies for you next time. No one likes a soggy cookie.”

“Use my oven,” I said. The answer was so simple. Why would she need to use hers when I had a new oven in a recently renovated kitchen? The space was ideal for baking.

And, bonus, she would be closer to me, and I would be getting more cookies.

“I can't keep imposing on you!” Daisy cried.

I hummed thoughtfully. “Well, why don’t you use my kitchen when you come over to my place during the day to look after Gilbert while I’m at practice? You'd actually be helping me that way.”

Daisy gave me a knowing grin. “I could just look after him at my place.”

“But he's so used to my place now, it would be cruel to constantly move him around,” I insisted, unable to keep the grin off my face.

“Oh, yes, the dog who is currently peeing on a tree and hasn’t got two brain cells to rub together is definitely too fragile to be moved around.” She laughed, the sound music to my ears.

“Certainly.” I nodded sagely. My place had plenty of baking equipment, most of it only used for cooking because I was in no way a baker. I could easily stock the place with anything else she might need. It was really a win for me—having her baking at my place would mean even more delicious, chewy butter pecan cookies.

“I guess I can do that—if you really don’t mind,” she said.

“I insist.”

“Your whole place is going to smell like cookies,” she warned me.

“You say that like it’s a problem!”

The takeout place that offered the fancy fries was right next to the river, so it was a fairly beautiful walk. At one point, Daisy looked a touch wobbly, so my hand shot out instinctively and grabbed hers.

When she didn’t complain or pull her hand away, I took it as a good sign and kept her small, soft hand in mine as we walked toward our destination. My heart pounded erratically, even though it was such an innocent touch. Was she just as affected?

We didn’t say much, walking in an easy, companionable silence. None of the conversation or lapses felt forced or awkward. Her scent alone was enough to lull me into a relaxed, almost boneless, state.

I could tell I would get the best sleep of my life with her in my arms—I just needed to convince her that she needed a snuggle.

“I can smell them,” Daisy moaned as we got closer.

“Really?” I asked in surprise; we were still a few minutes away. Alphas and omegas had damn good senses of smell—it made sense, given how important scent was to our existence—but that was still an impressive distance.

“Pregnant, remember?” She laughed. “I’ve got the nose of a bloodhound.”

“What do I smell like? I probably stink of sweat from practice.” I frowned. If I smelled bad, I would need to rectify that immediately. She already had a sensitive stomach; the last thing I wanted to do was make it worse.

Even in the low evening lighting, I could see the blush spreading across her cheeks. “Not at all!” she rushed to say. “You smell...uh...good. You smell good,” she admitted, her face now bright pink. “Ah! Here we are!” she exclaimed, turning to look in the distance, tugging me along.

We weren’t there yet—it was still a good two-minute walk away—but now it was in sight, and I got the feeling that Daisy was happy for the diversion.

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