Page 54 of Talk About… History

“But you risked your job to warn me and didn’t let me get swindled by that asshole. That’s a knight in shining armor, not loser behavior.”

His smile widened at the compliment.

“Speaking of the build, Mason and I have been doing some research for you, trying to find some more reputable contractors since the last one obviously did not pan out. We’re both pretty established in the field, so if you have any questions or you want us to talk through your plans so you can present them as clearly as possible, let us know. We’d be happy to help.”

“That’s really sweet of you,” I said, genuinely shocked by this level of kindness. Every time I was around my mates, I was realizing more and more just how subtly messed up I was from my last relationship.

“I’d like that. Though, I’m not sure when I can even meet with them. I’ve been running the social media for the family bar, and one of our videos went viral. My brothers are doing drink specials tonight to celebrate and go live, so I have to be helping with that. By the time I wrap up pictures around the town, I’m going to have to go home, do some work, and then go into that job.”

“You’re working two jobs?” he said, letting out a little whistle. “When do you have time to take care of yourself, omega?” It was teasing, but with a hint of seriousness that I didn’t dismiss. Honestly, I’d had the same thought this morning when I skipped breakfast. My biscuit was over an hour and a half ago at this point, and I was borderline starving.

When I didn’t have an answer for him, he narrowed his eyes. I had a feeling half of our budding relationship would be the pack trying to feed me.

Part of me loved being taken care of, and the other part was embarrassed that I couldn’t take care of myself.

Well, I could, but sometimes I just got busy. Sidney had been right about me burying myself in work. It felt like if I stopped, I’d have to accept how chaotic my life had been, and now I was so determined to make these big changes that I didn’t want to risk it.

“How about this—you let me help you finish whatever you’re doing here, and then you let me feed you? Maybe the pack can show up tonight, mix a little work with pleasure.”

“Honestly, that sounds perfect,” I admitted. I really enjoyed hanging out with Cohen last night, and spending a little more time with Ford one-on-one would be great.

In fact, I was realizing more and more that when I was left alone, I just lost myself in my own thoughts and work. The whole goal of coming back to Rockwood Valley was to find myself, not create new issues for myself.

“What else do you have left?” he questioned, gesturing to my camera that was still clutched in my hands.

“I’ve hit most of the main businesses here. I was going to check out a few off the beaten path, and then I think I’d really like to take some shots of the scenery around town, like the lake, the docks, things like that. If you have any other suggestions, I’m all ears.”

“That sounds amazing,” he said, ready to follow me anywhere. “Let me carry your bags.”

Before I could say anything, he’d already scooped them up. I stretched out my shoulders, relieved that he’d taken some of the burden.

“Lead the way, boss,” he teased.

“All right,” I agreed. “But your job is to make sure I don’t run face-first into anything or anyone.”

Ford

The Avery we met for the first time, was quiet and sweet, but unsure. The Avery I was witnessing as she worked today, taking pictures and giving me snippets of town history, was a completely different girl.

She was still confident and sweet, but there was no uncertainty about what she was doing. Every time she captured a picture she approved of, she would get this adorable little smile on her face, a burst of pure excitement taking over, that made her even more gorgeous.

Honestly, I would follow this girl anywhere. Watching this omega shine was my new favorite hobby.

There were a few close calls with light poles as she backed up, trying to take pictures without paying attention, but that just meant I got to put my hand on her back and guide her to safety.

Every little touch, I savored.

I felt like a schoolboy salivating over my omega. The sweet and heartwarming scent of cranberries, fig, and warm spice teased me every single time she got close.

I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time hard in my entire life, yet I wouldn’t complain—I loved every damn second of it.

Even lunch was perfect. She let me feed her while she talked about her work, lighting up enough I was fully captivated. It was short, but perfect.

Then she was back to work again, not wanting to miss a single second of the afternoon sunshine.

Right now, she was staring out over the lake and the sun was casting a warm, bronzed glow along her skin. Her dark hair was shining, and the wind was blowing her dark locks around her as she smiled softly into the distance.

It looked like something out of a movie. Yet, I got to call her mine.

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