Page 92 of Talk About… Rivalry

Leo

Iwas so far behind my packmates when it came to Sidney that it wasn’t even funny. It was my fault, I knew that.

There was still residual tension between us, despite the fact that we both wanted this. She was still uncertain and with her heat not quite hitting yet, there was no reassurance that we were scent matches.

If that even fixed the issue.

Regardless, we all had an appointment for scent blockers and that had seemed to calm some of her nerves.

It was still early in the day when I gathered up my things to head to the lounge. I put my own work into it for weeks just like I had this house. Though I hadn’t been back since finding her, my contractors had been working the entire time.

On Taylor’s insistence, I even hired a designer to come in for me since I got such a deal on the building itself and could afford it.

It was a lot easier to outsource some of the work while I tried to figure out my chaotic life.

Sidney was unexpected, but I was so fucking happy.

She was the first girl I ever noticed. There was just something about the fierce way she approached life that drew me in.

She was so pretty back then, but now she was downright gorgeous.

Then I fucked it all up. Guilt still bogged me down and I wasn’t sure how to fix this rift. I’d tried to be there for her, take care of her, but she needed more. Deserved more.

I hated that we had brought out Sidney’s vulnerability lately. The fact that I had added to it, knowing that she had trauma with her mom, was breaking my heart.

I needed to get Sidney alone so we could talk. I wanted to properly apologize and explain again how sorry I was.

We had our closure and I didn’t think she was holding it against me, but something wasn’t quite right between us still.

For once, fate was working on my side. Sidney was pouring coffee into a travel mug when I walked into the kitchen.

“Where are you headed off to?” I questioned, coming over and brushing my hand along her arm in greeting before grabbing a mug down for myself.

“I don’t even know,” she admitted. “I’m just going crazy in here. My heat isn’t kicking in and I don’t know what to do with myself.”

“Hey, it’s okay. All of that’s going to come in time.” She nodded, not really believing me. I had to try something else. “Listen, I’m heading to the lounge to check things out and see how progress is going. Do you want to come with me?”

“Yeah,” she said. It was such a quick answer that she blushed, but my smile was bright with relief. I pressed a kiss to her plush lips.

The fact that she followed when I retreated had warmth building in my chest.

I’d love nothing more than to take her upstairs and fuck her senseless but right now we needed to get to know each other a bit better.

She seemed to be lost in her thoughts as we headed across town. It wasn’t until we stepped out of the car and she saw the Harvey’s Hideaway logo painted on the window that she came back to the present.

“Oh my gosh it’s come so far,” she said, taking it all in. The contractors had already power washed the old brick bringing out its natural colors. The windows were tinted, giving it more of that mysterious flair.

The door had been replaced with an intricately carved wooden one, the handle brass, reminiscent of the vintage vibes I was going for.

“Just wait until you see inside,” I teased, holding out my hand for her. She didn’t hesitate to put her palm in mine and I gave it a squeeze.

More of her insecurity fell away as I led her inside. She was giving me the chance to connect with her and I was grateful.

Even I was shocked as I took in the decor. The dark wood of the small tables and antique chairs stood out against the dark theme of the room. A red light glowed behind the bar glass which reflected the low chandeliers and warm lights back out into the room.

The booths and a few armchairs against the wall were the same dark red velvet. Everything about it was cozy. It reminded me of one of those old prohibition era movies. Which was exactly what Grandpa and I had been going for.

It smelled like fresh paint which kind of killed the vibe but I was so damn happy with the results. I couldn’t stop myself fromspinning slowly, taking it all in inch by inch, letting the reality of it sink in.

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