Page 15 of For the First Time
Chapter Five
If it hadn’t been forthe text that morning from Oaks, I would have been a nervous wreck.I was great at actually doing my job, it was everything before that point that gave me doubts.
Oaks had said to park at the visitors’ center—his text reaffirmed that, so I did.My hands were sweaty around the steering wheel despite the fact that I had continuously wiped them on my slacks every few minutes.Not even the cold air I had blasting in my direction was enough.I was seriously starting to worry that my armpits were going to have stains if I didn’t get my body under control.
As soon as I’d arrived, I texted Oaks to let him know, since he said he was going to pick me up today.I wasn’t sure how long I’d have so I was quick to get out of the car and give myself one last spray of the perfume I’d packed because I was pretty sure my natural scent was leaking through with how stressed I was.
I’d decided on a desert rain scent.I was hoping the outdoorsy scent would complement the packs’.
While I waited, I forced myself to take calm, relaxing breaths, reminding myself that I was hired for this job because of my skill.I knew how to maintain a home to keep an omega and alpha comfortable and that’s exactly what I’d be doing.I was capable.
I refused to pull out the stuffed toy because I was pretty sure I’d use him like a stress ball if I had him in my fist.
It was still dark out considering how early in the morning it was.The visitors’ center lacked any sort of actual lighting and the ground itself was made of loose gravel, the sound of the rocks under my feet evident with each slight shift of my weight.At least the cool temperature helped to fight the nerves still racing in my system.
I rubbed my hands up and down my arms, grateful that I’d decided on dress slacks today rather than my usual skirt.The fabric was loose, with a black tie around the waist which was more decorative than useful as a belt.I would be able to bend and squat and search for whatever I needed with ease.My shirt was slightly baggy around my stomach, the length going down to my hips, so I wasn’t worried about it getting in the way.The top portion of the shirt was tighter, the neckline square but high and professional.Since I would be cooking all day, I made sure to do my hair up in a high bun, pinning back any loose strands and adding a decorative barrette to the back.
I still felt slightly out of place considering the rustic, ranch vibes, but this was me.I was a city girl, regardless of where I worked.
While Hannah had made a comment about wanting to come out to Pink Lady, this was definitely not a place my parents or siblings would have considered visiting.My family wasn’t the type to do outdoor play.Even the parties they threw now that we were older were indoors.
It didn’t take long for headlights to appear, the sound of the truck approaching strangely silent except for the wheels over the gravel.I ran to the side door quickly, so he wasn’t waiting on me and gave him a moment to unlock it.Instead, he parked the truck and opened his door.Maybe he needed something in the visitors’ center?
Nope.He walked around the front, tapping on the hood.He was dressed more casually than the last time I’d seen him.No doubt, the sweats and long-sleeved shirt combo were more of a quick morning outfit rather than his actual attire for the day.“Morning, darlin.Ready for your first day?”Not even the dark hid the way his nostrils flared as he got close, his alpha instinct to scent me, ensuring I wasn’t a threat.
“Absolutely.I’m all rested.I made a list of options for breakfast since I wasn’t sure what everyone prefers.Oh, thank you.”Oaks had opened the door for me, gesturing for me to get in.The seat was slightly warm, the heater apparently having been on for his drive over here.As soon as he got in, I told him, “Thank you for picking me up.”
“I told you to park here, you don’t have to thank me.”
I would never not thank him, but I didn’t correct him.Reaching into my purse, I pulled out my little notebook.“The last few days you’ve had fairly large, salty breakfasts.Is that your preference?”
“Already working, huh?”
“Well, this is my job.I want to do good.”
“Yes, I prefer something hearty for breakfast.Eggs, meat, maybe some of those palm sized pancakes on occasion.”
I made little asterisks next to the options I’d planned for Oaks.“What about the others?”
