Page 37 of Midnight Whispers
“Spend the night.”
Riley didn’t even think about how bad of an idea it was, especially considering he would have to explain to his dad where he’d slept. It would set a ball rolling they probably weren’t ready for, but Riley didn’t care. Not when Cass held him and promised to do a lot more than that later. “No bonding?”
Cass flashed his fangs and buried his face in Riley’s neck. He kissed Riley’s neck. “When I’m inside you, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop myself. If the alpha finds out about you, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
Cass sounded as conflicted as Riley felt.
“Whoa.” Griffin’s voice penetrated through their bubble. “You guys should just fuck and get it over with.”
Riley didn’t even hear the back door open. He jumped and tried to pull away, but Cass held onto him, so he relaxed again.
Cass growled. “We’re Fated mates, Griffin. It’s not just fucking. And besides that, it’s complicated.”
“It looks pretty simple from here.” Griffin sat at the table, grabbing a muffin. “Did you talk to mom yet?”
“A few minutes ago.”
“Are you going to do it?”
“Do what?”
“Bake. For the inn and diner.” Griffin took a bite and talked when his mouth was full, which was gross. Riley got a glimpse of chewed dough and blueberries. “Hey, you know where Capote’s Pizza used to be?”
“I’ve been a resident of Fortune Falls for ten days. How would I know what you’re talking about? And can you please eat with your mouth closed?” If Riley weren’t wrapped around Cass so thoroughly, he’d call for his dad to make Griffin stop.
Instead of answering with words, Griffin flipped him off, and at the same time, he took another bite. But he finished chewing before speaking again. “It’s on Main Street. Dad took us for pizza there every time you came home for the summer.”
Riley remembered the live bands that would play sometimes and drinking strawberry smoothies.
“I don’t think it would be hard to grab up. It needs lots of work. It’s been abandoned for a while.”
Cass pulled Riley against his side. “You’re talking about Riley opening a bakery.”
Griffin shrugged. “It might make a good space for one and Fortune Falls has a need. We don’t really have one. That place is in the heart of town where the college students hang out.”
The idea bloomed in his chest. He hadn’t thought about anything beyond having the cool job of making muffins and cinnamon rolls in small batches for the inn and the Diner. It was a job he could love, and it worked for his upcoming college schedule. “Two problems. I don’t have the money or the time for that type of project. But it’s an amazing idea.”
“Well, it would take a while to renovate. It would give you time to figure out how to make it work. Or just take a few business classes to help you run the bakery.” Griffin shrugged. “It’s just an idea.”
“I’ll help you with the cost,” Cass whispered to him.
“Plus, if you’re only taking a few classes, then you’d have all that money Dad saved for you. I bet he would let you spend it on that as well as school. And Mom will want to invest.” Griffin took another bite.
Holy shit.Was he really thinking about it? “It’s a huge step.”
“Seems like you’re taking a lot of those lately, anyway. What’s one more?” Griffin shrugged again. “That place isn’t going anywhere. And besides, there’s another place downtown. That one will be more expensive, though.”
Riley met Cass’s gaze. “What do you think?”
“Are you ready for it?” That was a good question. One Riley really needed to contemplate.
Riley met Griffin’s gaze. “I’m seriously thinking about it.”
Griffin smiled. “Good. It would make a good business, especially in this town.”
Riley pulled out of Cass’s arms and made his way to Griffin. He hugged him. “Thank you for being so brilliant.”
“It’s about time you recognized how great I am.” Griffin hugged him back.
