Page 15 of Alpha Geek

They also spent several days checking over Tripp’s equipment. Amelia wanted to inspect each piece of equipment herself. Her climbing experience ensured that she knew how to assess safety equipment. And she didn’t want the threat to Tripp’s life to come to fruition.

“You know, if you tie me up any tighter in this, I’m going to lose all circulation in my… you know.” Tripp blushed.

Amelia was on her knees in front of him, checking the harness.

She laughed, smiling up at him. The other men in the room cleared their throats. She patted his backside.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect it. Besides, I have a feeling all your blood is in that part of your body. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Amelia unclipped the harness, and Tripp blasted a huffing laugh.

“Yeah, considering you’re tying me up this time, I couldn’t help it,” he said loudly, and this time Amelia blushed.

The men in the room, Tripp’s colleagues, all laughed along.

“Tripp, I think you’ve found a winner with this one. Most girls would never have gone on a climb with you,” Jason said.

“Trust me.” Tripp’s voice had gained a measure of gravity. “I knew that the moment I met her.”

EIGHT

TRIPP

It was a miracle that they got through the week in such a decisive and orderly way. And it was all because of Amelia.

She was one of the most organized women Tripp had ever met, barring his own mother. When Nick had first spoken about Amelia, Tripp had simply been happy she was a shifter with climbing experience. But now he realized she probably ran Nick’s entire operation. And took none of the credit.

Amelia insisted that he eat a good meal the night before their flight and set up shop in his kitchen. Tripp was also an avid amateur cook, and he quickly insisted on helping her.

“What are we making for supper?” he asked, washing his hands and rolling up his sleeves.

“First.” Amelia handed him a pink apron that he didn’t know he owned. “Put this on. Your shirt probably costs as much as this entire meal. Second,” she continued speaking, efficiently as always. “We’re eating lots of proteins and carbs tonight. I want to keep the meal light, but we need to keep your weight up for those freezing temperatures.”

He nodded and started cutting the vegetables that Amelia handed him.

He also drank the copious number of bottles of water that she seemed to be handing him every few hours.

Their meal was exquisite. Amelia had prepared salmon with sourdough bread, and they had lamb cutlets with potatoes for their second course.

Amelia had work to catch up on, and they settled on the couch. Tripp watched her work and couldn’t restrain the feelings growing for her.

When he yawned audibly, Amelia snapped her laptop shut. “Right, time for bed.” She helped him up, and they headed for the bedroom.

Tripp hadn’t thought he was exhausted, but he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

* * *

Amelia woke early,as she always did. Their flight was at two in the afternoon, and she wanted to be at the airport at ten.

They were only semi-packed, and Tripp sprang into action, matching Amelia’s speed and efficiency.

He also realized how well they worked together. They were suited for one another. A fact that became clearer with each passing minute.

Climbing expeditions had taught Tripp everything he needed to know about preparedness. Checking and double-checking was a habit he had formed years ago in every circumstance. Not just expeditions. He had quickly learned that leaving even one item behind could put an entire journey in danger.

He worked behind Amelia. He checked each bag she packed, ticking items off a list until they were sure nothing on the list was missing.

At nine, the buzzer to the penthouse shrilled throughout the apartment. Amelia winced at the loud, sharp noise. But luckily, it faded away quickly.

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