Page 14 of Alpha Geek

“Okay,” Tripp said, smiling easily. “But I’m driving.”

* * *

They arrivedat a large department store downtown. And to Amelia’s surprise, everyone at the store knew Tripp.

She knew he was wealthy and connected but hadn’t thought it extended to entire department stores.

“How do you know them?” she asked after he had greeted the manager.

“My father had shares in this place that were transferred to me on his death.” Sadness flashed through Tripp’s eyes. Amelia reached out and squeezed his hand. “And they’ve sponsored many of my climbs.”

Amelia nodded, absorbing the information.

The more she learned about Tripp, the more she genuinely liked him. He wasn’t conceited or materialistic.

He was wealthy and used it to his advantage. But it wasn’t the ruling factor in his life.

“And also,” Tripp continued as Amelia checked items off the list in her head, “everything you get is on me today.”

Her eyes widened as she realized what he meant. He smiled indulgently at her.

“Consider it one of the perks of being my bodyguard on this climb,” he said in a flirty manner.

“Oh?” Amelia arched an eyebrow at him. “And what are theotherperks?”

Tripp snickered and pulled her close to him. She blushed as he whispered several suggestions in her ear.

Tripp very clearly wanted to join the mile-high club.

When Amelia had found everything she required for the climbing trip, they headed for the cashiers. As they approached, she realized that the manager was there to ring up their items.

Tripp held out one of his platinum cards confidently, and the manager took it with reverence.

The manager smiled fondly at him and then at Amelia. “I didn’t know you had any lady friends, Mr. Tripp,” he teased. The manager was plump with a friendly face.

“I think Mr. Tripp Senior would have approved of you, miss.” There was a sudden silence in the busy department store. Amelia turned to Tripp, who was looking at her. There was an expression of sudden awe on his face. But it disappeared in seconds, and his face became neutral again.

Amelia’s items were rung up quickly, and Tripp insisted on carrying the five large bags, which he managed easily.

“So what is next on the list of things to do?” he asked once they were safely in the car.

Amelia pulled out her phone, along with the sleek, chrome tablet Nick had given her.

“We have a meeting with Nick,” she said decisively. “He wants to discuss threat management.”

Tripp nodded and turned the key in the ignition.

The car they drove was one of many that he owned, a Chevy Impala from the 80s. It was one of the most beautiful cars Amelia had ever seen.

He pulled into traffic and headed for Nick’s office.

Amelia realized that she liked Tripp far more than she thought. She would have felt the same way without the mating bond. The sex was amazing, but it was more than that. They had a genuine, instant bond.

She wanted him. Forever. And she knew now why people who had found their mates went crazy for them. It was like he was the one tethering her to this Earth, not gravity.

The meeting at Nick’s office was quick, and soon they were on a whirlwind week of activities.

They went to the travel company each day, where they outlined the climb. Amelia memorized a thousand different contingency plans.

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