Bea Wilson. Ben's little sister.
No fucking way.
I mean, I knew Ben had a sister. Knew she'd gone off to college four years ago. But the last time I'd seen her she'd been what, seventeen? Eighteen? Just a kid leaving for school. I hadn't paid attention because why would I? She was Ben's little sister and I was twenty-six and focused on taking over the family business.
But Saturday? That woman wasn't a kid. She was fierce and beautiful and had looked at her ex with the kind of fire that made my alpha sit up and take notice.
And now she's all I can think about.
It's Monday morning, and I'm at work trying to focus on inventory. Failing miserably.
The bell chimes. Margie Winslow wheels in her shopping cart, eyes already gleaming.
"River Brooks, did you see what happened at the festival Saturday?"
"Which part?" I keep my voice neutral, restocking paint cans.
"Bea Wilson kissing Deputy Monroe right in front of everyone!" She leans on her cart like she's settling in for a long chat. "Her ex-boyfriend followed her all the way from college. Wouldn't leave her alone. That poor girl looked ready to bolt before she just grabbed Seth and—well. You saw it."
Yeah. I saw it.
"Glad her ex got the message," I say carefully.
"He left town Saturday night, thank goodness." Margie picks up light bulbs she doesn't need. "Bea started at the general store this morning, got her old job back."
My alpha perks up at that information. "That's good. She okay?"
"Embarrassed, from what I hear. But who wouldn't be after that spectacle?" Margie studies me a little too closely. "You and Ben are friends, aren't you? You should check on her. Make sure she's settling in alright."
I clear my throat, trying to ignore how my pulse just kicked up a notch. "Yeah. Maybe I will."
"Good boy." Margie pats my arm like I'm twelve. "Now, do you actually have the light bulbs I need, or are you going to stand there daydreaming all morning?"
After Margie leaves, I try to focus on work. The usual Monday morning rush—people who spent the weekend at the festival now need supplies for projects they started and can't finish. But my mind keeps drifting.
Around noon, Milo shows up with sandwiches from Millie's. He's been bringing me lunch most days when I'm working alone—says it's to make sure I actually eat instead of subsisting on coffee and determination.
"You've been quiet today." He drops into the chair across from my desk. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, fine." I unwrap my sandwich without much appetite. "Just busy."
"Uh-huh." Milo studies me. "This about Saturday? The festival?"
No point lying to my best friend. "I saw Bea Wilson. Before the whole thing with the deputy."
"Haven't seen her in what, four years?"
"About that." I set down my sandwich. "Didn't even recognize her at first. Then I found out who she was and—yeah."
"And now you can't stop thinking about her," Milo finishes. "You interested?"
The directness catches me off guard. "I don't know. Maybe?"
Milo sniffs the air deliberately, then grins. "Your scent just got real interested in that sandwich you're not eating. Or maybe it's not the sandwich."
"Shut up."
"That's a yes." He leans back, looking far too pleased with himself. "Been what, two years since you dated anyone seriously? And now you're losing your mind over Ben's sister."
