"I'm not losing my mind."
"You're not eating sandwiches and practically vibrating in your chair." Milo's grin softens. "Look, I'm glad. You've been alone too long, man. Always said you were waiting for the right person. Maybe this is her."
I want to argue, but something in my chest tightens at those words. The right person. I'd always told myself I was busy with the store, focused on building something. But the truth is I've been waiting. For someone who made me feel like this. Like I'd been sleepwalking and suddenly woke up.
"So what are you going to do about it?" Milo asks.
"Nothing stupid," I mutter.
"Well, she's single now. And apparently willing to kiss random alphas when desperate." Milo's tone turns more serious. "That ex was a real piece of work on Saturday. You see how he was following her around?"
"Yeah. I saw." Protective anger tightens my chest. "Guy wouldn't take no for an answer. Just kept pushing until she had to do something that extreme to make him back off."
"Exactly." Milo pauses. "Which is why you need to be careful. She just escaped one alpha who wouldn't leave her alone. Don't be another one pushing."
"I'm not going to push."
"I know you won't. You're too nice for that." He stands, gathering the sandwich wrappers. "But that girl's got walls up for a reason. If you're serious, you're going to need patience."
"I can be patient."
After Milo leaves, I stare at my desk for exactly ten minutes before making a decision.
I need supplies from the general store. Legitimate supplies. The fact that Bea works there now is just convenient timing.
I grab my list, lock up for lunch, and head down Main Street. The November air is crisp and cold, carrying the scent of wood smoke from chimneys and pine from the surrounding mountains. The walk takes five minutes. I spend every second of it trying to figure out what to say that won't sound like I'm another alpha pushing into her space.
Also trying not to think about how pathetic it is that I'm this nervous about talking to someone.
The general store smells like old wood and coffee and something sweet that makes my alpha instincts hum with interest before I even see her. That hint of cinnamon-apple underneath the coffee and dust. Omega. My body recognizes it before my brain catches up.
Then I do see her, and my entire body responds.
Bea stands behind the counter, scowling at the cash register like it personally insulted her family. Dark hair escapes from a ponytail, flannel shirt rolled up to her elbows. She smacks the side of the register and it beeps obediently.
"Thank you," she mutters.
I bite back a smile.
She looks up, and those bright green eyes meet mine. Recognition flickers, followed immediately by wariness.
"River Brooks." She straightens, putting on a customer-service smile that doesn't reach her eyes.
At least she knows who I am. Small town. Ben's friend, owns the hardware store. We've probably passed each other on Main Street a hundred times over the years, just never really talked.
Her scent hits me properly now that she's focused on me. Cinnamon and apple with sharp winter air underneath. Warm and tart and absolutely perfect. My alpha practically preens,wanting to get closer, wanting to wrap that scent around me like a blanket.
My cock twitches in interest. Not helpful right now.
"Needed some supplies." I hold up my list, keeping my voice casual even though my pulse is racing. "Heard you were working here. Welcome back."
"Thanks." The word comes out flat. She's waiting for the interrogation everyone else has probably subjected her to.
I don't give it to her.
Instead, I start shopping. Move through the aisles grabbing items, giving her space. Coffee—the good kind, not the cheap stuff. Bread. Eggs. A few frozen dinners because Milo's right, I do forget to eat. But I'm hyperaware of her watching me, probably wondering when I'll start asking about Saturday.
I'm reaching for paper towels on the top shelf when her scent hits me again—stronger, wrapping around me as my awareness heightens. My hand fumbles and I nearly drop the entire roll on my head. Smooth, Brooks. Real smooth.
