I should leave. I've got my supplies, made my offer, said what I came to say. But I find myself lingering by the counter, not quite ready to walk away.
"River?" Her voice is quieter now.
"Yeah?"
"Why are you really being so nice to me?"
The question catches me off guard. I could give her a dozen practical reasons, but I settle on the simplest truth.
"Small town. We help each other out. That's how it works here." I shift the bag to my other hand. "Plus, I actually do need the help at the store. So it's not completely selfless."
Something in her expression softens. "Most people want something."
"I want you to show up for your shifts on time and not reorganize my entire inventory system." I grin. "That's about it."
She laughs, just a small huff of air, but it's genuine. "I make no promises about the inventory system."
"I'll take my chances." I take a step toward the door, then pause. "Think about the job offer. No pressure either way."
"I will." Her smile lingers, small but genuine.
This time I do make it to the door. But I look back once, and she's still there behind the counter, that smile still on her face.
I leave the general store with my supplies and that smile burned into my memory. My alpha is practically vibrating with satisfaction, wanting to go back inside just to be near her again.
The walk back to the hardware store feels different. The same Main Street I've walked a thousand times suddenly looks better. The old brick buildings catching the afternoon sun, the mountains framing everything perfectly. Or maybe I'm just in a stupidly good mood for the first time in months.
Back at work, I keep glancing at the door every time the bell chimes. Hoping to see dark hair and green eyes. Wondering if she'll show up. If she'll take the job offer.
My alpha is being ridiculous about this, acting like we've found our mate when we've had one conversation. But that scent. That smile. The way she'd looked at me when I made her laugh like she wanted to believe me but was afraid to.
Maybe Milo was right. Maybe this is what I've been waiting for. Someone who makes playing it safe feel like a waste of time.
My phone buzzes. Text from Milo:How'd it go?
Offered her a job at the hardware store.
Three dots appear. Disappear. Appear again.
You're either brave or stupid. Maybe both.
She needs options. I need help. Makes sense.
Sure. "Makes sense." That's definitely why you did it.
I don't respond because he's not wrong.
I offered Bea Wilson a job because she needs work and I need help with the store's marketing. But I also offered because I want to see her again. Want to be around her. Want to see if that spark of interest I felt might turn into something more.
Because standing in that general store, surrounded by her scent, while seeing her mix of caution and authenticity. That felt like something worth pursuing.
Even if it means putting my heart on the line for someone who might not be ready to catch it.
Even if it means being patient while she figures out what she wants.
Because I've been playing it safe for thirty years, and one kiss I witnessed at a festival taught me something. Safe is boring when you finally see someone who makes you want to take a risk.
Chapter 5
