“The opposite of okay.” I reach for another croissant, because if I’m having a crisis, I might as well have pastry. “Mold. Asbestos testing. Three weeks before I can move back in. And I have nowhere to stay because I was too good at my job and booked out every rental in town. I mean, my office has a couch. It’s terrible, but?—”
The café door opens, and Seth strides in, drawing everyone’s attention.
He’s still slightly flushed from whatever he was loading, those blue eyes scanning the room until they land on our table. Something shifts in his expression when he spots me.
He orders at the counter, then makes his way over, sliding into the seat beside Kai.
“Morning,” he says. His voice is low.
“Morning.”
“What’s going on? You look stressed.”
I give him the abbreviated version of recent events.
“Easy, you move in with us,” Kai says immediately.
I stare at him. “You can’t be serious.”
“The ranch has plenty of space.” He stares at Seth. “Right?”
“More than enough.” Seth’s gaze hasn’t left my face. “Your own room and bathroom.”
“I can’t just move in with you guys.”
“Why not?”
“Because—” I struggle for a reason that doesn’t sound insane. “Because we barely know each other and it would be weird, and?—”
“Look,” Seth cuts in, his voice quiet but firm. “You did me a favor. A big one. You stood up for me when you didn’t have to. Let me return it.”
I open my mouth to protest, but nothing comes out.
“Just until your house is fixed. We’ve got the space, you need a place to stay, and honestly?” Kai grins. “We’d love the company.”
I think about my options. The office couch that will destroy my back. Begging friends for rooms they don’t have. Sleeping in my car.
And then I think about waking up in a ranch house with three Alphas whose scents make my carefully suppressed instincts go haywire.
This is a terrible idea.
My phone buzzes. Pete again:Please call me back.
The universe is really not being subtle today.
“Fine,” I hear myself say. “Okay. I’ll stay with you.”
Kai’s face transforms with genuine excitement. “Yeah?”
“But just until my house is fixed. And I’m not going to be a burden.”
Kai is already standing, practically vibrating with energy. “I’m going to get your room ready. Make sure it’s perfect. You need anything specific? Extra pillows? Blackout curtains?”
“Something small and simple. It won’t be for long.”
“Right.” He grabs a few pastries for the road. “See you later.” He’s gone before I can respond, leaving me alone with Seth.
The silence stretches between us. Not uncomfortable—just weighted.
