“I wouldn’t take it,” she interrupts. “Do you need a hand getting it on the back of the truck? I can help you with loading if you need it.”
“Umm…no. My friend Sawyer is here. He’ll help.”
She smiles and looks down at the recliner. “Go ahead and get the couches loaded up. I’ll keep the recliner safe for ya.”
I do what she says, waving Sawyer over so we can pack up the couches, using ratchet straps to keep them in place. There’s just enough room for the recliner.
Excitement bubbles through me as I look at the recliner. I’m not sure why I want it. It’s like a pull demands I take it home and cherish it and tell it it's pretty. I’ve never felt that way about an object, let alone a piece of furniture that has seen better days, but I can’t leave it behind.
Blossom sits on the recliner, her mouth moving as if speaking to it, but that can’t be right. Who talks to furniture?
Stepping beside me, Sawyer asks, “You sure you want that? It’s…not the best-looking thing I’ve ever seen.”
I elbow him. “Don’t talk about it like that. It has charm. Like something you’d see in a free spirit’s house. I love it.”
“Doesn’t match your black couch set.”
I shrug. “It’ll bring some color to the room. It’ll be fine.”
As we walk over to Blossom and my new recliner, Sawyer says, “You’ll have a lot of work to refurbish it.”
“I don’t think I will,” I muse, roaming my eyes over the torn upholstery. “I like how it looks in its natural state.”
Blossom smiles widely at me when she hears that. “I do, too. It has personality.”
“Yes! Personality. Someone understands.” I look pointedly at Sawyer, and he raises his hands in surrender.
He looks at Blossom, and blushes so red that he looks like a tomato. “Yeah…I like personality. It’s great. My favorite thing.”
I laugh and nudge him again. “Come on, Sawyer. Let’s get out of Blossom’s hair.”
The recliner is incredibly light when we pick it up. Hell, I probably could have carried it to the truck on my own.
Blossom follows us to Sawyer’s truck, a secret smile playing across her lips. Once we have it tied down, I turn around and hold my hand out to her. “Thank you!” I shout, then feel my face flush. “God, I’m sorry,” I say in a voice of normal volume. “You intimidate me.”
“I’ve heard that before,” she muses.
In almost a whisper, I say, “Thank you again for the incredible deal. I don’t know what I would have done if I went home without anywhere to sit.”
“You found me when you were meant to.” I’m sure my face is a picture of confusion. “Come back and see me in a few weeks. After you’ve…enjoyed your purchases.”
“Okay,” I murmur, my cheeks still warm. “It was great meeting you, Blossom.”
“You too, Maverick. Have fun.” She waves delicately and I smile, a warm, relaxed feeling spreading through me. We hop in the truck, and I wave once more at Blossom, almost bouncing in my seat to get my furniture home.
As we drive away, I don’t miss her sweet, melodic laughter trailing behind us.
five
RECLINER
Yes!Fuck yes!
My mate! He’s here! He found me.
And holy fuck is he a looker. He’s stunning. Not as tall as my human form—at least I think my human form is still tall—with lithe muscles. His wavy brown hair looks soft, like it would flutter gently over my backrest. His light brown eyes had heated my leather, his lust from my pheromones pulsing off him in waves. Fuck, I wish I had a dick so I could fuck him while marking him with my scent.
Though that won’t happen.
