Caleb’s posture shifted as he listened, and he squared his shoulders. “Okay. I’ll be in as soon as I can. We’ll figure something out.”
He ended the call. No matter how much he wanted to spend the morning with his mate, he was needed elsewhere.
Don’t go,his bear growled.We don’t have much time.
This is who we are,Caleb answered.We never abandon our responsibilities.
“Problem?” Hannah asked as she watched him over the rim of her coffee mug.
Caleb nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Staff shortage at the restaurant. We’re down two people for the lunchtime shift.”
He expected awkwardness, maybe disappointment, or even relief that she’d have some time alone. Instead, Hannah set down her mug and looked at him directly.
“What’s wrong, exactly?” she asked, her tone practical, as if she were assessing the situation.
The simple question caught him off guard. Not “That’s too bad” or “What a shame,” but a direct inquiry into the specificsof the problem. As if she were genuinely interested. As if she might...
“It’s nothing,” Caleb said, brushing it off.
“Can I help?” Hannah asked as she held up her hands. “If you need an extra pair of hands. I have two. And since I can’t leave town...”
Caleb stared at her, momentarily at a loss for words. People didn’t often surprise him. But her offer had.
She wants to help our family!his bear crowed with delight.Because deep down, she knows she is part of our family!
Caleb blinked, searching her face for any sign of reluctance or, worse... obligation. There was none.
“That’s... very kind,” he said carefully, “but I couldn’t ask you to do that. You’re my... guest.”
She is so much more...his bear reminded him. As if he needed reminding.
Hannah shook her head, her expression matter-of-fact. “You’re not asking. I’m offering. What exactly do you need?”
His bear was practically dancing with excitement.You! Only you!
“With two staff members off, we’re shorthanded in the kitchen for the lunchtime rush,” Caleb explained, still hesitant. “We’re down a prep cook and a server.”
“I can help with either,” Hannah said with a shrug. “I’ve worked both positions before.”
Caleb felt a tug of worry. His family would immediately know what Hannah was to him. They’d be ecstatic, overwhelming. Matt already knew, of course, but the others... his brothers, his parents... even some of the regular staff... they’d see it instantly.
Shifters always recognized when one of their own had found a mate. They wouldn’t mean to give anything away, but their excitement would be obvious.
The first brother mated,his bear reminded him smugly.They’ll be over the moon.
That was exactly what concerned him. He wanted to do this his way. He wanted to make sure Hannah was ready before she found out the truth.
“It’s a family restaurant,” he said, trying to dissuade her gently. “Busy kitchens, chaos behind the scenes. Everyone’s been working together for years. It might be... overwhelming.”
Hannah shrugged. “I’ve managed worse,” she said simply. “I’m good in kitchens. I enjoy helping where I’m useful.” She met his gaze directly. “Unless you’d rather I didn’t?”
The question was straightforward... no manipulation, no hidden agenda. Just a clear offer with an equally clear opportunity to decline.
Hannah was nothing if not straightforward.
“No, it’s not that,” Caleb said quickly. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated.”
“I don’t do obligation,” Hannah replied, a hint of steel beneath the casual tone. “If I offer, it’s because I want to. If you need the help, I’m available. If not, that’s fine too.”
