“Definitely indoors. Now, let’s go get your things from the car, and I’ll show you to your room.”
“You sure sound like an innkeeper.” He flashed me a quick grin, but tiredness shadowed his eyes. “Have you always worked in hotels and things?”
“Never,” I said. “And thanks for saying that. It’s all new to me, but if I can fake it, I can make it.” I led the way inside and up the stairs. “This isn’t even a room that I’ll be renting out. I amhoping to use it for friends who visit or storage, so you won’t hurt my feeling if you don’t want to stay.”
“I will like it fine.”
He hadn’t seen it yet, though. My bear was already chiding me for not putting him in my own room. “Right this way.” We’d reached the third floor, with only the attic above. “The larger rooms are on the second floor.” I opened the door, wishing I’d finished the space. “Here it is.”
“Thank you. How much a night?”
“I can’t charge you. You’re my guest.”
“I couldn’t.” He balked in the doorway. “The city will pay, and it’s not right to take advantage of you.”
“If they give you a per diem, take it and use it for yourself. But I can’t rent this room out until the Den is inspected and licensed.”
He protested more but finally agreed that he didn’t want me to do something that might cost me my license later or get me fined for violating the town and county regulations. “Then, I will wait but when you are open, I will backpay you.”
My bear thought charging our mate was beyond ridiculous, but arguing with them was also pointless. If I pushed the issue, then he might leave. “Go ahead and get settled, and then come downstairs and we’ll figure out dinner. Unless you’ve eaten already?”
“No, I should just get to bed, though. It’s been a long day.”
My bear rumbled. He did not like the idea of the fox he considered his mate, going to bed hungry.
“I was going to order some delivery, and you have to eat, especially after the day you’ve had. So, go take your shower, and I’ll bring you up your dinner and leave it outside your door. I’ll knock and leave you in peace.”
“No, it’s not that I don’t want to eat with you…”
“I didn’t think that. But none of us are at our best after a long drive and then having to find somewhere to stay. You had every reason to think you’d be in your apartment tonight. I hope you’ll be comfortable here, but what kind of an innkeeper would I be if I let you go to bed hungry.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble. You’re already being too kind, taking me in like this.”
Shadows under his eyes showed how tired he was. I couldn’t imagine how disconcerting it would be to show up, thinking an apartment waited, only to find out it was not ready. And there were no available rentals at all. “It’s nothing. Burgers all right? Or would you rather have something else?”
“A burger is great.” He offered a small smile. “Honestly, it sounds perfect.”
I left him there and went off to place the order. Burgers, fries, milkshakes. The works. My bear approved. And when it arrived a half hour later, I knocked and left it outside his door. I would have preferred to eat together, both because I wanted to get to know him better and because I could use the company. Other than my neighbor, I spent most of my time alone.
But I ate my burger in my room, knowing he was eating his in his, and having to be content with that. For now.
Chapter Seven
Oswald
My sleep was fitful at best. Waking up in a new place caused me a bit of a shock, but soon, I remembered the day before and everything with the apartment.
I also remembered that I was in the house and inn of the most handsome alpha I’d ever encountered.
Things could definitely be worse.
I hopped out of bed, determined to be positive. Greg’s place was beautiful, even in its disrepair. He seemed a bit down about all the work still ahead of him, but it would be beautiful and cozy once it was done. He would be booked for months on end once tourists started leaving reviews online.
After a shower, I dressed, excited for my first day at work. I had a thousand ideas after researching how to revive a library and making a list on my phone.
“Good morning,” Greg said as I came down the stairs. He must have gotten an early start.
Waking up in his cozy embrace would’ve been nice too, but I had to keep those thoughts to myself. He’d offered me a place to stay, and I needed to keep things friendly.
