Sage smiled. “I missed you too, Rory.”
Rory scowled at him but didn’t say a word.
Sage waited tables for a good four hours before he finally got a break. He carried two plates to the table Garridan was still sitting at and set them down. “I’m going to go get us something to drink.”
“Just sit down and I’ll get it.” Garridan closed his book and stood. He kissed Sage on the forehead before walking over to the counter. Andrea smiled when she saw him.
Sage sat, picking up their book just to see how far Garridan had gotten. The book needed contemplation. Each sentence deserved equal consideration before moving on to the next. He was glad Garridan was taking his time. Either that or he was a really slow reader, in which case Sage had given him the perfect gift, so either way it was a win-win.
Garridan walked back to the table with two sodas in his hands. He set them on the table before sitting. Sage laid his head on Garridan’s shoulder and took a French fry, chewing it before speaking. “I’m so not used to being on my feet for so long anymore.”
“Do you need to go home?” Garridan picked up the burger Sage had brought him and took a bite.
“No, I can finish my shift. It’s just been busier than it normally is for a weekday so more tables to wait on. On the plus side, I’m making some kick ass tips. Mr. Harlow from the bank gave me a ten-dollar tip and all he had was a coffee. And then Maxine, Rory’s mom, paid for her bill with a twenty. I ended up with almost fifteen dollars.” Sage sighed and took another fry. “I love this town.” It wasn’t lost on Sage that most of the town’s residents knew what he’d gone through and that he had been out of work for a while. They were helping him without making him feel as though it was charity. He appreciated them.
“Yeah, me too. I’m taking that store. It needs a little bit of work, but nothing major.”
“I want to help.”
“Of course. It’ll be your business too.”
Sage lifted his head off Garridan’s shoulder and watched him eat for severalminutes.
“What?”
“Nothing, I was just thinking about how great you are for staying with me today,” Sage said.
“You did promise me a romantic evening by the fire.”
“Oh, is that how this is going to go. Every time I want you to come to work with me, I have to pay you.”
“In sexual favors.” Garridan’s voice carried across the restaurant.
Andrea choked on whatever she was drinking and someone two booths up laughed. Sage felt heat creep into his face and knew he blushed.
“You said that on purpose, didn’t you?” Sage narrowed his eyes.
“I like the pretty blush you get,” Garridan whispered.
The bell over the doordingedand Ramsey came in. He stood just inside the doorway, looking around until he spotted Garridan. He made his way over to the table and sat down. “I need you at a meeting tonight.”
“How long is the meeting?” Garridan pushed his plate toward Ramsey.
“Thanks.” Ramsey took a fry. Sage had never seen him nervous before, but there it was written all over his face.
“How long? I have a date with Sage.”
“Probably no more than a couple hours,” Ramsey said.
Andrea came over then. “Can I get you anything, Alpha?”
“My usual and a water. Thanks, Andrea.”
Andrea smiled and left them.
“About an hour ago a group of warlocks just showed up in town requesting a meeting with me. It’s not wise to go without my beta.”
“I agree. Are the warlocks a threat?”
