I’ve been examining her new book display with an interesting thriller being showcased, but on her cautious words, I choke and end up needing a few seconds to save myself from a grizzly death.
“We will!” Fox says.
I whip around, glaring at him. He gives me a lopsided, adorable smile that has me completely unable to stay even irritated with him. Yes, I am a very indulgent alpha, but I love to take care of people. Fox brushes his brown hair back from his forehead and bites his lower lip, his green eyes shining. His hair always looks effortless and, unfortunately, because of the cooler weather, he has all his pretty constellation tattoos hidden under a long sleeve black top.
But he’s happy here.
And we weren’t happy at home.
“So, are you two going to sign up? Go on some dates? Meet some new people.”
“Absolutely-” My sharp refusal is cut off.
“Yes!”
“What?” I turn all the way around, glaring as Fox stands up and carries Danger over to us.
“It would be a really good opportunity to suss people out and a reason to stay here without looking like creepers who are in love with the bookstore. Come on, baby, it will be fun.”
I count to three. It doesn’t help.
Danger wiggles and puts his cute paws on Fox’s face. Still not helping, though I really want to get my phone out and get a photo.
“Danger loves people, but not like this. This is…truly baffling,” Sofia says with a hint of anxiety.
“Don’t stress, Fox is an animal magnet. It happens everywhere,” I say with dry irritation, watching Fox pretend he can’t see me.
“And you don’t have any pets of your own?” Sofia asks.
Oh, she is crafty with her red hair and that innocent smile and probing conversation. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was trying to help us find a reason to stay in Sunshine Cove.
“No, we don’t. But it was on our five-year plan,” Fox interjects.
I scowl at the counter where Fox can’t see. That blasted five-year plan that his parents harped on about and made him feel like we weren’t enough, like our lives weren’t enough.
“Five-year plan? Oh, you’d be surprised how quickly life can change. Don’t stick to a plan that isn’t working. So, I can tell mum you’ll be matched.”
Fox looks at me and mouths please, two fingers tugging the sleeve of my T-shirt.
I sigh, and he leans in close and kisses my shoulder, sending goosebumps down my spine.
“Okay, we agree.”
“Oh, good.”
Sofia looks away, her cheeks turning suspiciously pink.
“We were already signed up, weren’t we?”
“Um, yes. But I did try to steer you towards being matched with my sister, Asher. She should be able to help you out. I knowshe’s not the author because writing is not her talent. She is much more inclined to active outdoor activities.”
I nod and check the email notification I just received. I send it to archives and look back at Sofia.
“Thank you, but we have to get going if we’re going to be on time for this meeting.”
“Oh, okay, have a good day, and I know I haven’t said it before, but welcome to Sunshine Cove, Pack Blizzard.”
I wave a hand in acknowledgment, the new copy of Lynn Marino’s sequel toLove Sweet Lovethat I preordered clutched close to my chest. Everything about it annoys me, down to the title and the ridiculous shadowed artwork of the two lovers.Time Sweet Time.
