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Jack parked his truck out front and before I could even open my door, Boone was doing it for me. He pulled me into a hug, which was unexpected but perfect. A low rumble emanated from the alpha and I melted into the embrace, letting the sound lull me into a sense of peace. Even if it was brief, I’d take it.
“You aren’t in this alone, Autumn. We’ll help in whatever way we can,” he promised. “I’ll get supplies for Carl at wholesale, so no one is losing money but it can cut some of the cost.”
“You deserve profit,” I argued weakly. The sound of a little break in cost was nice though.
“Not at the expense of those I care about. I’m doing just fine, don’t worry about me,” he said firmly, his voice brokering no argument and I let out a soft chuckle.
“Thanks, Boone,” I said, placing a kiss against his bearded jaw.
“For what?” he asked, genuinely confused.
That was one thing I liked about Boone. He was just a sweet person, without trying or holding expectations against anyone. He did things because he wanted to. That was what being a true alpha was about and I knew far too many alphas who could use a lesson or two in that regard.
“For being you,” I said simply before pulling back and forcing myself to go inside. I may or may not have sniffed my shirt as I went, happy that it smelled like the alpha.
“Up here,” Hunter said the moment I stepped inside.
Hunter had been acting a little odd since I moved in with the storm and the heat conversation, and I wasn’t sure why he was holding back. Was it the conversation we had about no strings attached? Either way, it was his choice and I wasn’t the type to push him. He’d come around or he wouldn’t, but I didn’t think it was going to be the latter.
“Thanks,” I said as I followed him up the stairs. His tight jeans gave me an amazing view of his ass and when I stumbled the second time, too busy staring to focus on walking, he let out a bark of laughter.
“Eyes up here, omega,” he husked, giving me a wolfish wink that had my cheeks flaming red.
“Look, it’s not my fault you chose to walk first while wearing those particular jeans. Your ass looks great in them, by the way,” I snarked right back. But I meant every word I’d said. And this moment confirmed my earlier thoughts that it wasn’t a lack of attraction that was holding him back.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he teased before walking down the hall and opening a door at the end, revealing another set of stairs. When he got to the top he moved against the wall and waited for me to take it all in.
I should’ve probably been holding myself back because it wasn’t truly my space, but as I looked around, it just felt right.
The space was empty like Jack predicted, with brand new polished wood floors and finished walls that were all white. It was airy and open and the set of windows that overlooked the pumpkin field even had window seats. I could imagine putting blankets and pillows in them and snuggling under the stars or the sunset.
The room itself was huge, more than enough room to create a nest for myself, and the slopes of the ceiling made it still feel safe and contained. I’d need pillows, a fluffy mattress to lay out, maybe even some sheer curtains so I could close myself off when I needed a sense of safety, but I couldn’t help the tiny thrill of excitement that ran through me.
“It’s perfect,” I told him as I turned back, only to find him gone.
Part of me was sad he’d walked away, but the other part was glad. It gave me a chance to walk around and explore the space. My heat was only a few weeks away so I’d have to work fast, but I could easily handle it.
If only I could figure out what to do about the more than willing men who would help me through it.
The real question was… did I even want that?
Chapter15
Autumn
Ialmost felt like Santa Claus, with the list I’d made and checked twice, but I was a season too early. Regardless, I was on a mission to touch base with all the local businesses on the main square in Holiday Hollow to not only gain information and memories on what they thought about Cedarwick Orchard, but to also scope out potential business avenues for cross promotion.
The past couple days had been crazy, and I was determined not to let it affect my overall goal for the orchard and Fall Festival. Thankfully Riley had hired his chosen hands for the orchard and I was making headway on my networking.
So far, I’d been through a little more than half the block, and everyone had such great things to say about my grandparents, little stories here or there about how much they’d helped the community or were part of traditions here at Holiday Hollow. In addition to finding the most delicious pillow that I couldn’t help but buy, I’d found a couple opportunities where potential goods could be sold, but I’d actually have to dive into having those goods made first which is why I was really excited about my next store.
The Confectionery was a hot new shop that had only been around for a couple of years. If my sources (ahem, Riley), were correct, they made the most delicious high end chocolates and French patisseries. That alone would have made me eager to visit the shop, but the opportunity for them to use our product definitely had put a skip to my step.
The door chimed as I entered, taking in the rich onyx walls that framed the gold embellished display cases, the white hexagonal floors, making it feel like the perfect mix of modern and traditional. The store might have been a far cry from small town life, but the smells? The smells had me salivating as I approached the display case.
I must have come just after a rush because the place was empty, a few chairs had been left pushed out, and I could see that some of the goodies in the case were running low.
“Hello,” a voice greeted, a faint accent I couldn’t place on the tip of it.
