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Getting away from the office was never as easy as it should have been. Despite organization and planning on my part, there were others who wanted last-minute meetings or calls. Often, I had to change my flights and the few times I had tried to get away—well it didn’t happen. Sometimes issues in other countries or markets could require my attention, but Davey went to bat this time, insistent that nothing was going to cost me this much-needed rest.
He was always protective of me and my time, but this time he seemed particularly fierce, which made me wonder just how exhausted I did look. Washing my face in my office bathroom, I studied the shadows under my eyes and had my answer. Shifters had fewer health problems than humans, but even we could work ourselves into the ground. Apparently. Maybe literally.
“You ready, sir?” Davey’s face appeared in the open bathroom doorway. “The car is downstairs.”
“Yes, I think so. You sure there’s nothing else I need to do before I go?”
“Not a thing. It’s all covered.” He stepped aside so I could come out then herded me toward the office door. “And I don’t want you to worry about a thing.”
“Thank you, Davey.” I gave him a glance. “If anyone but you was being this way, I’d think they were trying to get rid of me to sell the office machines.”
“Ha ha, so funny, sir.” He walked me to the elevator and pushed the Down button. “Seriously, give yourself one weekend without making work your number one priority.”
“I will do my best.” I walked onto the elevator, and he moved to follow, but I held up a hand. “I really think I can make it to the lobby on my own. If I’m going to be able to relax, it’s only because I’m counting on you to be my eyes and ears.”
There had to be something wrong with me that I’d worked this hard to achieve everything I had and didn’t feel confident taking a few mental health days.
I slept on the plane. Not something I ordinarily did, but it showed how much I needed that rest I was on my way to get. Disembarking, I yawned and headed for where the car would be waiting. I could have rented a car, but I was determined—and Davey pressed me—to let myself enjoy a few of the luxuries I’d earned. For once. And the car he’d arranged was all about that. Deep leather seats that had me leaning back with a sigh. Maybe I should do this more often. How much more could I accomplish if I wasn’t running on empty?
It was a long drive out of the city and into the countryside, but I used all the discipline I had not to get my phone out and check emails, messages, and markets. If I was going to take advantage of this opportunity, I had to do it correctly. So, I looked out the window and tried to be a good tourist. There were a lot of trees. And we drove through a small town where the driver mentioned there were many charming stores to browse when visiting the inn.
I felt like someone was trying to make me go shopping.
Finally, we arrived in front of a charming building, more like a large old home than a hotel, and, as the driver opened my door, a dapper older man came out on the porch and waited while I climbed the stairs.
“Franklin?” I held out a hand.
“That’s me. How was your trip?”
“Smooth flight and the same for the drive.” I stepped aside while the driver deposited my bag on the porch and left with a nod to us both. “Looking forward to a relaxing time.”
“Well then, why don’t you come on inside, and I’ll give you a tour?”
I wasn’t sure I needed to see all the parts of the building, but he was so nice, and even if I didn’t need a freebie, it was kind of the old fella to host me this way, so I followed him in. “It’s so bright and open in here.”
“Well, thank you. My late husband and I wanted our home to be welcoming, and after he…well, I wanted to welcome others here to where we were so happy.”
As he walked me through the living room and other downstairs areas, I could imagine him here with a special man, someone he loved very much. This home was definitely put together with love. “We serve breakfast in the morning and snacks in the afternoon, as well as lunch and dinner, if you don’t go out, but don’t ever go hungry. If you want a late-night sandwich or anything, makings are on hand.” Aches and pains I’d ignored eased, and if my bear would just stay as quiet as he was right now, I might go to my room and sleep until Monday.
“Thank you for everything. Can I see my room, now? I think I’d like to take a nap.”
“Absolutely.” He started for the stairs then stopped, cocking his head. “I think another guest has arrived. Would you mind terribly if we wait a moment so I can show you both your rooms at the same time?” He gave a wry grin. “These old legs like to skip a trip where they can.”
What could I say to that? “Of course. I—” I forgot what I was saying when Franklin opened the door to reveal the other guest.
And my bear said the one thing he had not until now.Mate.
Chapter Six
Sheppard
Despite the fact that my dad had bought all new clothes for me, I wore my comfiest hoodie and lounge pants to fly. I knew that the flight would be exhausting, but I had no idea the hassle this particular one would be. What was supposed to be a four-hour trip had countless delays, and I arrived at my destination several hours late.
Here I was, late to meet my alpha. I took an Uber from the airport to the Bearclaw and arrived at nearly five. The sun was touching the horizon and, as the car came to a stop, I gasped at the beauty of the tangerines and magentas water-coloring the sky.
“You must be Sheppard!” Franklin, or who I hoped was Franklin, opened the door. He was a stout guy with salt-and-pepper hair and a priceless smile.
I didn’t think that this was going to be an age-gap situation, but I tried to keep an open mind in those few seconds while I walked toward the beautiful home. “I’m Franklin. Welcome.”
