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I watch out the front window as she walks away then see her car drive by a few minutes later headed to work.
I quickly head back to my apartment, shifting and getting dressed in jeans, work boots, and a henley. Texting Avery, I wish her a good day and ask her to call this evening.
I hop in my truck and head off to finish up a few jobs around town.
I can’t wait to see her tomorrow for dinner—in my human form.
* * *
AVERY
Another long dayat work has me rushing so I can call Marcus when I get home. ThatI love youhe said last night is pretty much the only thing I’ve thought about all day.
As I’m walking into Laney’s a text from Marcus comes through letting me know he’s caught up at work and not to worry about calling until later tonight, so I end up taking my time with Elvis. Since Bird is nowhere to be found I convince the ornery cat to lay in my lap for a while while I pet him.
Hearing an engine rumble outside, I glance out the window and see a beat up blue pickup truck with the bed piled high with tools pulling into Laney’s small side driveway.
“Well, well, well, looks like I finally get to see the mysterious tennant,” I say to Elvis. The tabby cat of course doesn’t answer but instead goes under the bed, effectively dismissing me.
I laugh. “Okay, I can take a hint. See you tomorrow, Elvis.”
I turn off the light in the hall, the last remaining one, and make my way to the kitchen, hoping to catch who exactly lives in Laney’s garage apartment.
The driver’s side door of the truck is creaking open as I peek through the kitchen window.
Heavy black work boots hit the lightly snow dusted driveway and I move my eyes up. Tight jeans hug a tighter ass, a beat up gray henley completes the package. It’s not till I get a glimpse of the guy’s face that I react.
It’s Marcus.
The man I’m dating and falling in love with.
He knows I stop by here on—atminimum—a weekly basis. Why the hell wouldn’t he tell me he lives here? There can’t be that many older Laney’s in town, he had to know it was the same person.
His lean form makes way to the side garage door. He unlocks it, flipping a switch before entering and illuminating the room above the garage.
For a second I can’t breathe. I knew he was too good, too sweet to be true.
Chapter3
Marcus
Imissed seeing Avery this evening and it pisses me off. One thing after another went sideways, making me way later than typical getting home from work. I even checked to see if she was still at Laney’s when I got home, but no lights were on in the house.
Texting Avery a quick,I’m home call when you can, I turn the phone ringer all the way up then head for a shower.
The garage apartment isn’t huge, about five hundred square feet including the kitchenette and bathroom, but it’s worked for what I’ve needed. When Avery and I finally move in together—yes I’ve thought about this, extensively—I’ll be grateful for my time here. It’s helped me heal, to try and move past the loss of my parents.
Both of them were in their late forties when they adopted me at three years old. The first time I shifted was a fucking surprise to say the least. My parents had no idea what to do, and I honestly don’t remember a thing about my birth parents. Until my folks passed—to their chagrin—I all but ignored the fact that I’m a shifter, only transforming when I couldn’t control the impulse anymore. I had hoped the ability to shift would go away if I didn’t flex that muscle, but that didn’t happen.
After their death, I embraced the company of my animal. He doesn’t generally have a loud voice, but it’s soothing to always have someone on your side.
After showering and eating some leftover pizza, I check my phone again. Avery’s read my message to give me a call but hasn’t called or replied yet.
She may have had a rough day too, I’ll give her another hour then reach back out.
I’m falling asleep on the small futon couch in front of the TV when my phone pings with a text.
I’ll see you tomorrow, still want to meet at the diner at seven?
