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My heart feels like it’s about to float right out of my chest as a warm, safe feeling washes over me. I realize that I like impressing him. It was rare that I was able to do that with anyone. I’ve always been a joke, an embarrassment, an afterthought.
“We have meetings in a few days to create a new budget. Do you think that you could get this straightened out a bit before then? Maybe help us with those meetings?”
“Sure, I will definitely try. I need to get a couple of things done here, but I can spare a few hours a day.”
“I’ll be helping you out around here. I already told you that.”
“You don’t have to,” I start but he shakes his head.
“I want to. Need to.” I tilt my head to the side, wondering why heneedsto. Ryker coughs and looks away from me. “Just let me help. It’s the least I can do.”
Truthfully, I’m grateful he’s stepping in and taking over. Ryker is obviously a lot better at this stuff than I am, and with him helping, I should be able to get everything done in no time. Heck, already we have the things on the outside of the house fixed.
I stare at him for a beat, taking in his mussed hair and the way that his shirt clings to his muscles. Hope starts to grow inside of me. Could it be possible that he wants to spend time with me as much as I want to be around him? Could he like me, even have a crush on me?
“Alright, it’s a deal then.”
I stick my hand out toward him and he hesitates briefly before he grabs my hand with his and shakes.
“Deal.”
“Are you hungry?” I ask him, pushing to my feet.
“No. I should be getting home. I need to take care of a few things. I’ll see you later,” he says, dusting off his hands.
“Oh, sure. See you.”
I watch him until he heads inside his house and then I turn and sigh as I head into mine. That hope that was growing just a moment ago has been snuffed out. It looks like the crush is only coming from my side.
Still, as I head outside to grab the supplies later and glance over at his place, I can feel an ember of that hope glowing inside of me.
CHAPTER FOUR
RYKER
Ididn’t sleep last night. I’d like to say that that’s why I’m in such a bad mood today, but that’s only part of it. The other, bigger part, is that I can’t stop thinking about Eden.
I rub my temple and flip another page in one of the fake ledgers, the numbers swimming in front of my eyes. Maybe that’s why I can’t get my cute, curvy little mate– I mean,neighbor– out of my head.
She surprised me yesterday when she was able to figure out the ledgers so quickly. She was smart, clever even, and so sweet. When she showed me what she found, her brown eyes sparkled at my praise. I’ve been replaying that look over and over in my mind. It was like no one had ever complimented her before.
That can't be true though. Eden is gorgeous and kind. She's smart, capable, charming, and able to put people at ease without even trying. There's a lot to love about her.
Love?my wolf asks and I sigh.
Like,I correct. Not that it does much good. I’m clearly already head over fucking paws in love with my mate.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Griffin says, distractedly.
He’s sick of my attitude today, too. I may have taken out some of my frustration on him earlier. I should apologize, but before I can, he’s already out of his seat and headed out the door.
I follow suit, closing up shop for the day and making my way home as well. At least then I’ll be alone and I won’t have anyone around to pick a fight with.
Sighing, I scrub my hands down my face when suddenly someone crashes into me.
“Jesus,” I growl, blinking open my eyes.
I’m not even surprised to see Eden standing in front of me.
