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“Yes, I did. I’m an artist. If there were any job openings in town for a tattoo artist, graphic designer, or whatnot, I’d consider applying.”
Every time I talked with Tori, I became more and more impressed by what a remarkable and strong woman she was. Once again, she shrugged as if her talent was no big deal. That everything she did and had gone through was no biggie at all. But she had serious talent, and she should be able to pursue it.
“I could probably find somebody who’s hiring for something like that if you don’t want to work at the café,” I said.
Tori put her hand up to interrupt me. “Look, I’m not interested in handouts or using my status as your fake fiancée to get a different job. I can take care of myself. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, thank you very much. This arrangement is what works for both of us for now, and then I’m gone.”
Why was it suddenly hard for me to swallow? Why did my shirt collar feel so tight around my neck?
She took a couple more sips of coffee, then went to the sink to dump out the rest.
“Thanks again for the coffee.” She headed toward the door. “I hope you don’t go crazy dealing with the Greenthornes and Zanders of the town,” she called over her shoulder before disappearing through the door.
I kept my eye on the doorway, hoping she would return, but I knew that wouldn’t happen. I wouldn’t see her for the rest of the day unless I went to the diner. Tempting as the idea was, I could already see her annoyed expression. I needed an actual, logical reason to be at the diner.
Glimpsing the time on the coffee maker, I realized I was very late for my meeting with Clawson, so I rushed to my office to gather everything I needed for the day before heading out. Tori was on my mind the entire time. She kept herself so closed off, but I was learning little things about her all the time. I wondered how old she was. She didn’t seem much younger than me, but she’d mentioned being on the run for four years. I was positive she’d struggled to get by while out on her own.
Life on the run didn’t afford many luxuries, which was evident from the few belongings she’d brought with her from the B&B. Everything she had fit in one backpack, and that backpack had seen better days.
I slammed my hand against the steering wheel. “Dammit.”
She didn’t have much, and I’d told her to wear something nice to dinner. Where I was taking her, where I was expected to take her, was classy. She had to play the role of my fiancée, and my fiancée would never have to worry about what to wear.
I gritted my teeth. I knew she wouldn’t accept my offer to buy her a dress. She would rather struggle with getting something for herself, even though she didn’t have to.
I admired her independence, but I grappled so hard with taking care of her—something she’d never let me do.
I hit the call button on the navigation screen in my car and said, “Call Diana Bogford.”
The phone rang a few times before Diana’s sweet voice came on my car’s speakers. “Mayor, what a pleasant surprise.”
I knew it was pointless to ask her to call me Ridge like she had before I stepped into my current role. She wouldn’t hear of it. She always said respecting my position as her alpha and mayor and treating me as such was only proper. It didn’t matter that I’d known her my whole life; she had been good friends with my aunt and uncle. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she’d changed my diapers at one time or another.
“I was hoping you could do me a favor,” I said.
“Of course. How can I help?”
That was Diana Bogford for you, always there to assist in any way she could.
When I pulled into my parking spot at the town hall, I had everything settled with Diana and rushed into my office, where Clawson was pacing by my secretary’s desk. She looked exasperated. Clawson scowled at me and tapped his watch.
“I know, sorry, but I’m not normally late, am I? Tori and I were talking, and I lost track of time.”
My secretary gave me a pleased smile as I greeted her and headed into my office with Clawson traipsing in after me. He shut the door and sat on the chair in front of my desk while I put everything away. He crossed one ankle on top of his other knee and snarled,“How is yourfiancéedoing?”
I laughed. Apparently, my longtime friend was still miffed with me for not telling him about meeting Tori and our engagement. Wait until he found out it was all fake. That would be worse than this, but I’d deal with it when the time came. I was already fighting my wolf, who was protesting the “fake” part relationship. I worried about how he would take it when it ended. I’d never felt anything like this from him. He was more love ’em and leave ’em than me, but with Tori, he was an entirely different wolf.
“Tori was shaken from coming across the scene like that, but she’s a strong and resilient wolf. She’ll get through it.”
Clawson drummed his fingers on his knee as he stared at me. I waited for him to say something. Now that we were alone, he would want some answers. He was kind enough not to have said anything with Tori around because he didn’t have an issue with her—just with me since I was the one who kept my so-called engagement from him.
“Ridge, we’re close. We don’t have many secrets between us. So, why? Why did my alpha and friend keep his engagement a secret? Why didn’t you tell me you found a mate?”
If I was in his shoes, I’d have also been confused. A mate was a big deal. If this relationship wasn’t fake, he would have been among the first people I’d have told. No, he would have beenthefirst person.
“You’re right, we’ve been friends a long time. So, I’m asking you to trust me. I have a good reason for not telling you sooner.” I implored Clawson to accept what I said. I’d tell him the truth one day, but not now. “Have you found out anything new since we last spoke?”
Clawson stared at me as he rolled his tongue around in his mouth. He looked like he was trying to invade my mind and figure out what I was playing at, but then he finally nodded and allowed me to steer the conversation in a different direction. I took whatever reprieve he offered me.
