Chapter 5 #2
"River doesn't do pity," Ben says seriously. "If he offered, it's because he needs the help and thinks you can deliver."
"Plus," Papa adds, "you have a degree in exactly what he needs. That's good business sense."
Mom squeezes my hand. "What do you want to do? Not what you should do."
I think about the general store with its endless questions. About River's steady blue eyes and straightforward offer.
"I want to take the job. I'm just scared."
"Of what?"
"Of messing up. Of everyone watching. Of..." I trail off.
"Of people seeing you try and succeed?" Papa suggests.
"Maybe."
"Bea." Ben leans forward. "River's my friend. He wouldn't offer if he didn't believe you could do it. You have the skills he needs. That's it."
"Good. So we're agreed it's just a job."
"And what about Seth?" Mom asks innocently.
I turn to glare at her. "What about Seth?"
"You seemed happy when he stopped by," she says with that gentle tone that means she's digging for information.
"Yes, he brought me coffee. That's it!"
"Very thoughtful of him," Papa observes.
"And you're clearly not thinking about him at all," Ben adds, smirking.
"I'm moving out. Tonight. Becoming a hermit."
"You'll last three days before you miss WiFi," Ben says.
"Two days," Dad corrects. "She'll miss my cooking."
"One day," Mom adds. "She'll need someone to talk to."
They're all grinning. My face burns but my chest aches with affection for these ridiculous people.
This is why I came home.
"Should I text River you're interested?" Ben asks, pulling out his phone.
"I can text him myself."
"Should I text Seth—"
"Don't you DARE."
Mom stands. "If you want to take River's job, take it. If you want to see where things go with Seth—or River—or both—"
"MOM."
"—that's your choice." She points her spoon at Ben. "And you'll support whatever she decides without commentary."
"I can't promise no commentary. Supportive commentary?"
"I'll take it."
My phone buzzes.
River: No pressure on the job offer, but if you're interested, stop by tomorrow. We can talk details. - R
Another buzz.
Seth: This is Seth. From earlier. With the coffee. Sorry if texting is weird. Just wanted to make sure you're okay after earlier today. - Seth Monroe
He signed his full name. In a text. To someone who obviously knows who Seth is.
Wait. Their names are showing up in my phone. Not just numbers.
I look up slowly at Ben. "How do they have my number? And why are they saved in my contacts?"
Ben suddenly finds his plate very interesting.
"BEN."
"I may have... given it to them?" He winces. "And maybe added their numbers to your phone when you weren't looking?"
"YOU GAVE THEM MY NUMBER AND TOOK MY PHONE?!"
"In my defense, Seth was very polite about asking, and River legitimately needs it for work purposes—"
"That's not the point!"
Ben holds up his hands. "Look, would you rather they not be able to text you? Because you're smiling at your phone right now."
I am. Damn it.
Ben leans over, reading. "Did he seriously sign his full name? Like you know more than one Seth?"
I slam my phone down. "Not a word."
"But—"
"NOT. A. WORD."
Mom's smiling. "They're both texting you. That's sweet."
"I hate this family," I mutter, but I'm looking at both texts again.
River's casual confidence. Seth's formal awkwardness, complete with signature.
To River: I'd like to hear more. Tomorrow works. What time?
I stare at Seth's text for a long moment. He apologized for texting. Signed his full name. Asked if I'm okay.
To Seth: I'm good. Thanks again for the coffee. It was really thoughtful.
Both respond almost immediately.
River: 10am? I'll have actual coffee ready.
Seth's takes longer, like he's typing and deleting and retyping.
Seth: Oh good. I was worried I made things worse. Glad you're okay. The coffee was perfect, right? - Seth
I smile at my phone.
To Seth: Coffee was perfect. You did good.
Another long pause. More typing and deleting, probably.
Seth: Good. That's good. I'm glad. Have a nice night. - Seth
He's so formal. So careful. It's stupidly endearing.
My heart does another one of those stupid squeeze things.
Ben's watching me with that insufferable older brother expression. "So how's Seth?"
"Leaving. I'm leaving this table." I stand up.
"I think he's a good one," Papa stage-whispers.
"I heard that!"
"You were meant to!" he calls after me.
I retreat to my room with my phone, but I'm smiling.
Until I catch my reflection in the mirror.
My scent is still warm and sweet—pleased omega—and I can smell both alphas on my skin. Pine and sawdust. Rain and cedar. Two very different scents that somehow don't clash, just layer over each other like they belong there.
My omega hums contentedly at the thought.
My brain screams danger.
Because this is how it started with Terrance. The attraction. The attention. The certainty that this time would be different. And I ended up running home with my tail between my legs.
What if I'm making the same mistake? What if I'm just swapping one alpha for two? What if—
My phone buzzes with a calendar reminder.
Meeting with River Brooks - 10am Tuesday - Brooks Hardware
Tomorrow. I'm meeting River tomorrow to talk about the job. Which means being alone with him. In his space. Surrounded by his scent.
And knowing this town, Seth will probably find a reason to stop by the hardware store too.
I'm going to be dealing with both of them. Possibly at the same time.
My omega practically vibrates with anticipation.
My stomach flutters with nerves.
This is going to be a very long week.
If I survive it.