Chapter 7
“Damn, Dad. How many reps are you up to?”
Rick had completely lost track. He hoisted the dumbbell up for two more bicep curls before setting it down. “I thought you were counting for me.”
“That old trick isn’t going to work on me,” Pierce said with a laugh.
“Outgrown that one, huh?” Rick stretched out his arm. He really had lost track. He could’ve done fifty reps, but it also could’ve been five hundred.
“A long time ago,” Pierce reminded him. “You want to come over here and spot me on the bench press?”
“As if you need it, but sure.” Rick followed him across the room and took up his position.
Pierce had already set the weight plates, so all Rick had to do was keep his hands at the ready to help catch the bar if Pierce lost control.
He wouldn’t, and they both knew that, but he felt a certain pride in knowing his son wanted to ensure things were done the right way.
Safety had to come first for a firefighter.
Pierce adjusted his hands on the bar and lifted it out of its rest. He slowly brought it down to his chest. “So what’s eating you, anyway?” He pushed the bar up.
“What?” Rick watched carefully for any signs of distress. He and Pierce had worked out together for so long that he might catch a problem before even Pierce noticed it. “Nothing’s eating me.”
“I don’t believe that.” Pierce lifted the bar again, waiting until he’d brought it back down to continue. “You’ve been off in space for the last couple of days.”
“It’s not like I have all that much to focus on while I’m at work and we’re in between calls,” Rick pointed out. “I’m used to being the chief. Here, I don’t have to make schedules or do payroll. Not that I’m complaining, but it means I can be a little more relaxed.”
Pierce laughed between breaths. “If you say so.”
“You don’t think there’s a difference between being the chief and a part-time firefighter?” Rick challenged.
Setting the bar back in the rack, Pierce shook out his arms. “Oh, I do. But then, how do you explain this same mindset when you’re at home? Ruby is about the only thing that can get your attention. Otherwise, you’re just standing outside staring at the water.”
“What do you expect an old fart to do?” Rick knew Pierce was right, and he also knew exactly what was happening. He just hadn’t realized it was that obvious.
“I’d expect him to tell me when he’s got a thing for the girl down the street.” Pierce readjusted his shoulders and prepared for his next set.
Rick sighed. “You’ve got me there.”
“You don’t have to worry about it, you know.”
“About what?”
“About Mom and all that.” Pierce paused for another lift. “It’s been a long time. I don’t mind, and I’m sure Hayden wouldn’t. I don’t think Mom would, either. I mean, if that’s what’s bothering you about the whole thing with Carol.”
Rick pressed his lips together as he thought for a moment. “I’ve had some doubts, but it’s not really about that.”
“Well?” Pierce prompted.
They were alone in the weight room at the fire department while they awaited the next call, so Rick was free to talk.
“First of all, I was already lucky enough to find my mate. I knew it the moment I saw your mother, and I think I might be fortunate enough to have a second chance at a true partner.”
This time, when Pierce put the bar back on the rack, he sat up. “That’s great! I’ve heard of that happening.”
“Sure. I have, too. And I really had a great time when she and I went out. She’s known about our kind for a long time, although I’m not sure she’s aware of our pack’s traditions.
” Rick leaned against a treadmill. He should probably start it up and work out some of the frustration that was building inside him, but running in place didn’t interest him right now.
Pierce caught on immediately. “Ah. Right. All you can do is talk to her about it.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Rick snorted. “I guess it is when you’re a young and handsome guy like yourself. I’m not even sure I know how to date anymore.”
“Do you want some pointers?” Pierce ignored the remark about his looks and toweled off the bench.
“I can’t just go pull her from a raging river and have her fall into my arms,” Rick noted with a smile.
Pierce shot him a look. “There was more than that involved when Holly and I got together.”
“That’s the hard part, I think.” Rick grabbed a bottle of water.
“Our first date just sort of happened, thanks to Stacey and Ross. But now what? I haven’t had to think about this kind of thing in a long time.
I’ve got a lot of years and wisdom under my belt, but Carol has me feeling like a silly young pup again. ”
“Maybe she likes that about you,” Pierce pointed out. Rick could tell that he wasn’t entirely kidding. “But you probably just need to spend more time with her. How else is she going to fall head-over-heels for you if you’re not around?”
“I don’t know. I think I used up all my decent conversation skills the other night.” Rick couldn’t recall worrying this much about what someone thought about him in a long time. That made it easy to doubt himself, even though he knew his wolf was driven to be with Carol.
Pierce shrugged. “She owns that dog bakery. Just go pop in there and say hi. Say you were in the neighborhood or something.”
“She’ll know that’s a lie,” Rick pointed out.
“Which means she’ll also know that you came there specifically to see her,” Pierce rebutted. “As for what to say, just ask her out again.”
“Just like that. Easy peasy.” Rick raised a brow.
“Yeah. Now, go on.” Pierce made a shooing motion with his hand.
“You want me to go right now?” Rick hadn’t even prepared for this.
“Yes, while you’re thinking about it and before you have a chance to change your mind. Get out of here. Your shift is over now, anyway, and you don’t need to sit around yapping.” Pierce pushed him toward the door.
“You’re just going to kick an old man out onto the street?” Rick jested.
“See, the two of you really do belong together. That’s just the sort of thing Carol would say.” Pierce grinned at him before he shut the door.
His son might be much younger than him, but Rick knew he was right.
He’d never know where this thing with Carol might lead if he didn’t pursue it.
And he might not be Don Juan, but Carol didn’t seem to have a problem with that.
He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove to the plaza, trying to decide just what kind of date he would take Carol on.
Their dinner was nice, but they couldn’t do the exact same thing again.
A movie? A hike? He really had no idea. Maybe he was even less prepared for this than he’d thought.
But when he pulled up to The Biscuit Box, he no longer had time to decide.
Rick would have to just roll with it. He stepped inside, surprised at how wonderful it smelled in there.
Carol might as well have been running a bakery for humans, considering the delicious aromas that filled the place.
Carol was behind the counter, ringing up a purchase.
“I take it Ringo has found his motivation for behaving like a gentleman?”
A young man stood at the counter with his huge dog. The canine bounced and pranced in place as he awaited his bag of treats, making his owner laugh. “As much of one as he can be right now, anyway. He’s got so much energy, but this has been a good start. I’ll just have to see where it goes.”
Rick waited patiently, not wanting to interrupt her while she worked with a customer.
Her eyes flicked to him, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
His wolf jolted with excitement, thrilled to be so close to her again.
Pierce was definitely right. Being around her was the perfect solution for anything.
“I’m sure you’ll do great with him,” a different voice cooed.
A young woman stepped forward and put her hand on the young man’s arm.
Was that Lorelei? She looked different now, wearing a long skirt and a fitted tank top.
Her hair was bundled up on her head, and she batted her eyelashes at the customer.
“Anyone who’s willing to try so hard for him can’t help but succeed. ”
“Well, maybe.” The young man’s voice broke with nervous laughter as he took his receipt and the bag of treats from Carol.
He nearly dropped them since his eyes were focused so hard on Lorelei.
“I think I’ll have to take him out to the park or something to run some of the energy out of him before I work on any more obedience training. ”
“You’re a runner?” Lorelei’s eyes skimmed down his body. “I guess I should’ve known!”
Carol slipped past the younger woman and came around the counter. “Rick! It’s nice to see you. I can’t say I expected you, though, unless you’ve picked up a dog along the way here.”
“I didn’t, but I’m glad I know just what it is you sell. It smells so good I might’ve followed my nose in here for a treat myself.” The sweet bouquet of her perfume reached him just then, making his statement all the more true.
“To each their own, although Barney would tell you my latest attempts weren’t the best. He refused to eat the breath-freshening treats, even though he needs them.
Pumpkin ginger wasn’t much better. He tried to take a bite but chewed it up and spit it out.
I guess I’m losing my touch, but I’ve barely started!
” She tossed her head back and laughed, the lines around her eyes deepening and her ponytail swirling a bit.
Pierce was more right than he could’ve known in advising Rick to come there.
Not only did he get to see Carol, but he was witnessing her in her own element.
She was so happy in her new venture. Even the moments that weren’t true successes didn’t get her down.
“Where is Barney, anyway? He’s usually here with you, isn’t he? ”
“Most days, yes, but he wasn’t interested today,” Carol replied with a shrug.
“I asked him if he was ready to go to work. Usually, he comes running for the car, but instead, he just sat right down. If a dog could say ‘no,’ then Barney certainly did. I’m not sure what’s up with him lately, but he’s been acting a bit funny. ”
“Does he need to go to the vet?” Rick was already scrolling through everyone he knew in his head, wondering if there was one he could recommend.
“Maybe a therapist,” she quipped, turning her head as her latest customer and his energetic dog headed for the door. “We’ll see you again soon, I hope!”
“Don’t worry.” The man turned as he backed out the door, but his gaze was focused on Lorelei. “You will.”
“Rick, I’m sure you remember Lorelei from the other night,” Carol said as the younger woman stepped forward.
“Of course. I hope you’re doing well.” Rick nodded politely. He was glad she hadn’t been injured by the odd incident, but he also wished she wasn’t there at the moment. He’d come there to ask Carol a very important question, and it just didn’t seem right to do that in front of company.
“I am.” Lorelei’s voice was breathy and cool. “Carol has been so generous to me, offering me a place to stay until I get back on my feet.”
“Is that so?” He’d meant to turn to Carol, but something kept his gaze on Lorelei. Was it her eyes? Perhaps it was just that she was so focused on him that he felt rude turning away.
“Yes! The apartment above the bakery is just lovely.” She tipped her head slightly, making her blonde hair skim like gold strands across her shoulder.
“It’s small,” Carol amended, “but it was the least I could do.”
“That just means I’ll be around more,” Lorelei enthused. “I’m excited that I’ll get to know everyone a little more around here, you know? Especially everyone who was kind enough to help me. Like you, Rick.” She put her hand on his arm.
“There’s not much to know about me, really,” he stammered.
“Sure, there is,” she purred. “You’re a firefighter, right?
I’ve always been fascinated by people who are willing to put their lives on the line to save others.
A hero, right here amongst all the regular people, and not even asking for a medal to be pinned to your chest. I think you deserve so much more credit than you get. ”
Rick listened to the sound of her words more than the meaning behind them. “You have a nice voice, you know.”
Carol cleared her throat. “She’s a singer, and a very good one.”
“I suppose it must carry over into conversation.” Lorelei let out a tittering laugh.
Rick leaned forward, studying each line of her face.
Something pressed hard inside him, and he realized it was his wolf.
It was fighting against him, raging as though it’d been muzzled.
He straightened and blinked, his body growing rigid as he allowed his wolf to stand guard.
Had he been staring? He honestly didn’t even remember.
“It’s been nice talking to you both, but I’m afraid I really must be going now.” He felt completely out of sorts. “I’ve got some things to do.”
“Was there something you needed?” Carol asked. Her head was tipped slightly back so that she looked down her nose as she watched him. All the joy he’d witnessed in her a moment ago had disappeared.
“No.” He licked his lips, suddenly feeling like he’d come to the wrong place at the wrong time and for the wrong reason. “Um, no. Not really. I was just saying hi. You ladies have a good day.”
As soon as he was back out in the sunshine, he charged across the plaza toward his car, trying to shake off that odd feeling. He clenched his hands at his sides. What the hell was all that? The further he got from the bakery, the worse he felt about it.
Behind the wheel of his car, he faced the bakery once more.
Rick couldn’t see either of the women inside, but he felt as though they each possessed him in different ways.
The pull he felt toward Carol was strong but welcome.
As for Lorelei, he didn’t know how to explain it.
He just knew that something was very off.