“You’re right. Idiots tend to find you,” Ramsey said.
“What about you?” Chloe asked. “Why aren’t you married?”
Ramsey paused. How did you tell someone who didn’t believe in the supernatural that you had to wait on a potential mate to come along? “I’ve dated, but just never found the right woman. Don’t get me wrong, the women I dated were wonderful, but they weren’t the right one for me.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t feel it here,” he said, holding a hand over his chest.
Chloe nodded. “Did they know that?”
“Yeah, I made sure I told them. Sometimes we parted company immediately, other times they still wanted to date and hang out.”
“At least you gave them a choice.” Chloe pushed her plate aside. “If I eat another bite, I’ll explode.”
“Are you sure? You don’t want dessert?” Ramsey asked.
She shook her head. “I wish I could, but I think I’d just make myself sick.”
“Then I’ll ask for the check and we’ll head home. You’re going to need your rest if you’re going to start work tomorrow.”
“I’m getting a little nervous about tomorrow. What if I mess up? I can’t afford to lose this job before it even starts,” Chloe said.
“I’m sure you’re going to do fine, Chloe. You’re worrying over nothing,” Ramsey assured her.
“I hope so,” she sighed.
“Let’s get you home so you can rest. Just take things one day at a time. That’s the best anyone can do,” Ramsey said.
Chloe smiled and nodded.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, Chloe was showered and dressed in record time. She was nervous and excited about her new job. Over-riding everything was her anxiety over seeing Michael this morning. She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Applying a light moisturizer, she put on some mascara and a little lipstick. Braiding her wet hair, she decided she was as primped as she was going to get for the day.
Chloe started to walk down the stairs, but she paused on the top step. She had promised Ramsey she wouldn’t go downstairs by herself.
“Ramsey?” she called down the stairs.
He stepped into view and looked up at her. “Ready to come down?”
“Yes.”
He jogged up the steps two at a time. When he reached her, he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Watch your step. These stairs are on the small side.”
Chloe hid a smile, but did as he said. Holding onto the rail, she slowly walked down the stairs, allowing Ramsey to support her. When they reached the bottom, she smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
“I’m afraid I don’t have much in the kitchen for breakfast,” he said.
“That’s okay. Kiera said she was going to make something before she took me to work.”
He nodded. “In that case, are you ready to go?”
“I’m ready when you are.”
“You look nice this morning,” he said as his gaze roved over her knit dress.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “It’s one of the dresses Cassie gave me. I wasn’t sure what to wear for my first day at work.”
“I’m sure what you’re wearing is more than fine.”
Chloe smiled. “I hope so.”
“My keys are in the kitchen. We can go through the side door,” Ramsey said.
Chloe followed him through the house and out to the SUV. On the way to the Victorian, she fidgeted with her purse strap. She had no doubt that she could do the job she’d been hired for, but she was anxious just the same.
“You’re going to do fine today.”
Startled, she glanced over at Ramsey.
He grinned at her. “You look nervous.”
“I guess I am. I know I can answer a phone and make files, but I always get a little anxious when I start a new job.”
When Ramsey pulled into the parking lot of the garage, Chloe gave him a puzzled look.
“I thought I’d walk you over if that’s okay?” he said, noting her expression.
She cast a quick glance in the direction of the garage. The bays were closed, except for the first one. The mechanics were gathered at the back of a car talking.
“If you’re worried about Michael, don’t be,” Ramsey said. “He’s not going to bother you this morning.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
“Because I’m not going to let him.”
“Ramsey, why are you so nice to me?” she asked.
He chuckled. “Maybe I’m hoping you’ll realize what a great catch I am,” he joked.
She smiled. “I already figured that out.”
“Ready to go over and see Kiera?” he asked.
She looked over at the mechanics one more time before nodding. She reached for the door handle, but Ramsey stopped her.
“Wait right there. I’m not about to let you fall out of the car and hurt the baby,” he said as he opened his door.
He walked around the SUV, ignoring the looks from his friends and coworkers, and opened Chloe’s door. Helping her out of the SUV, he placed a hand at the small of her back and escorted her across the street. Once he made sure she was safely tucked away inside the Victorian, he crossed back over to the garage.
He ignored Michael’s sullen look and joined the group in the first bay. “What’s everyone up to this morning?”
“Apparently not as much as you,” Hunter said with a smile.
Ramsey shook his head. “She’s renting my garage apartment and needed a ride. Don’t read anything into it.”
Hunter craned his head to look across the street. “So she’s available?”
Ramsey looked at Michael, but didn’t say anything.
“Did the fact that she’s carrying my child slip past the both of you?” Michael snapped.
Ramsey calmly looked at Michael without saying a word. He wanted to knock the other werewolf into his place, but wasn’t sure how Gabriel would react.
Hunter looked taken aback. He looked between Ramsey and Michael. “Maybe the person who missed that fact was her.”
Michael growled and lunged at Hunter, knocking him to the ground. Pinning him to the ground by his throat, Michael said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Chloe’s mine. I don’t care where she’s staying, she belongs with me.”
Ramsey laid a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “Ease up, man. Chloe doesn’t belong to anyone but herself.”
“At least one of you seems to understand that,” a feminine voice said from the doorway.
All three men looked toward the open bay door. Both Kiera and Chloe stood silhouetted in the morning light.
Kiera stepped forward before continuing, “Why do you feel the need to own us? Gabriel understands that he belongs to me as much as I belong to him. It’s a partnership. You have to give as much as you take, Michael.”
Michael released Hunter and stood up. He took in Chloe’s stricken expression and took a step toward her. When she hastily retreated a step, he froze.
He took a step back, giving her some space, and hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he murmured.
“I don’t belong to you,” she said quietly. “Ramsey’s right. I don’t belong to anyone but myself.”
Michael nodded his head. “I know that. Somewhere inside I know that, but there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to settle for that answer… a part of me that wants you to belong to me.”
“I told you before, a baby doesn’t give you the right to lay claim to me. I’ll make sure you’re a part of the baby’s life, but right now I need to prove to myself that I’m able to stand on my own two feet.”
“I understand that, but I still want to help,” Michael said.
“Then you don’t understand. I need to do this, Michael. I need to try and stand on my own two feet, at least as much as I can. I know that Ramsey could rent the apartment for a lot more than he’s charging me, but at least it gives
me a little independence right now. This is what I need.”
Michael ground his teeth together. “Then I guess I better let you get to your job before you lose the only employment you have,” he said.
Chloe didn’t answer. She merely turned around and walked away.
Michael was aware of every eye in the garage on him, but he ignored them all. “What?” he barked.
Ramsey shrugged. “Nothing. Just wondering if you always dig your holes this deep.”
“What’s it to you? I’d think you would be rejoicing about now. I’m making your job easier on you.”
Ramsey grinned. “Very true, however, I want Chloe to make the choice that’s best for her and the baby. If I thought that choice was you, I’d gladly step aside.”
Michael shook his head and slid under the car he was working on.
***
Kiera drove Chloe to the real estate office Matt had opened. She could tell that something was bothering her new friend, but she didn’t want to pry too much. “I know it’s none of my business, but if you ever want to talk I want you know I’m here to listen.”
Chloe glanced at Kiera, startled. “Am I that transparent?”
Kiera shrugged. “I can just tell something’s on your mind.”
“Michael just infuriates me.”
Kiera laughed. “He does that to a lot of women I would imagine.”
The reminder of how many women he’d been with stung. “He seems really hung up on the fact that I’m renting an apartment from Ramsey.”
Kiera glanced at Chloe. “Is that all?”
“He thinks I’m doing more than renting an apartment from Ramsey.”
“Ah,” Kiera said with a grin. “So, he’s jealous.”
Chloe’s hands fidgeted in her lap. “His temper today in the garage… I’ve only seen him lose his temper one other time. Does he do that often?”
“Michael?” Kiera asked softly.
Chloe nodded.
“I don’t know. I’ve heard that he can have a wicked temper, but Gabriel swears that he and his brothers would never raise a hand to a woman, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“And Gabriel hasn’t?”
Kiera shook her head. “He may shout every now and then, but I know he’d never hurt me.”
“I wish I could be as certain of Michael. The night Ramsey came to pick me up Michael and I had been arguing. He grabbed my arm when I walked past him. He didn’t leave any marks on my arm, but it was hard enough that it worried me,” Chloe said. “And now today at the garage… he scares me, Kiera.”
“And yet you’re attracted to him?” Kiera asked.
“Yes,” Chloe whispered. “But I don’t want to be.”
“If you could choose who to be attracted to, who would you choose?”
Chloe looked out the window. “Ramsey. He’s been so kind to me. He never raises his voice to me, he’s gentle with me. I get the feeling he’d be a good father and a good husband.”
“So what are you waiting for?” Kiera asked.
Chloe looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“If you think Ramsey would be so perfect for you and your baby, what are you waiting for?”
“You mean I should flirt with him?” Chloe asked.
“I mean that if you think Ramsey could make you happy, then you should do whatever it takes to make sure he knows that.”
“I’m not very good at flirting. All of my past boyfriends have made the first move. I’m more of the wallflower type,” Chloe said.
“Then it’s about time we released your inner vixen,” Kiera said with a smile. At Chloe’s horrified expression she laughed. “Don’t worry. I was a wallflower, too. But the attention of a hot guy can do wonders for you. Trust me on this one.”
“I’m not too sure about this, Kiera. Besides, I’m pregnant. Why on earth would Ramsey want me? He’d not only be taking on me, but he’d be stuck with Michael’s baby, too.”
Kiera reached over and squeezed Chloe’s hand. “Honey, trust me. Ramsey won’t mind one bit. He’s the kind of man that will love that baby regardless of who the father is.”
Chloe smiled at her. “Do you really think he might be interested in me?”
Kiera laughed. “Trust me, he’s interested. You show him the slightest bit of attention and he’ll be at your beck and call.”
Chloe chewed on her lip. “But what about Michael?”
“Don’t worry about Michael. If he gets out of hand, his brother will take care of him. You just worry about you and the baby.”
Chloe nodded. As Kiera pulled into a parking space in front of the real estate office, a flock of butterflies erupted in Chloe’s stomach. She’d never been so nervous in her life.
“I’ll come back and pick you up when you get off work,” Kiera said as Chloe got out of the SUV.
“If I get fired before then, I’ll call you,” Chloe said.
Kiera shook her head. “You’re going to be fine.”
Chloe sighed and nodded her head.
As she watched Chloe disappear inside the office, Kiera wondered what she could do to push the couple together. It was obvious they were both interested in one another, but she got the feeling they needed a little help admitting it. There was no doubt that Ramsey would be good to Chloe, and she felt that Chloe was just what Ramsey needed in his life. There was just one problem – Michael. How was her brother-in-law going to react to all of this? It was apparent he felt proprietary toward the redhead, but did he feel strongly enough to act right and do what was necessary to be the man she needed and wanted? Kiera had her doubts that Michael could grow up enough in time to be any good to Chloe. But she knew her husband was pulling for him, and she couldn’t blame him. Michael was, after all, his brother. What to do…
***
Later that afternoon, Kiera picked Chloe up from work.
“So, how was your first day?”
Chloe smiled. “It was actually a lot of fun. Matt was great!”
“See, I told you!”
“He even said that I could show some houses after the baby’s born,” Chloe said. “He said I’m a natural.”
Kiera smiled at Chloe’s enthusiasm. “It seems you’ve found a new career.”
“It was a lot of fun, but a little bit tiring. I’ll be glad to go home and take a nap.”
“Do you want me to take you home? Ramsey probably won’t be finished for another few hours.”
“I think I’d rather wait for Ramsey. I promised him I wouldn’t go up and down the stairs by myself,” Chloe said.
“Well, if you’re tired, you’re welcome to take a nap in one of the guest rooms,” Kiera offered.
“Thanks. How are things coming along for the party?”
Kiera smiled. “Everything should be ready in time.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone,” Chloe said.
Kiera was certain that everyone was anxious to meet Chloe too, but for different reasons. If Ramsey or Michael didn’t claim Chloe by Saturday, she’d find herself being courted by every single male in the pack. It wasn’t often a female came along, and when one did, she was highly valued and cherished by whichever wolf was mated to her.
As Kiera pulled in the driveway of the Victorian, she glanced across the street at the garage. All three bays were open. It looked like the guys were staying busy.
“Are you hungry?” Kiera asked as she got out of the vehicle.
“Always,” Chloe said with a smile.
“Let’s go see what’s in the kitchen. Maybe we can make something to take over to the guys, too.”
“Kiera, are you trying to help me along with Ramsey?”
Kiera smiled. “Maybe a little.”
She’d decided earlier that she would nurture the blossoming relationship between Ramsey and Chloe, and if her newfound friend was destined to be with Michael, maybe jealousy would prompt him to do the right thing.
Chloe laughed. “Well, I could certainly use the help.”
Kiera had made a plate just for Gabriel, and Chloe had done the same for Ramsey. Loading everything into a large box, Kiera and Chloe called the garage and asked if Hunter would come over and help them with something.
A moment later, the doorbell rang. Kiera hurried to the door and let Hunter in.
“We have a surprise for you,” she said with a smile.
“I thought you needed help with something,” Hunter replied.
“We do. We need you to carry this box across the street,” Chloe said, inclining her head toward the large box on the counter.
Hunter sniffed the air. “Are those cookies I smell?”
“Mm-hmm. And the sooner you help us, the sooner you can eat some,” Kiera said.
That was all the urging Hunter needed. He grabbed the box and with long strides headed for the door.
Kiera and Chloe were on his heels, scurrying after him, each with a plate in their hands. Kiera pulled the door shut behind her, not bothering to lock it.
As they entered the garage, every eye focused on them.
“We thought you might be hungry,” Kiera said. “Snacks will be in the office.”
Hunter proceeded through the bays to the office area and placed the box on the counter. Stepping back, he let Kiera pull everything out of the box.
“Did I hear someone say snacks?” Ramsey asked as he stepped into the office.
“I brought this for you,” Chloe said softly as she handed him a plate.
Ramsey looked surprised, but he accepted the plate. “Thank you, Chloe.”
She nodded and blushed. Stepping over to Kiera’s side, she helped unload the box. Once everything was set out, she grabbed a plate and selected a sandwich and some cookies for herself. Even though there were several empty seats, she decided to sit beside Ramsey.
“Did you enjoy work today?” Ramsey asked as Chloe settled into the seat next to him.
She smiled. “Very much. I think I may have found my calling.”
“I’m glad. I know you were nervous earlier.”
She nodded. “I was, but Matt was great. He spent the first hour just getting to know me and helping me calm down.”
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