Page 25 of Knight With Benefits

“Benefits of running a legit business for this.”

I winked as the employee behind the desk headed our way, greeting me by name. I was in a few times a week and they all knew me. I also got a discount on materials, and since the roof was going to be covered under her insurance, I wasn’t making her cover the supplies.

“I need two separate invoices, but you can load everything together.”

I rattled off the materials and amounts I needed for the café, and then added what I’d need for her duplex.

“Put them both on the account?”

The beta behind the counter briefly glanced at Gwyn, the urge to growl at him almost overwhelming me, but he turned his attention back to the screen in front of him before I lost the fight.

“Yes.”

Gwyn’s brow arched as she looked at me.

“I know I said you’d have to cover supplies, but this is different with insurance being involved. You’ll get your chance next time.”

Her lips pursed, head tipping to the side.

“So, if I’m not paying, why did I come?”

Mouth hanging open, I froze. There was really no reason for her to have come with me since she wasn’t paying for the materials, but I hadn’t mentioned it because I’d wanted to spend time with her. I hadn’t measured the interior where she wanted the wall yet, so I couldn’t use buying those supplies as an excuse, and I didn’t have any other.

“So you know what was ordered and what the totals are. And so you could pick up anything else you need?”

Eyes narrowed, her expression said she saw right through me, but she didn’t call me on it. The little sigh she released and the way she shook her head was exactly like I was a troublesome little boy, which only made me chuckle.

“I supposed I can pick out the paint for the dining room, so I don’t have to carry it on the bus.”

The reminder that she frequently used public transportation had my hackles rising and my bear focusing on the omega. The hardware store was within the boundaries of Hell, but I still didn’t like the thought of her riding the bus alone with the possibility of anyone being on it. Some of the lines passed through Hell out into the Slums.

“If you need a ride to get anything, just give me a call. We’ll be back here a few more times, so you shouldn’t need to take the bus anymore.”

I wanted to say more but managed to bite my tongue before it got away from me. She wouldn’t like feeling restricted, and I couldn’t blame her, but it was hard with the way my bear wanted to curl around her and keep her captive on my knot until she never wanted to leave.

We were back in the truck with the bed loaded down before long, and the silence fell again. Gwyn seemed content to sit and stare out the window, but the quiet music filling the cab wasn’t enough to hold my attention.

“So, you put up with my shit pretty well. Do you have kids, or siblings?”

Her huffed laugh and the smile on her face as she turned to look at me spread warmth through my chest.

“Kids. Two. Both alphas, so yes, I have experience with shenanigans.”

I chuckled at the way she eyed me but tried to make myself watch the road instead of staring at her. It was hard when everything about her called to me.

“That duplex is on the small side, and I haven’t seen any rugrats tagging along, so I’m guessing they’re grown.”

“Oh, yes. Thankfully! I’m too old to chase littles anymore.”

Scoffing, I shot her a glance from the corner of my eye.

“Old, my ass. Women your age are still having babies.”

It was her turn to make a rude noise.

“First, you have no idea how old I am, and you’d better not ask. Second, there’s no way I could have a baby at this age. Other women may be able to, but I’ve done my time. I’m too tired for all the sleepless nights and worrying.”

I nodded as I slowed for a turn.

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