Page 42 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I laughed, remembering past years. "We drink but not as much as other people might. Most of them have kids, so some of them stay sober. But we have party games and a race where the winner is the Main Man of the Year. It gets pretty exciting."

"That sounds exciting. What does that mean exactly for the winner? What does being the main man entail?"

"They get perks. And Ayden gives the winner access to the work credit card for coffee for the year. He gives them a few other things. Also, bragging rights for the year."

"Has a girl ever won?"

I shook my head. "The girls have yet to join. Normally, someone is pregnant, so the girls always stay back."

She chuckled as she took another sip, setting her mug down. "Do you ever miss it?"

"Miss what?" I asked, pouring some batter into the pan.

"The pack."

I paused, glancing at her. She stared at me, waiting for me to answer her. It was a simple question, but it wasn't at the same time.

When I left, I left my entire life behind. Almost everyone disowned me from their lives. All my friends I thought I would hear from never spoke to me again. My folks acted like I died, and I hardly got to see April. A lot had changed, and I was afraid I'd make the biggest mistake of my life.

But it was better. It just took time to find that out.

"I miss the people and moments but not the pack. I miss my friends, but I can't really call them that because friends would have called. So, I miss the memories. I miss what was."

She looked hurt. "Do you ever wish you stayed?"

I had many times when I first arrived in town and had no idea what I was doing. I probably wouldn't have landed where I am if Ayden hadn't been so good at his job. "I had moments. It was hard at first trying to get my life figured out, but no…I don't regret it. I found people that I trust, and that trust me in return. I didn't have that back there. Not even my parents had my back like these guys do."

She smiled. "I'm kind of gathering that. You've made a decent life for yourself. The guys and the girls all seem to care about you. You guys tease each other, but I can see it's out of love like you and April."

"You will as well," I tell her. "Give it time. Nothing happens overnight. It took me months before I felt like I was settled."

She chuckled, looking at the food. "Are you almost done?"

I nodded, flipping the pancakes. "Almost. Do you want to grab out some plates?"

She pulled herself up, grabbed a few plates, and sat them next to me.

"How does a run later today sound? The weather seems nice for it." I asked.

I watched her eyes sparkle, and I hoped they would always stay that way. I wanted them to stay that way, and I was going to do whatever I could to make sure they did.

She pulled a couple of pancakes onto her plate and poured syrup over them. I watched her take a bite, nodding her head. "A run sounds nice."

I watched her, taking in how comfortable she was as she sat there eating. I wanted this forever.

Chapter 19 - Riley

I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in the long navy blue dress. I had straightened my hair and applied make-up, wanting to look good for my first day on the job. I was still over the moon when I was given the job. I could hardly contain my excitement.

I headed out of the room and down the hallway to the kitchen. Cayden was sitting at the island with a mug of coffee and a bagel. His eyes snapped up as I stepped inside, and he smirked. "You look nice. That color looks nice on you."

"Thank you," I said as I poured myself a mug of coffee, added a little creamer, and stirred it.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

"A little, but I'm excited as well. I'm eager to get back to work and start having a normal life. I can't remember the last time I was excited like this."

He smiled. "I bet. I wish you luck." He pushed himself up and walked over, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I have to get to work. I left you a bagel. If you have any questions, just give me a call. And don't be nervous. You'll be great."

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