Page 27 of Wrong Number, Right Cougar

“As long as they need.”

I poked out my tongue at his non-answer.

The guys emerged from the last cabin and headed toward us. I squeezed my mate’s hand as we stood.

“Congratulations. I didn’t think you’d manage all the repairs, but well done,” Joe told us as he shook our hands.

They had to file the paperwork, but that should only take a few days and we’d have the certificate of occupancy.

“Nice to have a new resident in the area.” Neither of the men lived in Cougar Lake but in a town nearby. Wilder had told me they were both shifters, so they would have scented we were mated. He also said Joe had really liked my uncle and that meant a lot to me.

We waited until they drove off before we jumped and screamed and headed for the lake, leaping in fully clothed. The cold water was a shock as usual, but I welcomed it.

“What do you think?” Wilder had stripped off his clothes and had a towel wrapped around his hips.

“About?” I raised a brow, thinking he was ready for sexy time.

“Becoming a resident, a permanent resident, of Cougar Lake.”

Up until now, we’d talked about having me go back and forth. My boss had agreed I could work from home for three weeks and the fourth week I’d be in the office.

After crunching the numbers, giving up my job before the resort was self-sustaining hadn’t been part of the plan. And until now, I’d always had a plan.

No matter what, I had to return to the city and pack up my things. Only being there one week out of four, I didn’t need an apartment and had arranged to rent a room.

“That’s a big step. Why don’t you come to the city with me.” It would be days before the building permit was issued, and with two of us driving, we could make it in one day. “I’ll decide once we’re there.”

It wasn’t as if we were going to have a long-distance relationship. I’d be on Cougar Lake most of the time. Cutting that final link to my old life wasn’t easy. But as I thought about it more, that shiny new office didn’t have the same appeal.

Wilder had lived a city life when he attended college, but I witnessed his reactions to the noise and the pollution, the crowds and the traffic jams. Seeing it through his eyes, I longed to return to Cougar Lake. There was a life waiting for me, a new business to run, and a community that had welcomed me.

We sat in a pizza place, one I’d frequented at least once a week because it was close to the office. On the other side of the room was a colleague. If I gave up my job, he’d likely be the one to replace me and would get the new office and a shiny new title.

That would have bothered me before I got word about Uncle, and I would have worked twice as hard to make sure I got the promotion.

“This is a delicious pizza, but the one Jimmy makes in Cougar Lake is almost as good.” Wilder was starting on his third slice.

“Mmmm.”

“You’re a million miles away.” He put down the slice and chewed. “It’s okay if you want to keep your job. I understand being worried about money and security.”

“It’s not that.” It was a little concerning, but I had a small nest egg, and I could always offer the boss my services as a consultant. I wouldn’t say no to the occasional project.

“Change is hard and often scary.” My mate rubbed his foot against mine.

“I’ve made up my mind.” I stared at him, welcoming the gaze from those dark eyes.

“And?”

“I’m ready for a change. But I’ll need to meet with my boss in the morning.” I’d have to give notice.

“This has to be a decision you make for you. Do not make it for me.”

I slipped off my shoe and rubbed his foot and calf. “This is for us.”

“I love you.”

“As I do you.”

---