Page 19 of Forbidden Moon
Nolan agreed. Jonah was rarely out of sorts, always cheerful, caring, helpful. Could it be...
“Do you suppose it’s a late heat?”
Robyn considered the idea briefly, then shook her head.
“No, his heats have always been like clockwork, and I’d be able to tell from his scent, although he’s been more horny than usual and trying to hide it from me. When I get there, I’m going to suggest he slip over to the clinic and talk to Donna. Don’t... don’t say anything, Nolan. He doesn’t need everybody talking behind his back.”
Nolan gave a theatrical bow over his plate and grinned at her.
“Whatever you say,Your Highness. Let me know how he’s doing when you figure it out.”
Playing along, Robyn gave it right back.
“Do not fail me,Jester, or I shall have thy head!”
Nolan stuck out his tongue, and Robyn swatted him as she got up from the table. It took only a few minutes to finish his breakfast and shrug back into his waterproof gear. He’d be spending a lot of time outside today, moving between all three construction sites. Westside now boasted four finished homes, including his own, with another four going up and room for more in the future. The Eastside Cabins site, new this year and overseen by Ash, included three homesites so far, plus a guest house.
The final project was the Daycare and School building, located between Ben and Evan’s home and the Village. Like all the other underground structures, the front consisted primarily of glass while the building burrowed back into the natural landscape. This one included a unique feature the others lacked—a secure bunker large enough to protect the pack in case of attack or as a tornado shelter. Each site presented challenges, yet all offered plenty of indoor work—enabling the crews to stay on schedule despite the rain.
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MEANWHILE, IN BEN’Soffice
Ben reclined in his padded leather chair, updating Carol Jo Dowling on the Delta Avenue Apartments rehab.
“So to answer your question, the project is on schedule and within budget, despite the unforeseen plumbing issues we’ve encountered. Tom believes we can offset the costs by making several small changes throughout the building—things no one will notice. Both first and second floors are shaping up nicely, and my suppliers tell me we won’t have any delivery issues.”
“Wonderful! I did a quick walk-through yesterday, and it already looks entirely different. I absolutely love the new facade and main entry design. People are going to be shocked when they see what you’ve done to the place. My business partners and I are very pleased so far, and all of the residents are eager to get into their new units.”
“Do you have commitments in hand for the commercial space? There’s a lot we can’t do on the first floor until the final configuration is settled.”
“I have signed contracts for everything except the largest suite in the SE corner of the building. If the Historical Society decides not to take it, we may have to divide it into multiple spaces. If we do, there still won’t be enough room for those already on my waiting list. We’ve created a tremendous amount of interest from the business community, and I must say it’s going to result in a wonderful return on our investment.”
“Glad to hear it. Our preference is to build it all out at the same time and avoid disrupting the commercial tenants who may have already moved in. Let me know as soon as you have the final contracts. In the meantime, my crew will rough in the space and continue construction of the other suites.”
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ROBYN GNAWED AT A FINGERNAILas she worked, wondering what to do about her friend. An hour ago, she’d greeted him upon arrival and received an abrupt request to watch the front while he darted into his office and shut the door. Locked it even! Why hide from her? She couldn’t imagine what might be going on in his handsome head, but it hurt that he didn’t trust her with it. She struggled through another five minutes of getting nothing done before reaching the end of her patience.
A glance out the front windows confirmed the summer rainstorm intensified after she got here. Good. Maybe it would keep customers away long enough to drag the information out of her contrary packmate. She stopped outside his office door and parsed out the scent coming from within; anxiety, worry, and anticipation mixed with simmering arousal. This made no sense whatsoever. Robyn knocked firmly on the door.
“Open up! You’re going to tell me what’s going onright now, or I’m calling Donna over here to look you over. You know I’ll do it, Jonah!”
Few people could withstand an indignant Robyn, much less her best friend, and she heard him get up and unlock the door. It opened a few inches, revealing a miserable face.
“Can we not do this, please? I know you mean well, but I honestly don’t want to talk about it...”
Robyn pushed her way inside, leaving the door open, and ordered him to sit down.
“Not an option. I want to know what’s going on with you, so spill.”
Thunder rumbled ominously, reflecting Jonah’s mood. He refused to meet her gaze, speaking softly in case a customer walked in.
“First, you have to promise not to say anything, especially to Ben.”
Hmmm... this could be serious. Robyn’s concern jumped a level or two, wondering what type of problem would require a vow of silence. No choice, it seemed, as he wouldn’t budge otherwise.
“You have my word. This is just between us.”
