Page 30 of The Return
“What kind of pillow do you like?” I asked Matt as he sat on the sofa, his hands folded in his lap.
He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
It was hard not to growl at him. Every time I asked a question, Matt’s answer was the same. It didn’t matter. Whatever I thought was best.
I’d had enough.
“You’re going to be sleeping on them, so you have a say in what you’re getting.”
He swiveled on the couch and turned pleading eyes in my direction. “But you said you were paying for them, so it should be your choice.”
“And I’m asking for your input.”
He huffed out a breath. “I’ve never been on an assignment where anyone asked me my opinion. I was the driver, seen and not heard. I’m supposed to be quiet unless it’s important.”
Oh. Now I understood a little better. “It’s important,” I informed him. “I don’t want you waking up with a crick in your neck from not getting good sleep.”
That made him snort. “Do you know where I sleep when I’m on assignment? Usually in the nearest park, under a tree. I… don’t like enclosed places. I prefer to sleep outside, where I can see the stars.”
“But you said the car—”
“Because if I said I was sleeping outside, you’d probably get upset, and I didn’t want that.”
Not upset, no, but I would have tried to change—oh. “Look, I know you don’t know me, and I admit I don’t know you. At least not yet. Taking care of people is part and parcel of who I am. Jonas says it’s what makes me an Alpha Mate. I don’t like the idea of you sleeping outside, not because you’re a wolf, but because you’re a man. And I like people having a roof over their heads. If you’re happier outside, I’ll set something up in the backyard and you can sleep there.”
He was quiet for a few moments. “Would you really do that?”
“Yes, in a heartbeat,” I vowed.
His shoulders slumped. “I don’t like sleeping indoors,” he said quietly. “But if it makes you happy, I’ll do it.”
I sat next to him and put a hand on his. “This isn’t about my happiness, Matt. It’s about what makes you happy and comfortable. I can tell you try really hard to please everyone, but in my case, you don’t need to do that. What would be right for you?”
“I like seeing the stars,” he said again. “My wolf enjoys it too.”
“Then I’ll take care of it,” I promised. “I’ll have it ready before tonight.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, but—”
“Before tonight,” I reiterated.
His cheeks pinked. “Thank you. What can I do?”
“Watch TV? Take a nap? Get a snack? What do you feel like doing?”
His lip jutted out. “This doesn’t seem right. I’m supposed to be your driver.”
“And that’s cool and all, but we’re not in a car, so those rules don’t apply.”
The grin started off slowly, but in the end, it was bright and cheery. “You know what I really want to do? I’d love to shift and go out to the park and roll around in the grass. It’s been ages since I had time to do that.”
“Go on then. Roll to your heart’s content.”
“If he needs you, I’ll call,” Kinsey said, stepping into the room.
“If you’re certain.”
Matt got up, and I could see he was practically vibrating. “I think I’m going to be happy with this assignment. I hope it lasts.”
