Page 1 of Don't Bait Me (Nora Jacobs 3)

I stand, frozen with indecision, in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. A strange bout of anxiety has taken hold of me. It’s unlike me to be so stressed over something so small, but then I’ve never cared about something so much that Ineedto get it right. Unable to make the choice on my own, I call Oliver for the fourth time in twenty minutes. “Do you think I need two turkeys?” I ask in lieu of a greeting. “Werewolves eat a lot. Like,a lota lot. And then there’s Terrance. Turkeys are big, but maybe I still need two. What do you think?”

“Nora…” There’s a pause, and then Oliver sighs over the line. “What I think is that I have a test in half an hour, and I’ve got to finish reviewing this chapter before then.”

I cringe. “Sorry. You’re right. I’ll stop bothering you.”

He groans. “Sweetheart, you never bother me. I’m always happy to talk to you. I just really have to get this done.”

“Sorry. I know. I just want this to be perfect. I’ve never had a real Thanksgiving before. At least not with people I actually care about.”

“If you’re that stressed about it, wait until I’m finished with my test, and I’ll shop with you.”

“I can’t. Terrance will be home by then, and he’d never let me leave.”

A lighthearted chuckle fills my ear, making me smile. I love the sound of Oliver’s laugh. “Snuck out, did you?” he asks.

“I was going crazy. It’s been almost a week.”

“Almost a week since you nearlydied.”

“Yeah, but I feel fine now. I’ve recovered. Terrance is being way too paranoid.”

“Well, he loves you. He wants to keep you safe.”

“There’s a fine line between keeping me safe and holding me prisoner.”

Oliver laughs again. “I’ll tell you what. After this test, I’m officially off for the break. I’ll pack a bag and come spend the entire weekend in jail with you. I even lucked out and have the weekend off from work.”

My heart melts in my chest. “You’re the best, Ollie.”

“I know. I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you this evening.”

“’Kay.”

“Oh, and get two turkeys. Better to have too much than not enough. Plus, who doesn’t love leftovers?”

“Very true.” I sigh. “What would I do without you?”

“Let’s never find out.”

The smile stays on my face after I hang up the phone. Oliver has a way of calming my nerves. I pick up two turkeys and then slowly go down my list of other things I need. I had to google it since I’ve never made a Thanksgiving dinner before. Hopefully Terrance will help Ollie and me cook. If he doesn’t kill me for leaving the house by myself, that is.

And speaking of the devil, my phone rings, flashing Terrance across the display. I answer tentatively, hoping he doesn’t hear all the noise of the busy supermarket in the background. “Hey, T-man. How was your meeting?”

“Still going. Can you do me a favor?”

I’m a little surprised by the request. Terrance is the most independent man I’ve ever met. He asks for nothing. Ever. Happy to help, I say, “Sure. Anything.”

“I left a folder on my desk in the office, and I need some of the info from one of the papers.”

“Oh…” Crap. I’m so busted. “Um…I’d love to help, but I’m not exactly at home right now.”

I pull the phone away from my ear and wait out the shout that I know is coming. “WHAT? Where the hell are you?”

“Relax. I’m just doing a little grocery shopping.”

I swear I can hear his teeth grinding through the phone. “With Oliver?” he asks.

“No. He had a test.”

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