Page 42 of Finlay
The face behind the counter wasn’t the one I wanted to see. I tried to hide my disappointment, but from the smile spreading across Reid’s face, I failed.
“Chester,” he called out immediately, eyes shining with amusement. “I’m taking my lunch break.”
He was around the counter and out the door before hisboss had a chance to reply. I frowned slightly as I watched him go. We’d had a good talk the other day, and I’d reassured him of his safety. Not only would we keep his location a secret from his former clan, but being ‘supe adjacent,’ he fell under our protection. Thanks to a treaty we shared, Reid’s former clan couldn’t take him from our lands or do anything that incited or involved violence.
It seemed to have settled the fear in Reid. By the end of our conversation, I was confident he wouldn’t go on the run. He’d understood he was safer here and had promised to contact me if any issues arose. Me. Not Evan. Nothing I’d told him had shifted his view of the other wolf. Something I knew Evan was tearing himself to pieces over.
Footsteps echoed from the back and I pushed all thoughts of that away. My heart hammered in my chest as Chester’s intoxicating scent grew stronger.
Fuck, the things this man did to me.
“Reid?” Chester’s voice sounded a second before he walked in. His eyes landed on me, and a blush darkened his cheeks. I tried not to smirk. Was he remembering how I’d wantonly towelled off outside his kitchen window that morning? Or was he imagining some of the dirty things he’d told Buddy that he wanted me to do to him? “Oh, Finn. Hi.”
“Hello.” My hands itched to touch him, so I shoved them into my pockets. I flashed him an easy grin. “I’d like to buy a bouquet, please.”
Just as I’d planned, my request snapped Chester into professional mode. My theory was that if he was distracted with work, this would be easier for him. He seemed most comfortable when he had a task to focus on. Even when visiting him as Buddy, I’d noticed that. This was a man who liked to keep busy.
“Of course.” Chester smoothed his apron before going behind the counter so it was between us. That was okay. I could work with this. “What’s the occasion?”
I braced my forearms on the counter. Chester’s eyes shot to my now bulging biceps, his throat bobbing once. I made a mental note to thank Logan for making me roll the sleeves up past the elbows. “I have a man I’m interested in, someone who likes flowers. Can ye make something that might hint at that interest for me?”
Was it me, or was that disappointment that flashed in Chester’s wide blue eyes? “Yes, I can do that.”
He pulled his notepad out, the pen hovering above the paper as he bit his lip. He kept his head low and his gaze averted. “What kind of…intentions are you considering? Just so I can narrow it down.”
His tongue darted out to soothe where he’d bitten his lip and I had to force myself not to groan as I said, “Sexual. This is someone I want to sleep with.”
For a start.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Chester’s lips as his eyes flicked up sharply. “I’m not sure flowers are a requirement for that. Have you looked in a mirror lately?”
I gave a low chuckle. “Aye, I’m well aware of what I look like. But this man is special. He deserves to be treated like a king, even if it’s just for one night.”
Was I being too obvious? There was no way Chester would put together the ‘one night’ with what he’d told Buddy, right?
Yes, I’m sure he’s going to correctly assume I shift into a wolf that he thinks is a dog. A dog he’s been feeding breakfast and confessing all his inner thoughts to.
“That’s…” Chester exhaled, ducking his head again. It didn’t stop me from seeing the blush deepen on his cheeks. “What a lucky guy. I can definitely do that for you. Do you have any preferences on colours?”
“Nope.” I eased myself a little closer to the counter. I wasn’t touching him, but that didn’t stop the air between us feeling charged. From how Chester’s breath hitched, he felt it too. “Whatever ye think looks best works for me.”
“Great.” His voice came out a little strained, and he cleared his throat. “I mean, that’s fine. Can you come back in about two hours? I should have it ready by then.”
“Excellent.” I grinned as I straightened up. “What would I do without ye?”
Chester gave me a long-suffering sigh. “Get laid based on nothing but your charm and your looks?”
I tilted my head to the side. “You think I’m charming too? I’m a lucky one.”
Chester’s eyes fluttered shut and I could almost hear him counting to ten in his head.
I didn’t give him a chance to come up with something to say. Instead, I leaned over the counter and rubbed my thumb lightly over his cheek. His eyes flew open, his jaw dropping.
“Smudge of dirt,” I said innocently, holding up my hand to show him.
“Oh,” he said softly, touching his cheek where my hand had been. “Thanks.”
“For the record, I think you’re charming too, Chester.” I walked backwards as I spoke, nearing the door. “Charmingandattractive.” I gave him a mock salute. “See ye in two hours.”
