by Bryce Evans
She couldn’t help but smile at the man. He was so good-looking but he didn’t do anything for her libido. He was still pretty to look at and fun to be around.
“Hello beautiful.” Nolan held out a bouquet of red roses.
London giggled at the look on his face. He was the biggest flirt. “Thank you Nolan. They’re beautiful.”
She reached out and took the flowers then motioned for him to enter. She heard the growl when she accepted the flowers, but she wasn’t going to let him control this situation. She didn’t even turn around and look at Ryder when he growled; instead she smelled the flowers and walked back into the kitchen to look for a vase.
She didn’t have to be a shifter to hear the conversation going on in the living room. “What the hell are you doing here, Nolan?” Ryder barked.
“Why do you care, Ryder? You already said she is nothing to you.” Her heart fell as Nolan described how Ryder felt about her. She already knew the truth but it still hurt hearing it. All she could see was anger. He played with her like a mouse. She was nothing to him. Well, two could play that game.
Without skipping a beat, she walked back in the room smiling as she held the vase with the roses in it. She placed them down on the table then grabbed Nolan by the head and placed the biggest kiss on his lips. She could tell by the growling behind her that Ryder was pissed off. If Ryder didn’t care about her then she would be a little wicked and flirt right back with Nolan.
“Thank you again for the flowers. They are simply beautiful. I love them.” She smiled wickedly as Nolan tried to get control of himself. She glanced over at Ryder and the look of murder was shooting from his eyes toward Nolan.
London felt resentful and wanted to hurt him back. She glanced back at Ryder after she kissed Nolan. His eyes widened then narrowed with pure anger. She didn’t care anymore. Like he said, she didn’t mean anything to him.
“Well beautiful, I should bring you flowers more often. How about you go out with me Friday night?” Nolan asked.
“You got a date, handsome. Just tell me what time I need to be ready,” London quipped.
“Uhm well, about seven will be fine.” Nolan acted shocked that she accepted and didn’t know what to do next.
“Well you got it. Now if you two gentlemen will excuse me I have a lot to do to finish unpacking. So if you could let me get to it I would appreciate it.” London walked to the door and opened it waiting for Nolan and Ryder to leave.
She watched the dreadful look appear on Ryder’s face. Apparently, the man had never been turned down before, or asked to leave a woman’s house. Well today was the day of firsts. The look on his face was priceless, but she thought her remarks hit the right spot. She was on a roll now and out of her comfort zone, but she was going to continue living and that meant without Ryder Malone trying to play her.
Nolan and Ryder walked toward the door. Nolan walked out first and Ryder hesitated before he walked out. She knew he wanted to say something but she didn’t give him a chance. Once his feet were across the threshold of the door she closed and locked it quickly.
London ran to the window and watched Nolan get in his truck and leave. She watched Ryder who was still standing on the porch in a daze. She couldn’t help but laugh at how shocked he looked. Ryder doesn’t want me. He just doesn’t want anyone else to have me. Game on Mr. Malone. I plan to beat you at this one. She wasn’t going to allow Ryder to control who she dated.
Chapter 20
Zoey pulled up in front of their new office, and pointed at the other building that lined Main Street. “Every Alpha has an office on Main Street. That one next to ours is Ryder’s office, and I’m sure his assistant will be over soon. I love Will, he’s so sweet and I know you’ll like him too.”
With perfect timing Donnie pulled up next to Zoey’s vehicle, smiling as he got out. “Are you two going to sit in the car all day?”
The crazy man was dressed to a tee, in dark pants and a white button up shirt left open at the top. His jacket was hanging over his shoulder, and making him look like a GQ model.
Zoey and London looked at each other then burst out in giggles. They both mouthed Calvin Klein at the same time. It was great to be here with both of her best friends. Her job would be so much more interesting than working for Landon’s Computer Company and she couldn’t wait to start.
“Hey before we start taking stuff inside, let me show you the offices. I kinda already picked an office for myself. I hope you don’t mind. I already had this office before you agreed to be my partner, but I was thinking of you and gave you the biggest office. It’s the one with more space because I knew you would want multiple computers to work on everything. I also have a smaller office that GQ can work in or however you want to set it up,” Zoey said, and London smiled putting her hand on Zoey’s shoulder.
“I trust your judgment. I just need an office big enough to put the computers all on one table, so I don’t have to go from room to room. Oh and a desk, so I can do some of the work. Now stop worrying, Zoey. I will love whatever you have put together.” London grabbed the car door and got out when she realized that Zoey was starting to tear up. Moving to Donnie’s side, they stood shoulder to shoulder and stared at the building. It was really nice. Actually, the whole street was nice.
Impetuously, she hugged Donnie.
“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining or anything but just asking,” he asked, as she released him.
“I'm just happy to be here. Plus, I’m tickled pink to be working with you, goofy,” London said.
“Wow, baby girl. I’m tickled pink to be here too,” Donnie snickered. His expression tightened around the eyes as if he was going to cry too. She needed to stop this and get inside before they all broke out in tears.
Zoey got out of the car with the keys in her hand. “Okay let’s do this.”
Together, they walked through their new front door. The name wasn’t on it yet, but that was first on the agenda today. Zoey opened the door to an area that had a desk in it, and chairs sitting against the walls. Moving quickly through the reception room, she opened the first office.
“Is this my office?” Donnie asked, excitedly as Zoey nodded. The office already had a beautiful cherry wood desk with a TV up on the wall and a bookcase that sat in the corner. It also had its own attached bathroom, and they watched as Donnie opened the door and started jumping up and down. “Yes, yes, yes! It has a bathroom. My own bathroom! I love you, Zoey. I love you, girl,” he yelled running up to Zoey and hugging her neck.
“It doesn’t take much to please him. Now let’s move to the next one,” Zoey directed, pointing down the hall.
London’s office was already decorated, with a sofa that sat near the door, and pictures of wolves hanging on the wall. The images were simply stunning, and she realized that the wolves were bigger than one would see in the wild or a zoo. She assumed they were of her new pack, but she would ask Zoey about it later. The space was large, and it smelled sweetly of her friend.
“Great decorating, Zoey,” she commented. She was excited that the office already had a big table set inside with three computer screens sitting on them. A beautiful desk sat on the other side. It was pretty—if an office could be considered pretty.
That was the moment it hit her, that they were really doing this. Going into business together and learning to play with the big dogs.
“It’s so pretty Zoey. You did a good job. I love it, I really do.”
“I’m so excited ya’ll are here,” Zoey squealed at the top of her lungs, launching herself at London. Donnie joined them and the three of them held on to each other jumping up and down.
She loved these two people and the thought of having to return to the backstabbing, thieving people at Landon made her head hurt. She knew this was the best decision she ever made.
When she started feeling light headed, she stopped jumping and looked to the door. A man stood at the door laughing as the three grown people jumped up and down like little kids
. The first thing she noticed was how good looking he was and how he looked just like Donnie. They appeared to have the same taste in clothes, as he appeared to be wearing Calvin Klein as well. Must be something in the water here, she had yet to see an ugly man.
“Hey, I’m sorry we got a little carried away with seeing our offices for the first time,” London explained.
“Will!” Zoey shouted, running over to the man, and jumping into his arms.
“Zoey! I love the offices! Welcome to 304 Main Street also known as Alpha Street,” Will announced, his attention shifting immediately when he saw Donnie. Walking past her and right up to Donnie, he held out his hand, “Hello, I’m Will Chambers.”
She could see the sparkle in Donnie’s eyes as soon as he spotted Will. Now this could be something, London thought. Then Donnie did something she never thought he would do. He played it off as if he was an everyday guy. Donnie flirted with everyone and that means everyone. The damn mailman didn’t even escape the charm of Donnie Morgan. The man could flirt with the best of them, but in this moment, Donnie stuck his hand out, and said, “Hello.” Before he looked away from Will and casually stated, “I’m going to get some of the stuff from the car. Be right back.”
London and Zoey were in shock, they’d never seen Donnie act so rude to anyone especially someone as good looking as Will.
“So Will, what do you do?” London asked, hurrying to break the tension in the air.
Will, stood motionless still staring at the door as he spoke, “Uhm…I’m Ryder Malone’s assistant. I just wanted to welcome you to A.S.”
“A.S.?” London blinked in confusion at the abbreviation.
“Alpha Street,” Will whispered, before turning back toward Zoey. “I need to get back before Ryder sends out a search party.”
He bolted for the door like he couldn’t get out of the room fast enough, and he was gone before London could say good-bye or nice meeting you.
“What was that?” she asked a baffled Zoey.
“I’ve never seen Donnie be rude to anyone, but I don’t know him like you. Is that normal for him?” Zoey asked.
“I’ve never seen him like that. He’s never been that nervous around a man before. I think he really liked Will and it threw him for a loop,” London responded.
“Really? I bet that’s it. He looked like he’d seen a ghost, then wham he bounced out of here like the hounds of hell were on his ass.” Zoey said, shaking her head, “I don’t know him like you do so it could be that. It certainly appeared that Will liked what he saw.”
London turned toward the door. “Okay girl let’s get this office set up and start work.”
London and Zoey got started moving the table and desk around the room looking for the perfect spot. Hours passed before all the offices were set up and in working order. All they needed now was a little touch of their own style.
She wanted to get started, and she needed to put what she had on paper in the computer and start with their newest project. If they wanted to be successful, she needed something to sell.
London heard a buzzing but couldn’t figure out what it was. Finally, it dawned on her that it was her cell phone vibrating. Looking around, she located her phone inside her desk drawer.
“Hello?” London answered.
“London baby, it’s Me-Len.” She smiled at her grandmother’s soft voice.
“Hey Me-Len,” She was excited that they were together in the same town again.
“I want to see you. Can you come to dinner tonight at Meryl’s house? I haven’t found a place for me to live yet, and Meryl has been kind enough to allow me to sleep in his spare bedroom, but I miss my girl,” Me-Len explained.
“Sure. What’s his address? Oh wait, crap, I forgot. I rode to work with Zoey. I will have her to drop me off, and I can get a taxi home. What time Me-Len?” London asked.
“How about you come after you get off work? A nice home cooked meal will be good for you,” Me-Len advised.
“Okay, I’ll see you then. Do I need to bring someth—”
“No…no. I just want to see you. I miss you so much.” Me-Len interrupted.
“I will be there with bells on. And Me-Len, I miss you too,” she whispered into the phone. She hadn’t realized just how much she missed her grandmother, until now. Hanging up the phone she went back to work before she started thinking too much and her thoughts led to Ryder Malone.
* * * *
Zoey pulled down the road that Meryl lived on, as London looked around at the pretty neighborhood. She was truly happy for her grandmother. It had been too long since Me-Len worried about her own happiness first.
Zoey pulled into the driveway at Meryl’s house. The house was white with a big front porch. She could already see that her grandmother’s rocking chairs sat on the porch along with a ton of flowers.
“Do you need me to come back to get you?” Zoey asked.
“Nope. I’ll get a cab home. You look tired Zo. Go home and rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Love ya and great job today.” London smiled, then grabbed the door handle and got out. She noticed when she looked back, Zoey was laughing as she backed out of the driveway. What is up with that girl?
London was tired, but she wanted to see her grandmother, so she walked up on the porch and knocked on the door. Me-Len opened it, smiling. She grabbed a hold of London and hugged her.
“Hey baby girl. You look tired. How did the first day go?” London hugged her back as they walked inside the house.
“Well it went great, but I am definitely tired. We got the offices set up so tomorrow we can get down to the nitty gritty of it all.” The smell of pot roast hit her nose as she walked further into the house. “Something smells good in here. Is that your pot roast I smell?” London asked the smiling Me-Len.
“I made your favorites,” Me-Len answered, beaming.
“You made mashed potatoes and green beans too?”
“Of course I did.” Me-Len added.
“Oh, I’m so going to enjoy this.” London followed her into the kitchen to find Meryl standing at the stove. He put the spoon down and greeted her with a hug.
“Hey London,” Meryl said, smiling.
“Thanks for inviting me for dinner. It smells great.” London could feel him, before she even saw him. She could see Meryl’s eyes glance over her shoulder, and she turned around slowly praying that it wasn’t him, not today. She was tired and her defenses were down. Just not today. The mantra she repeated over and over.
Well it was going to be one of those days. I guess it was too much to ask for, London thought. There Ryder was with a beer in his hand smiling like a Cheshire cat.
Why was he here? He looked gorgeous and his killer smile just did it for her, but why was he here? Damn it to hell. She could still feel the electrical current buzzing up her body. She couldn’t even control her own body around the man. The way he looked at her confused the hell out of her. One minute he acted as if he was attracted to her and then the next he was out the door without so much of a good-bye.
Trying to focus, she pushed her frustration aside. She had a date tomorrow night and she was going no matter what her body was telling her. However, Me-Len had some explaining to do. London squeezed her grandmother’s hand letting her know she needed to talk.
“Hello London,” Ryder said. His voice sounded different, and it sent a shiver through her belly. Me-Len nudged her bringing her out of the haze she was in.
“Uh…oh hello, Ryder,” London responded softly.
“Can I get you something to drink, London?” Meryl asked. “Maybe a glass of wine?”
“Sure a glass of wine would be great unless you have some tequila,” London joked. She wondered who else was coming to dinner tonight.
“London let me show you the house while the men talk,” Me-Len suggested, then grabbed London’s hand, and escorted her out of the kitchen. She walked to the back of the house where the bedrooms were located. Me-Len walked into a bedroom and closed the door.
&n
bsp; “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was coming when I called you. When I told Meryl that I had invited you to dinner he said that he already invited Ryder over to talk about the problems he is having.” Me-Len pulled London over to the bed and sat down. “Your expression says that you’re not happy about Ryder being here. Is there something wrong?”
“No, no, it’s okay. It just surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to see him.” Me-Len turned her head and stared at her. Damn it, she looks like she can read right through me. “Look I understand. What kind of problems is he having?” London inquired, curiously.
“I really shouldn’t talk about it since it is pack business. Maybe he will share some of it tonight. That way I won’t feel like I have broken any rules about discussing insider information.” Me-Len responded.
“Okay. Well tell me about your new job then? And by the way do I need to have a chat with Mr. Meryl about how he needs to treat my grandmother?” London teased Me-Len, but in a way she wasn’t kidding. She would tear anyone apart that hurt Me-Len. They sat on the bed talking about her job and her relationship with Meryl when they heard Meryl call out that dinner was ready.
London walked back into the kitchen with her head held high. She meant tonight was going to be okay. Bumping into Ryder was going to happen even having to spend time with him was going to happen too. She made a promise that she wouldn’t allow him to pull her along then bolt. Nope she wasn’t allowing him to do that to her.
“Sit down everyone. Ryder, you sit here across from London.” Meryl suggested.
Ryder stood behind London and pulled the chair out for her then pushed it in when she was seated. She would give him credit. The Alpha had manners or at least he was acting that way in front of her grandmother. He made his way back around the table and sat down. It was only a simple gesture, but it meant something to her. Peeking up, she noticed that Ryder was staring at her. No. Look away London. It felt like he had hypnotized her. Look away, now, London thought as she jerked her head toward Meryl.
