Blake nodded. Opening a store was better than the horse ranch he was thinking about. He hadn’t been able to figure out how he’d keep his eyes on Simone at the same time he ran the ranch, because it would have taken fifteen-hour days, seven days a week.
He didn’t need a job at all because of the investments his grandfather made several decades ago, but he wouldn’t be able to sit around and do nothing. With this idea, he could get back to his whittling and making wood sculptures. It was a passion he’d had most of his life.
“Can I take a look at the store? I can’t take a lot of time because my mate’s hurting from the mating heat, but I figure it’s a good way to teach her not to run from me, and she’s not in any danger.”
“Sure. I’ve got time. My own mate is feeling it, too, so I’ll have to take care of her,” Damon said.
The men walked through the store, and Blake couldn’t be more pleased. It had two big windows up front that could showcase his merchandise and a wall of shelves to put things on. It wasn’t a big room, but then he didn’t need one. There was a small room off the main one that had no doors and was perfect for his own space to create. There was also a back storage room, office, and bathroom.
Blake lifted his nose and smelled oil of some kind. “What did this used to be? I can’t remember.”
“O’Riley’s Bike Shop.”
Blake tried to picture what it looked like, but it had been years since the old man had passed, and nothing had been done with the store. “That explains the smell of oil. He fixed all sorts of things, didn’t he?”
Roman nodded. “Yeah, everything from toasters to small engines like motorcycles or mowers.”
He knew he couldn’t hold off on Simone anymore. The turmoil she felt by running from him grew and that discomfort mixed with the mating heat, and she was at a level of pain he never wanted to see.
“When can I get in?”
“Now, if you want,” Roman said. “I’ll just give you the key.”
“Good. My first order of business is to fuck my mate until she can’t walk, and we won’t make it home.”
Roman laughed. “Have at it. I’ll come with you and get my girl.”
Blake walked into the shop next to his and saw the relief on his mate’s face. All he had to do was open his arms, and she was where she was supposed to be.
Chapter Fourteen
Simone pressed on her lower abdomen as she listened to Nicole talk about where they should place everything. She was excited about the bakery, but her turmoil of running from Blake and the desire building in her made it next to impossible to concentrate.
“Simone!” Nicole yelled and waved a hand in front of her face.
Simone jerked. “What?”
“You’re not listening. In fact, neither of you is,” Nicole said.
“I’ve told you why, Nic,” Brenna said. “It’s something we can’t fight.”
Nicole nodded. “I know. I’m trying to think about how we’re going to be able to do this bakery if your men have to come in every few hours and fuck you guys.”
Simone rolled her eyes. “You make it sound raunchy.”
“I know. Let’s just say I’m a bit jealous,” Nicole said.
Simone tried to see it through her friend’s eyes and understood. “We’ll figure it out, Nic.”
“Don’t look now, but your mates are here.”
Simone turned to see Blake standing inside of the door with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Oh, for God’s sake. I’m going to the diner and eat a piece of pie. Call me when you’re ready to plan again.” Nicole rolled her eyes and walked out.
Simone couldn’t pull her eyes away from Blake. He was so big and handsome, and he was hers. She heard herself whimper.
He opened his arms and waited.