Page 7

My job was fantastic. I was able to do a variety of things, chat with humans who led lives I hadn’t even thought real. They traveled the world and made cinematic magic. Or at least that’s how they packaged it. Maybe it was just one reality show after another. In any case, it sounded like magic.

And the benefits—I was paid to work and also got room and board. There was no other job like this out there, even if it was temporary. I stumbled into the right place, at the perfect time, with the exact skill set they needed.

So, why was I looking in the newspaper for a new job?

Because I was a fool. I had two amazing bosses, both of whom took me in when I needed it most. And what did I turn around and do? I decided to whack off in their shower to the mental image of them fucking.

Fine. Maybe decide was a strong term. It wasn’t like I went into the shower—their shower—with the intent of wrapping my hand around myself and envisioning them in there with me—Mateopressed against the wall, Colton pounding into him as Mateo asked me if I liked what I saw. That happened all on its own.

Had it been the first time, I could’ve brushed it off as being lonely or being intoxicated by their scent or a plethora of other things. But I was a walking hard on. Each of my showers led to more hand time, and, when I slept, it was them I dreamed of.

And it wasn’t right. They were a couple. And not just a human dating couple where I could convince myself Fate sent me here to my true mate. No, this was a mated couple who loved each other deeply. My thoughts and impulses had no place here. The only thing that could result from this was someone getting hurt.

It was me who was going to feel the pain. Not them. They didn’t deserve it. I needed to find another job. The newspaper had very few listings. I supposed it was to be expected this time of year, but I’d been optimistic.

But then again, no one puts things in the newspaper any more. The only reason I’d even started there was because a guest left it open on the table.

“Anything good?” Colton asked, startling me. “In the paper, I mean?”

I glanced down at it really quickly to find something, anything to mention. “Someone has some books for sale, and there’s a hot cocoa thing at the bakery at the end of the month.” There. That sounded like I hadn’t been looking for a job and was just getting into the whole local scene.

“That’s a lot of fun, the cocoa thing. They have treats and cocoa and a silent auction. You should check it out.”

I folded the paper. “I might do that. I don’t really know anyone in town.”

“You know us,” he reminded me.

“Yeah, I know an old mated couple.” I was being an ass, but I couldn’t help it. It was that or giving them a glimpse of what I felt, and that was off the table. “I’m done with my morning chores. I think I’m going to go for a walk.” The roads were better, the storm long gone. With everyone back to work, there was no reason for me to stay here other than I wanted to.

“If you can wait a half an hour, I can come with,” he offered.

That wasn’t going to help me find a job or keep my dirty thoughts at bay. Not even close.

“Maybe Mateo can, too?” I offered. Because why the fuck not at this point.

“I’ll check and see what he’s up to. I suggested he take a nap.” Which was something he did often. Mateo didn’t scent ill. But he was always tired. Maybe it was from working so hard, and, with me here, it could get better.

Only I wasn’t going to be here long, was I?

How had I managed to leave one hot mess of a life to walk straight into another? That took talent. Talent I didn’t want to possess.

“Sounds good. I’m just going to take a shower and wash off the morning.” I stood up, angling my body so he couldn’t see my raging hard on. “Half an hour.”

I ran up the steps and into their apartment where I was staying and grabbed some clean clothes from my backpack. I reallyneeded to get some more clothes if I was going to get another job. Doing laundry every three days so you weren’t wearing dirty stuff was fine when you had a place with a washing machine. I had a feeling, with my budget, the next one wouldn’t.

“Scotty?” Mateo’s voice called from the bedroom. “Is that you?”

“Yeah.” I walked over to the doorway. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Colton said you were taking a nap.”

“You didn’t wake me and, if by nap he meant looking at kittens at the county shelter website, then yes I was.” He held up his phone. “They’re adorable. I think this place needs a baby…I mean a fur baby.”

“Colton was going to see if you wanted to go for a walk with us after my shower. Maybe we should go to the shelter instead?”

His face bloomed into the most stunning smile.

“Maybe.” He looked back at his phone. “She’s adorable.”

“I’ll be out in five,” I promised. If just looking at that kitten made him smile like that, I wanted to get him an entire litter.