Page 50 of Altius (The Scent of Victory #2)

Thirty-Two

Morgan

I was folding my pajamas, the last piece of the packing puzzle for my trip to San Diego for the football team’s semi-final game, when Jacobi sauntered in.

“A little birdie told me you’re almost done packing,” he said, wasting no time rummaging through my suitcase “Well, what do we have here? A baggie full of your favorite tea flavors, two boxes of protein bars, an extra set of your meds, weather-appropriate clothes…”

I rolled up my pajamas and smacked the top of his head. “Stop making a mess.”

He skittered away with a laugh. “Why? Your beefcakes will triple-check and refold everything before you leave tomorrow.”

“Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “But I don’t mind. Saves me the hassle.”

After hip-checking him aside, I tidied up the tea and snacks Wyatt had prepared for me. He’d also downloaded an audiobook version of my favorite fantasy novel from college onto my phone.

Cal had gifted me a travel-sized weighted blanket in Northport navy, which we both pretended wasn’t his version of an apology for Dr. Sethi’s recent behavior.

He’d also added warmer clothes and an umbrella to my scant selection of jogger pants and t-shirts because, unlike me, he’d thought to check the weather forecast for San Diego.

My boyfriends had provided extra comfort, portable fuel, and mobile entertainment. None of which had occurred to me to pack.

I’d been too focused on shoving as many white papers as possible into my carry-on bag. Despite his confusing behavior in our personal interactions, Owen’s research paper selections were spot-on.

Jacobi plopped down on the corner of my bed, tossing a pair of socks between his hands. “What about Kelsey?”

“She’s a grown adult—who doesn’t need to pack another grown adult’s suitcase.”

“But she’s been your designated adult for a decade.

” Glancing at me sideways, he failed to hide his probing gaze.

“I get it. You’re riding high on romance-induced endorphins.

It feels natural that Wyatt’s basically moved in, and Cal’s here all the time.

You’re envisioning the bloody bliss of mating bites. But from a beta’s perspective…”

He was right. It probably felt like we were being invaded by alphas—and one nosy omega pest. I’d hoped Kelsey’s burgeoning friendship with Alijah might make things more palatable, but I guess I was wrong.

“It’s only for a few more months,” I said, tucking my extra pills and a few pairs of socks into a storage pocket, feeling guilty for how much my private life was infringing upon hers. “Once my fellowship ends in July—”

Jacobi let out an uncouth cackle. “Oh, honey bear. July?” He dropped the socks into the suitcase. “You’ll be lucky if she makes it through March.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

“Why don’t you ever believe me when I’m trying to be reasonable?” He heaved a dramatic sigh. “You never take me seriously unless I’m being hyperbolic. Very well then, if I must…”

Jacobi got to his feet and wheeled around, levying an accusatory finger at my bed.

“That smells like a drunken topiary, and you positively reek before, during, and after your morning workouts. Boozy boxwood is not part of a balanced breakfast.”

“Then go back to California,” I said, shutting my suitcase.

“Kelsey’s taking me to the airport on Saturday. Which is why I’m taking time out of my busy schedule of socializing and revenge hook-ups to share a few precious pearls of wisdom.”

Grabbing me by the arm, Jacobi dragged me into my home office next door, plunking me down in the desk chair.

“Check your email,” he said.

A commercial real estate listing for an old garment factory, a short drive from Tolliver Yards, awaited me. I opened it and began flipping through the photos.

The building had five stories with ample square footage, but it was overpriced for the area, and I suspected most of the windows and fixtures were covered in lead paint. And it would be a monumental task to convert it into usable space.

“Do you hate it?” Jacobi asked, leaning against the back of my chair.

“It doesn’t matter what I think.” I closed the browser tab. “Because we’re not buying it. I can’t oversee renovations on my own with my current schedule.”

“But it’s perfect for Beaufeather’s. Trust me.

” He reached around me, pulled the listing back up, and expanded a panoramic photo of the first floor.

“If we took out half of these planks, it would give the main sales floor double-height ceilings. There are tons of nooks and crannies for all kinds of creative displays. She’d have plenty of space for inventory and shipping. It would be amazing.”

It did sound nice, but also slightly out of left field. The menace was up to something.

“Very tempting,” I said, angling my shoulders to reach up and squish his cheeks. “But what’s in it for you? The truth, if you please.”

Jacobi shook off my hand. “Studio space. I take the top floor. Turn it into an artist’s paradise. Kelsey gets the first and second floors for Beaufeather’s. We can rent out the rest of the building as office space, or retail, or something.”

The promise in his words only doubled my distrust.

“Jacobi…”

His shoulders rose, a half-hearted shrug that downplayed his inner turmoil.

“There’s nothing for me in California. And my folks are getting older.

They shouldn’t have to rely on Ethan’s pack for late-night milk runs or to shovel their snow and whatnot.

They mentioned a new beta retirement facility’s opening in the historic district, and, well…

” Jacobi’s smile regained a hint of its impish luster.

“They might have drawn the short straw with their only kid, but I’ll be damned if I don’t spoil them. ”

I stood up and pulled him in for a long hug. “If this is the pile of bricks your heart desires, let’s call Dad and make an offer. But be prepared to go in alone. I don’t think Kelsey will take the bait.”

“Oh, she will.” Jacobi hugged me so tight my ribs creaked. “Trust me.”

“You’ve said that before.”

“But I’ve got a solid hunch this time.” He flashed an unsettling smirk and let me go. “A big, beefy hunch with a side of shrub boy.”

“She’s going to want to use as much of her own money as possible,” I said quietly, sinking back into the chair.

“Kels hasn’t had to pay a single bill in ten years. Besides, you and I would both invest in a heartbeat.”

“That’s beside the point. It’s her business. Kelsey needs to be in charge if this is going to work. Especially the store layout and design. No sticking your nose where it’s not wanted.”

“Great! I hope she goes hog wild. Hires an architect, a designer, a project manager, a whole army of sales associates, whatever she wants.” He perched on the edge of my desk and gave me an encouraging smile. “It’s time for you both to move on.”

I digested his words for a long moment, then nodded. “I know. But what if she doesn’t like the space?”

“We’ll find a better one.”

“And if she doesn’t want to share the building with you?”

“I won’t take it personally.” Jacobi flashed a rascally grin. “I’m more worried about you starving to death after she moves out.”

“If you can survive without her cooking, so can I.”

“Don’t remind me,” he grumbled.

Tenny padded over, batting at my leg for attention. I lifted him onto my lap, stroking his back while I looked through the listing again, trying to imagine its potential in Kelsey’s capable hands.

“You can pitch the idea to her,” I said.

“Excellent. I already have a tour lined up for Friday.”

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I added, “Reassure her that our investment offer still stands.”

“Of course. Leave it to me. You go do football things with your boys, and I’ll work my magic on Kelsey.”

“Cal didn’t get travel approval. Only Alijah.”

No, bad Morgan. Don’t start lumping them together.

“What was that?” Jacobi asked, holding a hand to his ear and batting his eyelashes. “Finally going to take pity on Alijah?”

“That’s the last thing he’d want. Not that there’s anything to pity, he’s…”

Wonderful. Attractive, thoughtful, kissable, and stronger than he gave himself credit for.

“I don’t want to talk about him,” I said, nuzzling Tenny’s shoulder as I stood up.

“Fine by me,” Jacobi said, trailing after me toward the door. “I was just wondering when you plan to make your next boyfriend acquisition.”

“The only potential acquisition I’m worried about,” I said, heading into my bedroom, “probably has asbestos and a sewer issue and—”

“Sewer issue?” Wyatt asked. He stood beside the bed, tucking more snacks into my carry-on bag. “Need me to take care of it?”

“Joaquin’s got more experience,” Cal said, sitting against the headboard, answering emails on his laptop.

When had they arrived, and how much of my conversation with Jacobi had they overheard?

“Okay,” Wyatt said, pulling out his phone. “Where’s the problem—guest bath, powder room?”

I hurried over, holding Tenny to my chest, catching Wyatt just before he pressed the call button. “Everything’s fine. Jacobi’s interested in a new building, that’s all.”

“Oh, really?” Wyatt slid his phone back into the pocket of his shorts and resumed loading granola bars and fruit leather into my carry-on. “That’s cool.”

“Yes, I’m very excited.” Jacobi gave a perfunctory wave goodnight and turned on his heel. “But not as excited as I am about the extra-wide bed arriving on Thursday.”

I whipped around in shock, nearly dropping Tenny as I did so. “What?”

“Kelsey approved the purchase.” He blew a kiss over his shoulder and kept walking. “And now you three can practice safe, memory-foam-supported sex with room to spare. I happily accept your gratitude in advance!”

Tenny squirmed out of my arms, trailing Jacobi back to the living room, no doubt planning to beg for treats.

Rubbing my aching temples, I closed my eyes and ignored the curious gazes of Cal and Wyatt.