Page 65 of Laced With Secrets

“Next week, maybe? The head chef wasn’t specific.” Jake shrugged. “But I start Monday either way. I have to learn the greenhouse first before I can even touch the pastry kitchen.” He paused. “Feels like maybe my luck is finally changing.”

“It is,” I said. He deserved this happiness. Deserved this fresh start.

“Penny said you made sure his moms had a room at La Papillon,” I said to Dominic, attempting to redirect the conversation. “That was sweet of you.”

A faint pink crept across my alpha’s cheeks, his gaze dropping momentarily as though my words had caught him off guard.

“Abigail handled the reservation and picked them up at the airport,” he said, clearing his throat. “I just made a couple of phone calls.”

I found myself fighting the urge to continue showering him with praise just to watch the color deepen.

“Gentlemen,” Blake’s voice cut through our moment. “While I appreciate the beanbag testing, we do have approximately twelve more furniture pieces to arrange. Perhaps you could continue your testing after we’ve finished unloading the truck?”

“He’s right,” Dominic said, though his smile was indulgent. “Come on. Let’s get this apartment put together so you three can test all the furniture properly later.”

We reluctantly extracted ourselves from the beanbag’s embrace—which took more effort than it should have, the thing was designed to never let you leave—and watched as the movers continued their carefully orchestrated dance of furniture placement.

The sectional sofa went against the west wall. The coffee table centered perfectly in front of it. The dining table positioned to catch morning light. The bedroom furniture arranged according to Blake’s color-coded floor plan.

With each piece that found its place, the apartment transformed from empty space into the beginnings of home.

“We still need to get groceries,” I said, suddenly overwhelmed by all the domestic details. “And kitchen supplies. And bathroom stuff. And?—”

“Already ordered,” Dominic said, pulling me against his side. “Delivery tomorrow morning.”

“But I didn’t make a list?—”

“I did.” He flashed a smile that telegraphed perfect confidence, retrieving his phone from his jacket pocket and placing it in my palm. “If I missed anything, just add it to another delivery.”

I leaned into his warmth, my fingers curling against the firm muscle beneath his sleeve. Through our bond, I felt his satisfaction—alpha contentment at providing, at preparing our nest, at taking care of his pregnant omega.

“The nursery furniture arrives next week,” Dominic added quietly, his hand settling over mine. “But for now, we have the essentials. Bed, couch, that ridiculous beanbag.”

“It’s not ridiculous,” Penny protested from across the room where he and Jake were examining the view from our windows. “It’s ergonomically perfect.”

“Sure it is,” Dominic said, but he was smiling.

Blake appeared with his tablet, satisfaction evident. He’d succeeded in retrieving the gadget while Dominic was preoccupied with the movers in the kitchen. “Everything’s placed according to plan. The movers will finish with the boxes, and then you’ll be officially moved in.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “For everything. The apartment, the security, helping Jake break his terrible apartment lease?—”

“It was a terrible lease,” Blake interrupted. “The landlord was a borderline slumlord. Jake deserves better.” He glanced at Jake, something almost fond flickering across his features.

“Group hug?” Penny suggested.

“Absolutely not,” Blake said immediately.

“Come on,” Penny teased. “Where’s the love?”

“In my well-organized filing system where it belongs,” Blake replied, but there was warmth beneath the dry delivery. “Now, if you will excuse me… I have a conference call in twenty minutes.”

After Blake left—taking Marcus with him to “review security protocols”—the four of us stood in the living room, surrounded by boxes and furniture and the promise of new beginnings.

“So,” Penny said, breaking the silence. “Should we test the couch next? Or save the best for last and end with another beanbag session?”

“Definitely ending with the beanbag,” Jake decided. “That thing is magic.”

“It’s just a very expensive bean-filled pillow,” I said.