Page 20 of Wrong Number, Right Fox (Dial M For Mates #6)

JOSS

When I was single, I didn’t realize just how much my life revolved around work.

Now that I was mated and pregnant—and feeling the exhaustion that came with growing a little one…

or possibly multiples, the whole fox litter thing still freaked me out a little—I could see clearly how encompassing my job had been.

And I loved it. I loved my work. Loved Harold. Loved all we accomplished. But I loved Garner more.

It was time to shift priorities.

I’d talked to my mate about it, curled up in bed with him the night before while his hand rubbed gently over the growing swell of my belly.

His first suggestion had been simple—just take leave.

Tell Harold I needed time off. He’d understand.

Harold was a shifter. He knew the difference between mates and random hookups or even long-term human partnerships. He’d get it.

And he was right about all those things. Harold was amazing, and our bond went far deeper than simply co-workers. He was my brother in all ways but blood.

I had to admit, it was a tempting prospect. I almost said yes. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I wouldn’t be home with Garner if I did that. I’d just be home. Alone. Garner would still be working. That wasn’t what I wanted either.

That’s when I started to consider the idea of working at Redtail, not as a consultant this time, but as an actual employee.

I already knew the ins and outs of the company after my time consulting there.

I loved the people. They were my kind of people and now were my den.

Smart, kind, collaborative… family. And more than that, I wanted to be near Garner.

I didn’t want to waste a second away from him.

I wanted our lives fully meshed together—not just mornings and nights, but the in between too.

Of course, I didn’t want to let Harold down.

It would be so much easier if I’d had a random job.

Then I could quit with none of the guilt.

But our company had been everything to both of us for so long, and just because my life choices were going down a different path, that didn’t give me the right to force him to do the same.

We had built Denmarke Global together. We were a team. I needed to talk to him before any decisions were made. It was the right thing to do.

“I’m going to do it today,” I said aloud, more to myself than anyone.

I set my tea down in front of me, eggs untouched on the plate. I’d thought eggs were the best idea ever until I smelled them. Pregnancy was wild like that—everything I once loved turned against me, and things I used to avoid suddenly became cravings.

“You’re going to do what today, love?” Garner asked, glancing at me from across the table. He was dressed for work, enjoying the last of his breakfast before he had to leave.

“I’m going to talk to Harold. See how he feels about everything. He’s important to me too.”

I loved that Garner trusted me unconditionally.

I had dated guys in the past who were jealous of Harold, who thought I needed to spend less time with him because obviously, since we were both hot, we’d bang.

It was exhausting and a big part of the reason I’d given up on dating altogether for a long time.

Garner never once even looked at Harold sideways.

He understood that Harold was my den before I even knew what one was.

Garner reached across the table, placing his hand over mine, his touch exactly what I craved.

“Whatever you decide to do,” he said, his voice soft and sure, “I’ll be right beside you.

If the two of you talk and you don’t want to make any decisions yet, that’s okay too.

If you want me to come in with you, just say the word.

One phone call and I’ll be there. Just tell me what you need. ”

I rubbed my thumb gently over the back of his hand. “I’ll just go in,” I said. “I’ve got this.”

He squeezed my hand. “I know you do, Joss. I know you do.”

We left the house at the same time, him headed to Redtail, me to Denmarke Global.

I made my usual stop for coffee along the way, though I skipped ordering one for myself.

Coffee and I were not currently on good terms—one of many recent betrayals by my pregnant body.

It also hated diet cola. Water and tea it was.

I walked into Harold’s office without knocking, setting the coffee in front of him and plopping down into the chair across from his desk.

“Hey, Harold, can we talk?”

He looked up from his computer, a knowing look already on his face. “And by talk, you mean you want to not take on clients for a while.”

I blinked. He was so close. “How’d you know that? Did Garner call you?”

“No, nothing like that.” He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “You’re pregnant. You’re mated. All your instincts are going to be screaming at you to stay close to your den, to your mate. Am I wrong?”

I sighed. “No. You’re right. But I can’t figure out the best way to deal with that.”

“I have an idea, if you want to hear it.” He picked up his coffee and took a long sip. “Is this one of today’s specials? Barista’s choice?”

I smiled.

“Coconut, almond, mocha?” he guessed.

“You’re getting good at these.” It was my favorite milkshake combination, so I figured it was worth a shot for Harold.

“I like the combo.” He set his cup down and dove back into work talk. “Or… what about just being a silent partner for a while? No pressure, nothing formal. Nothing permanent unless you want it to be. Just step back. Let the machine run without you for a bit.”

“That’s not fair to you.”

“It is,” he said firmly. “This company is what it is because of the work we’ve done together. But right now, it’s on autopilot. I’ve already handed off more tasks to the new hires we brought on. Honestly, I think it’s time we both slowed down a little.”

I swallowed. “I’ve also been thinking about… maybe getting another job.”

His eyebrows rose and he smiled wide. “At Redtail?”

I nodded. “Seriously. Did Garner call you?”

“No.” He laughed. “He didn’t. I guessed. Because if I were in your shoes, that’s exactly where I’d go.”

We spent the rest of the morning going over logistics. He insisted I keep my desk but forward my phone line to him so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding friend—or a better business partner.

From there, I went straight to Redtail, right to my mate’s office, and knocked on his door.

“Come in.”

I opened the door and stepped inside. “Hey, I was wondering if you’re hiring?”

Garner looked up, and the moment his eyes met mine, he crossed the room in a few long strides and pulled me into a hug that lifted my feet off the ground.

“As it happens,” he murmured into my ear, “I need a personal assistant.”

“You’re not afraid you’ll be accused of nepotism?” I teased, nuzzling into his shoulder.

“They can accuse away. It wouldn’t be wrong.” He kissed my cheek with a smack. “It is nepotism. I’m the CEO. That’s kind of the perk of the job—hiring your mate.”

I laughed, holding onto him tightly. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You love it.”

“I really do.”

And I did. I loved him. I loved that he wanted me beside him—not just in the quiet hours of the morning or as we fell asleep, but here, in the in-between moments of everyday life.

We stood there for a long moment, wrapped up in each other. This was it. This was what it meant to build a life together.

I wasn’t leaving anything behind. I was stepping into something new—something real. Something we were creating together.

And I couldn’t wait.