Free Nic by Jordan Summers Page B

who Nic had met last night, but whoever she was, she’d changed his friend’s life for the better. How long would it take him to figure that out and hunt her down? Hopefully not long. He wanted Nic to move back to the estate. Back home with the pack where he belonged.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Every time Nic inhaled, he smelled her honeyed scent and pictured her writhing beneath him. The aroma distracted him, but not half as much as the instant replay. He banged his thumb twice and lost count of how many times he’d dropped his tools.
    After a few hours, he’d had enough. Nic needed to get some fresh air. Needed to clear his head. Needed to stop thinking about her, when there was a very good chance he’d never see her again.
    His wolf surged to the surface and stared out through his eyes. It raised its furry head and sniffed the air. The woman’s scent drifted deep into its lungs, then it sank back, hovering just beneath his skin.
    He might be willing to walk away, but it wasn’t.
    “I’m going into town to grab some lunch.” Nic headed for the door. “I’ll pick up the cables we need while I’m there.”
    “The chef’s putting on a big spread at the house. We don’t need—”
    Bernie hit Josh and glared at him. “See you in a few.”
    Nic nodded and strode outside. He climbed into his truck and started the engine. As he roared down the long drive toward the security gate, some of the tension in his chest eased.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Josh turned to Bernie after Nic left. “You want to tell me what’s going on? I’ve never seen Nic so distracted. He didn’t notice that Jenna was here.”
    “I know.” Bernie grinned. “It’s only going to get worse.”
    “What is?” Josh asked.
    “Isn’t it obvious?” Bernie replied.
    Josh scratched his head. “Maybe to you.” He grabbed the pastry and handed it to Bernie.
    Bernie looked at it, sniffed, then wrinkled his nose. He tossed the confection into the trash.
    “You better not let the cook see you do that,” Josh said. “He went to a lot of trouble to make those fresh. I thought you wanted a pastry.”
    “No, I just needed to talk to Nic,” Bernie said. “I wanted to confirm my suspicions.”
    “What suspicions are those?” Josh asked.
    “Our friend Nic has found his bondmate,” Bernie said.
    Josh’s eyes widened and he glanced at the door Nic had walked out of. “Why didn’t he say anything? It’s such a big deal. Definitely cause for celebration.”
    Bernie cocked his head and his smile widened. “Because I don’t think he knows. At least not for certain.”
    Josh grabbed his stomach and hooted with laughter. “Oh man,” he said. “Can’t wait to see Nic’s face when he finally figures it out.”
    Bernie chuckled. “Should be something, all right. In the meantime, cut him some slack. His wolf will really be riding him hard until he closes the deal.”
     
    * * * * *
     

 

Chapter Nine
     
    Celina cornered Mindy the second she walked into the animal clinic. “Did anything odd happen last night?”
    The humiliation over what she’d done came rushing back. Mindy couldn’t meet Celina’s penetrating gaze. “W-what do mean?” She rushed past the cheery light blue walls with the doggy and kitty pictures on them, and slipped into the office.
    Celina followed. “Slade’s a catch. I get it,” she said. “I know if I find him irresistible, it’s a safe bet that other women do, too.”
    Mindy had no idea how Slade figured into last night. “What?”
    “If he dropped by your house, you can tell me. I won’t be mad.” Pain filled her eyes and she squared her shoulders.
    “Celina, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mindy said. “I haven’t seen Slade since the last time he came by to pick you up after work.”
    “Swear?”
    “I swear,” Mindy said.
    Celina deflated. “Oh, good.” Her eyes narrowed. “Then why did you look so guilty when I asked about last night?”
    “I don’t know what you mean,” Mindy said,