Page 52 of The Patron Saint of Timber Hollow

"That's why Magnus is so…. intense about keeping the roads clear," Jay admits, playing with a strand of my hair.

I nod, not sure how to answer. "I'm sorry I never sent anything… Aggie told me, but.. I…" I sigh, sucking in the cold air like it will provide me with something more profound to say.

"It's okay, Artemis. You don't need to apologize for that; it was a long time ago."

Instead of answering right away, I tuck my hands under his shirt, seeking the warmth of his skin; Jay sucks in a surprised gasp at the coolness of my fingertips. Quietly, I ask, "Do you want to go see her?"

"No, or at least not tonight. Unless you want to go see your Dad," Jay rumbles, pressing a kiss to the top of my head again.

"No, not tonight," I agree, exploring his back with my fingertips. "Are you ready to go inside?" I ask, not wanting to leave his embrace, but Idostill want my taro milk tea.

"Sure, Gorgeous, we can go inside."

"Are you going to abandon me immediately?"

"No, of course not. But I need to go and at least tell Magnus what you've been thinking before too long. HeisAlpha still..for now anyway."

"Can we go for a run later? Just you, me, and the boys? Not deep in the forest… justaround."

"Sure. Tell Saint that's what we're doing later, and we'll make it happen." Jay presses a kiss to my forehead, then backs away, sliding my hand into his palm. Together, we walk into the side entrance of the red brick building.

Saint is in the kitchen. I hear him singing along with the radio even down the hall. He's been here for a while today, installing and experimenting with the new espresso machine, which was delivered just the other day. The taro milk tea is available because of Sam and her very specific request for boba. Lucky for me, I like it too.

Jay and I walk hand in hand, and when the song changes to one of my favorites, I start singing and dancing to the beat. Jay laughs and lets me dance out of his grip, watching me go. As I cross the kitchen threshold, Saint belts out the notes of the song with me, using a spatula as a microphone. He sings, and I laugh as he grabs my hand and spins me around. Jay just leans against the doorframe and watches us with a smile.

When the song finishes, Saint spins me again and dips me backward with a hand around my waist. And then, he kisses me, slow and unhurried. When Saint tilts us back upright, my jaw feels like it will fall through the floor. That didn't feel…. purelysexual. Heat creeps across my chest and up my neck. Jay doesn't say anything; he just watches us with that soft smile.

Clearing my throat, I ask, "How's the new machine, Cinnamon?"

I'm hoping the question will turn the attention firmly off of me. Saint is dressed in his usual jeans with an ineffective belt and a dark blue cut-off T-shirt with the word"sleepover" scrawled across it. His curls are everywhere today, like a halo of gold around his head.

"Oh, she's a beauty, works like a charm," Saint remarks, snatching a mug from the counter. "Want to try?" One blonde curl falls in front of his face, and I suddenly feel like the air has left the room. Jay's hair is longer now, too. I can't help but wonder if it's intentional.

"What is this?" I ask, peering into the orange mug.

Saint grins, then replies with "Cafe miel."

"Okay, let me rephrase, what isinit? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy an iced coffee or even a cold brew on occasion, but I haveno fuckingidea what aCafe mielis."

"Espresso, honey, and steamed milk, dusted with Cinnamon sugar," Saint answers, offering me the mug again. I accept it, taking a small sip.

"Very nice," I reply, handing him his drink back. He takes a sip when I do, green eyes keeping watch over the orange rim.

Saint swallows and then asks, "But it's not what you want, is it?" His broad smile is infectious.

"Nope!" I agree cheerfully. Jay finally joins us at the countertop, standing next to me with hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans.

"Well, then, what can I make for you two?" Saint asks, throwing a towel over his shoulder.

"I want a Taro Milk Tea, please," I answer, keeping that wide smile plastered across my face. Saint smirks, rolling his electric green eyes at me. "Hey,don't blame me,Cinnamon. Sam is the one who asked you to stock it."

"But you're the one ordering it, Tiny."

"You're just mad because you want to use your new toy." I can't resist sticking my tongue out at him.

"She's got you there, Saint." Jay answers, laughing. "You can use it for me. I'll do an Americano."

Saint doesn't do anything other than chuckle and make our orders. The Pack is very lucky to have someone like Saint as Beta.