After leaving Quinn’s house, I drove straight to the nearest Asheville RV dealership, which meant going to Hendersonville. My heart wasn’t in it. I didn’t feel any excitement even though I should’ve been thrilled to return to our homestead. Instead, I was consumed with the unexplainable sense of loss. By the time I met up with a salesman, I was ready to buy the first tow-behind I found.

“What’s your price range?” The guy smiled at me in way that made me mildly uncomfortable.

“I don’t have a limit. Let’s find one that meets my needs, then find me someone to deliver today, and I’ll buy it.” I sighed.

He tugged on his chin. “So, do you want to get the credit application going and we can look after we get the results.”

Only sheer restraint kept me from growling at this man. “No,” I gritted out. “I will pay for it. I’ll get a cashier’s check as soon as you give me the total. Got it?”

His eyes widened briefly, but he quickly recovered. “Well, then let’s get searching.”

By the time I’d seen three different models, I was completely over this chore. I didn’t even bother trying to hide my frustration anymore. “Find me one with bunks and a comfortable living area in the back, a bedroom for me, a nice functional kitchen, an outdoor kitchen, and a bathroom I can turn around in. I’ll take it.”

The man scanned the list of models on the lot. “I think I have just the one for you.” He quickly steered me to one on the far side of the lot. “Now, it’s a little pricey.”

“I don’t care.” I tightened my ponytail and followed him.

He unlocked the door. “Take a look and let me know what you think.”

I walked into the open living space, which consisted of a couch, a U-shaped booth, and a kitchen with an island. To the right was my bedroom with a queen-sized bed. The TV was on a swiveling panel, so it could be watched in the bedroom, if I was so inclined. I walked through the kitchen and found a small, but functional pantry. The bathroom was on the left with a standup shower and door to the outside. The entire back was a bunk house, which could sleep three, plus an entertainment center where the twins could have their own television. When I walked out the door, I found the outdoor kitchen.

“Fine.” I shrugged. “This will work.”

The salesman was practically rubbing his hands together as we returned to the office to complete the paperwork. Meanwhile, I trudged behind him lost in thought, until my phone began to vibrate. I grabbed it from inside my satchel and grinned when I saw Quinn’s name appear on my screen. “Hey.” For some reason, I sounded breathless.

“Don’t do it,” he warned. “I have a better idea.”

“Don’t do what?” I covered my other ear with my hand. The background noise drowned him out. The mountains didn’t help either.

“You don’t strike me as a camper.” Quinn chuckled.

I hesitated before responding. “I’m not.”

“So, if you buy an RV, you’re wasting money,” he explained.

I paced just inside the showroom. “I know, but I don’t have any alternatives. We have to move back to the homestead.”

“Savvy,” he murmured.

I could almost feel him caressing me through the phone. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the wall. “Yes, Quinn?”

“I have an idea. It’s a better idea. It’s a practical idea.” His excitement was obvious.

With a groan, I asked, “What’s the idea?”

“Tiny house.”

“What?” I croaked. In my mind, I pictured a living space so tight, the twins and I were practically on top of each other. Nothing relaxing about that. I shook my head.

“I know what you’re thinking. It’s nothing like that. I’m texting you an address. Come meet me,” Quinn urged. “Then, if you still want an RV, I’ll help you negotiate a deal.”

My temper flared. “So, you think I can’t do it?” I stormed out of the showroom and made a beeline for my car. “I can do this. I was already about to do it. What makes you think I need your help?”

He swallowed hard. “Maybe I don’t think you need me,” he admitted quietly. “Maybe I just want you to need me some. Would that be so terrible?” He sighed. “I sent you the address. See you soon.”

Then he ended the call and I felt like an ass. Why did I always think the worst of him? Why was I so determined to exert my independence? Why couldn’t I let anyone help me? His text chimed and I loaded the address into the map and started on my way. While I drove, I considered all these questions paining me. The truth was difficult to accept. My father had made me this way. He didn’t want me to ever need a male. I could still hear his voice in my head. This is how you’ll know the love is real.

Apparently, if I didn’t need a guy, but I still wanted to be with him, we were on a level playing field. I wouldn’t be some sucker. I’d be the strong, fierce woman my father trained me to be. I’d be the Alpha, completely untouchable. I’d prepared for this role for ten years, never really expecting I’d actually have to step up. My parents were supposed to still be here. My chest tightened. My wolf whined. Then, thankfully, I arrived at the destination. The last thing I needed was more alone time to think.

Quinn had been watching for me. As soon as I parked, he opened my door and offered me a hand. My brow rose. “You do know I can get out all by myself, right?”

He chuckled. “Of course, but as a gentleman, I should open doors for you. I should make you feel safe and cared for.”

My brow furrowed. “And why would you do that?”

Leaning close, he whispered, “Haven’t you figured it out yet?”

“Figured what out?” I giggled because everything about this seemed so silly.

He wrapped his arms around me and drew me close to his chest. “I like you, Savvy. I could more than like you.”

My breath caught in my throat. Why couldn’t he be a shifter? Why did life have to be so complicated? “But you can’t. I told you. Last night, even.”

“I know. No rush.” Quinn smiled down at me. His whole face seemed to light up and those eyes pierced my soul. Seriously, my wolf was about to lose her mind.

I rubbed my temple. He didn’t get it. This wasn’t one of those things time could fix. This was an impossible situation. “Show me,” I murmured.

He bent his head and grazed my forehead with his lips as he continued to kiss a path to mine. By the time he reached his destination, I was ready…more than ready. I was ravenous. Hell, I almost forgot. I pulled back and placed my hand over his mouth. Shaking my head, I tried to clear the fog in my brain that blotted out everything but him. “No, Quinn. Show me the tiny house.”

If he was disappointed, he hid it behind a mirthful mask. “Of course. This way.” He gently took my hand in his and pulled me into a huge warehouse. Inside, were several homes in various stages of completion. Then he stopped and pointed. “That one.”

My jaw dropped as I stared at the tiny Craftsman with a porch. I was in love. “I’ll take it.”

He laughed. “You haven’t even looked inside yet.”

“I don’t care. It’s beautiful. And it even fits in with the homestead.” My heart raced. I wanted to believe this was because of this amazing find, but I feared my reaction had more to do with the man standing behind me with his arms casually wrapped around my waist. “This is the one,” I murmured. Inside, my wolf howled and I tried to convince myself I was still talking about the house.