Bookstore princess

Chapter 9

James

I like watching my little mate on the cameras. I watched her sleep, and now I'm watching her as she's in her meeting. I wish I could scroll in more to see what exactly they are planning for the store. I'm hoping it's for more staff. They look relaxed with each other, sipping their coffee and seeming to be having a good conversation. Melody got up on the table a while ago, and she's laying on some of the paperwork, but Jacob just grabs sheets as he needs them leaving the cat mostly undisturbed.
I got up early and went down to the gym to get a quick workout this morning before Nadia woke up, but now I'm dressed in my favorite pair of dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt. I trimmed my beard that I always keep neat and close to the skin for now. It looks more like a five o'clock shadow most days, but by the end of the day it's usually longer. I had also put on my favorite cologne that has brought me good luck so far.
"Are you getting nervous?" Steve comes into my room where I have my laptop with the camera feeds perched on my lap.
"Maybe a little" I admit. "I don't know how to date a human. She-wolves usually skip all the niceties from what I remember."
"Just remember to be a gentleman, maybe hold her hand. Kiss her at the end of the date, and not before" he smirks sitting down. "Be yourself, she likes you," he reminds me. "You're just a man looking for love in this crazy world" he grins.
"I'm so used to having to be in charge of everything all the time, it's weird that she's going to be in charge of this" I sigh.
"It will be good for you to give the reins to someone else for a change" Steve gave a soft sigh. "The jet is still getting ready, but if I leave now it should be ready for when I get there" he advises me and I feel my gut twist. I'm not used to being without my brother. He's my right hand man and understands me better than most. "Although, I was planning on staying until you left for your date" he adds softly and I look up at him.
"It won't be long. They are getting to the end of their paperwork" I say, feeling a little relieved. "They seem to be worried about something, but happy."
"Don't tell me you are going to put mics in her house next" Steve huffs.
"It's a thought, but no. The camera is enough for now" I lie, I was momentarily thinking about it. I know he'd never be on board, and Fang "getting away" twice wouldn't bode well. Especially with no one else to answer my text messages or calls. I'll have to live with it as is for now. Movement on the screen captures my attention again as Nadia takes her hair out of the towel and starts running her fingers through it. I can only dream of doing the same to her hair with my hands. Maybe I'll get to touch it when we are on our date, I think to myself in a positive outlook. Even the whisps at the bottom would satisfy me.
"What shoes are you wearing?" Steve grabs my attention back to him.
"The cowboy boots. She smiled when she saw them the last time" I grin.
"Good choice" he approved. "Looks like they are finishing up" he points at the screen and I see Jacob picking up all the papers, and Jenny is already heading to the door.
"She's headed back upstairs" I track her on the screen. She heads into the bathroom and I lose track of her again.
"She seems nervous too," Steve observed.
"It's going to be her last first date for the rest of her life" I smile to myself. "Gotta make it count for something" I add to myself.
"I'm sure you'll be able to add your own ideas into the mix. Maybe find out if she's reading a new book and you can go buy it tomorrow!" he says, and I can't help but admire that he always seems to find the positive in everything.
"Maybe stargazing" I say hopefully.
"First dates don't usually last that long, remember? She's human," he reminds me.
"I guess I'll have to figure it out" I cross my arms, waiting for her to come back on camera.
"How about you put the laptop down and go get her some flowers?" Steve tries to coax me away from the addictive screen.
"I bought them this morning, they are in the fridge" I gesture with my thumb. "I got her a dozen red roses, one pink rose and with baby's breath" I grin proudly.
"Wow, she will love that" he goes to look and nods approvingly. "Are you headed over there now?" he asks.
"I have to wait for..." I start to say when a ping comes up on my phone. "She's almost done getting ready" I say victoriously. I close the laptop and Steve hands me the flowers and I pocket my phone and wallet.
"I guess I'll be on my way" Steve gives me a hearty clap on the back. "Good luck big brother" he adds with a grin.
"Thank you" I nod appreciatively. Without even thinking about it, my feet are in front of my head and I'm making my way to the bookstore.