Page 29

They smelled good. That was all it was. Rian was hot and cold on me, and I never wanted to cause friction between an alpha and his bondmate, especially another omega.

Alejandro texted me, showing me pretty pictures of the sunrise when he went into work as well as funny memes.

I loved how he was taking his time, making me feel wanted, but I hated it at the same time. I wanted him, now, even if the thought also made me nervous.

In short, I was a mess. I wanted to blame my heat hormones, but that was almost a month away.

Again, like I’d driven without really knowing why, I ended up at Talk of the Town. Except it was a Sunday morning. Alejandro had said he had more time on Sundays since they did inventory.

I pulled out my phone.

Ember:

Can I crash your inventory? I’m bored and I have nothing to do

If he saidhe was busy, I’d go back to the cottage. If he said yes, well. I’d help him count vegetables or whatever inventory meant.

No matter how many times I told myself it was okay that I was interested in Alejandro’s scent, it didn’t feel okay. It felt dangerous, like I was way out on a limb and I was about to drop.

I didn’t know how to make that feeling go away, so I did my best to ignore it. That was a healthy coping mechanism, right? My therapist would be thrilled.

My phone pinged back.

Sexy Chef Alpha:

Of course you can crash inventory, mi vida. I would love nothing better. I might even have some donuts here.

Ember:

Omg donuts I’m sold

That alpha knewhow to press my buttons.

I got out of the car, my feet making wet sounds on the pavement. It was drizzling, the first week of February feeling lackluster. Zero stars, I did not love this weather.

I knocked on the back door and waited. My light jacket didn’t do much to hide the biting sting of the not-really-there rain.

Alejandro opened it, looking comically surprised. “Were you in the parking lot or did you teleport?”

I looked over my shoulder at my car. “I mean, why not both?”

Alejandro looked amused. “Very well, then.” He stepped to the side, and the kitchen was quiet for once. It was almost creepy.

“I have never seen this place this empty.”

“It’s Sunday. Lots of the staff have the day off or don’t come in until later.”

It was barely ten in the morning. I took a gamble on him even being here, and it paid off.

He lifted up a white box from Golden Donut, and I sighed. “Oh my god, yes, they have the best donuts.” I picked up a chocolate glazed and bit into it.

He watched me avidly, heat in his gaze. Shivers rippled over my skin, and his citrus-sweet green scent got stronger.

I swallowed, taking the glass of water he handed me. “How’s work been?”

He shrugged, clipboard in hand.

I looked around, but so far, I hadn’t spotted anyone else.