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He turns and grins at me. “Not the cost of your cars, baby.”

“What…the…fuck.”

“Relax. The losers you grew up with wear watches that cost ten times that. It’s about the experience.”

Before I can retort, the doorbell rings, and my inner Alpha rumbles to life.

She’s here.

13

DEVYN

I’m soexcited to see Ace and Connor again that I don’t even care that it’s a last-minute plan.

I had mentally anticipated seeing them later in the week, but when Connor invited me, it was hard to say no.

Especially with Ben enthusiastic about the idea.

I was worried that he would be reluctant to see Ace again after their rift, but he was nothing but supportive.

Especially now that neither of us has to cook, and he’s able to go to work the next day late.

My gut feeling says that today is going to be great, and judging by the fluttering of my heart when Connor opens the door, I’m right.

He’s so handsome that it makes my breath catch.

“Hi, Dev,” he says, his voice warm and green eyes kind.

I love that he’s using my nickname now. It makes something flutter in my stomach.

“Connor!” I can’t help but hug him. He pulls me into his strong arms, and I inhale his coffee, bourbon, and chocolate scent.

He’s delicious.

When I pull away, he shakes Ben’s hand. “Good to see you again,” he tells him, and I can’t stop beaming.

Ben has liked Connor since they first met, and I’m over the moon to see that Connor enjoys his company, too.

The only one I’m still nervous about is Ace.

I adore him and his lavender scent, but I hate how he and Ben started off on the wrong foot.

Tonight will rectify that. I just know it.

Connor and Ace’s house is lovely. It’s in a quiet neighborhood at the end of a cul-de-sac with a sprawling driveway. The front is neatly manicured with trimmed hedges, and behind their house hiking trails lead to lush woods.

It isn’t an obnoxious mansion or a ridiculous display of wealth.

This is ahome,and I love it.

My mouth stays open in shock as we head past their front room, and Connor leads us to the living area. Their entertainment center is impressive, with a massive television and floor-to-ceiling shelves full of movies. A welcoming cream couch sits in front of it with a glass coffee table.

The room smells like them, too. Ace’s lavender aroma mixes with Connor’s dark, bitter notes, and it creates a delicious blend to my senses.

“We have some snacks set up in the kitchen,” Connor adds, nodding at me. “Are you hungry?”

My eyes widen. “What kind of snacks?”