Page 14 of My Three Hometown Alphas

“You’re in town for just the summer, right?” she asks.

I nod. “That’s the plan.”

“What brings you to Aspen Springs of all places?”

“I’m nannying Lyla Kingston for the summer.”

Her features soften at the mention of the little girl. “I love that girl. She’s a fighter despite everything she’s been through.”

I nod in understanding. I might not know Lyla well, but I know what losing your mom at a young age is like. I could see the same determination burning in her eyes that still reflects in mine when I look in the mirror.

Maggie wags her brows at me. “Those Kingston brothers aren’t too bad to look at either. I think you’re going to have a mighty fine summer.”

All I can do is smirk because she isn’t wrong. Not even a little bit. All three of those men are fine.

With a few bags of groceries sitting in the front seat of my new car, I pull up in front of the guesthouse that’s mine for the time being. Putting the car in park, I can’t help feeling the rightness that blankets me.

I’ve felt adrift since my dad took his last breath, and for the first time since losing him, I feel like maybe I’m in the right place.

It might not be my forever place, but for right now, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.

CHAPTER FIVE

Miles

My feet poundagainst the pavement, our driveway finally coming into view.Thank fuck.I love running, but these ten miles kind of kicked my ass today. My pace slows to a walk as I head up the driveway.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Avery climb out of the driver’s side of a car that’s parked in front of the guesthouse. My steps veer away from the house, heading in her direction.

She’s grabbing several grocery bags from the front seat when I reach her side. “Who’d you steal a car from?” I ask.

She screams, slamming her head against the roof of the car. “What the fuck?” she growls, rubbing her hand over the back of her head.

“Didn’t mean to scare you,” I say, my breathing still a little labored from the run.

She doesn’t say a word, just glares at me. I’ve never seen a woman’s glare look quite that sexy. She has the whole angry hotness down pat.

“Am I going to get arrested, too, for aiding and abetting or whatever it is?” I ask.

“Why does everyone think I’m a criminal today?”

I shrug. “I guess you just give off those bad-ass vibes.”

“Being a bad-ass and being a criminal are not the same thing.”

Let’s add sassy and smart to the list of characteristics that are turning me the fuck on.

I reach past her, grabbing the remaining bags in the front seat. She’s trapped between me and the car door.

“So, tell me, Avery. Have you ever been in handcuffs?”

A sinful glimmer crosses her gorgeous hazel eyes. “Yes,” she says confidently.

“Mmm… I feel like that’s a story I would love to hear,” I say, stepping in closer to her.

“I’m sure you would, but you’re awfully sweaty right now,” she says, pressing her palms flat against my chest. She pushes me back, so there are a few inches of space between us. Her hands stay rooted against me, though.

“If I go take a shower, will you tell me the story?”