Page 38 of Rocked By the Alpha

“Hmmm. Can’t tell. He’s obviously had a shower recently.”

“I do like to stay hygienic, yes.”

“Who is she?” Arla asks, straightening his shirt and examining his neck. “Hickies,” she tells the others.

West ducks away from her grip and peers out towards the backyard. “I should go say hey to the kids. Give Jayden his present.”

“Is she someone we know?”

He takes a swig of his beer. “Are you kidding me? All your friends are fucking crazy?”

“Not crazy enough to date you.” Martha grins at him.

“I’m not sure they’re interested in dating me, no,” he says darkly and Martha pokes her tongue out at him.

“Who is she then?”

“Is it serious?”

“Have you been with her all this time?”

He lifts his hands up. “Woah, dudes, easy.” He smiles. “Ahhh look? Tag. I love that game.” He jogs out towards the yard.

“We’re not done talking!” Arla calls after him and he waves a hand behind him.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Uncle West!” cries a little voice as he steps out into the sunshine and his niece comes running over to him. He scoops down and picks her up.

“Hey Lola. How’s my favourite six-year-old?”

“Good. Where’s Jayden’s present?”

“On the table with the others.”

His niece peers over his shoulder then wriggles down to the ground, joining the other kids now crowded around his feet.

“Are you West Stone?” one boy asks him, squinting up at his face.

“I am.”

“Where’s your guitar?” asks another.

“At home.”

“Can I get your autograph?”

“Maybe later.”

“Will you sing us a song?”

“I’m gonna sing Jayden happy birthday when the cake comes out.”

“Which won’t be too much longer,” Darlia says, wading through the children to reach him. “Who wants a hot dog first?”

“Me!” the children scream and she herds them towards a picnic table.

Once she’s set them up scrabbling for food, she walks back to him.