Page 19 of Stripe Theory (The Matchmaker’s Book Club #8)

EIGHTEEN

R ehan managed a curt nod, not trusting his voice. She was more than just her research now. More than a brilliant scientist or a necessary ally. She was becoming something dangerous—something that made both man and tiger want to claim, to protect, to never let go.

As she gathered her notes to leave, Rehan gripped the edge of the lab counter, knuckles white with restraint. The truth hit him like a physical blow: denying their connection would only become more difficult. More painful.

And his tiger, purring with satisfaction at this admission, clearly had no intention of making denial easier.

“I should head back,” Alora said, tucking a stray curl behind her ear—a nervous gesture he’d cataloged along with a hundred others. “Early lab time tomorrow.”

The casual reminder of their shared workspace made his tiger stir. He’d be able to track her movements again, catch her scent mixed with coffee and chemicals, watch her dance between experiments while humming those ridiculous songs.

“I’ll walk you out.” The words emerged rougher than intended.

The mansion’s corridors seemed too narrow, too intimate as they walked side by side. Each step amplified his awareness of her—the soft rustle of her dress, the light tap of her heels, the way she unconsciously matched his pace.

Maya and Hunter waited in the foyer, their matching grins suggesting they’d planned this entire evening. His best friend’s knowing look earned a low warning growl that only made Hunter’s smile widen.

“Such a lovely dinner,” Maya said with exaggerated innocence. “We should do this again soon. Maybe next time with less wine-spilling accidents?”

Hunter affected a wounded expression. “I said I was sorry about that. Though it worked out rather well, don’t you think?” He directed this last comment at Rehan with a smirk.

Before Rehan could respond appropriately—possibly by throwing Hunter through a window—his mother appeared with impeccable timing.

“Dr. Sky.” Jewel’s smile held genuine warmth now. “Please don’t be a stranger. Sierra would love to continue your discussion about genetic markers... among other things.”

The meaningful pause made Rehan’s jaw clench. Even his mother had joined the conspiracy, apparently.

“I’d like that.” Alora’s sincere response sparked another surge of possessive pride. She’d won over his family despite every obstacle, just as she’d breached his own defenses.

His father’s voice cut through the moment. “Interesting theories, Dr. Sky.” Franklin emerged from his study, expression unreadable. “Perhaps not entirely misguided.”

From Franklin Kedi, this qualified as effusive praise. Rehan caught the flash of surprise and pleasure across Alora’s face before she schooled her features into professional appreciation.

“Thank you, Mr. Kedi. I look forward to proving them correct.”

The quiet confidence in her voice made Rehan’s tiger rumble with approval. She never backed down, never wavered in her convictions. It was terrifyingly attractive.

As the group moved toward the door, Sierra appeared for final good-byes. His sister’s quick hug of Alora spoke volumes about shifter acceptance—physical contact wasn’t casual among their kind, especially with humans.

“Don’t let my brother’s brooding discourage you,” Sierra whispered, clearly forgetting about enhanced hearing. “He’s always grumpiest when fighting the obvious.”

Rehan’s warning growl only made both women laugh. The sound of their shared amusement struck something deep in his chest—family and future tangling together in ways he wasn’t ready to examine.

The night air cooled them as they stepped outside. Maya moved ahead with Hunter, their heads bent together in suspicious collaboration, leaving Rehan and Alora in a bubble of privacy.

“Thank you,” she said again, turning to face him. Moonlight caught the gold flecks in her eyes, and his tiger paced restlessly, urging him to close the distance between them. “For everything.”

The simple sincerity of her words threatened his control more than any flirtation could have. Because that was Alora—genuine to her core, whether discussing science or facing down disapproving shifters or thanking him while looking far too beautiful in the moonlight.

He needed to step back. To maintain professional distance. To remember all the reasons this couldn’t happen.

Instead, he found himself saying, “I’ll see you tomorrow in the lab.”

Her brilliant smile made his heart stutter. “Bright and early. I have new ideas about the protein synthesis that I can’t wait to test.”

“No explosions,” he managed, though his tiger rather enjoyed her creative chaos.

“No promises.” She winked—actually winked at him—before joining Maya at the waiting car.