Page 10 of Heatwaves

“I was? This is crazy. I didn’t even realize I was doing it.”

We fall silent again as I chew on my lip. I don’t even know what to do with myself at this point.

“Why don’t I let you go so you can go to sleep?”he finally asks, voice quiet.

Another whimper falls from my lips, unbidden. “Sorry. I just like listening to your voice.”

“Do you want me to stay on the phone until you fall asleep?”

“Would you?”

He chuckles.“Of course. I’d be happy to.”

I hurry to my bed, eyes falling shut as soon as my head hits the pillow, and I fall asleep with Carter’s voice in my ears, anticipation for tomorrow slicing through me.

The next morning, I wake up earlier than usual with excitement rushing through me. Today, I’ll get to see the guys again. But first, I have to make sure the house is ready.

I start with the bedroom, changing the sheets to my favorite lilac-colored sheets. I also make sure there are a few spare sets in the closet, just in case we need to change them during my heat. I cleaned the bathroom the day before, and I know there are plenty of clean towels in there.

I’ve been learning about what to expect during my heat since I was fourteen, and yet, I feel completely unprepared. Not to mention a little out of control—something that I can’t stand. I know the heat is already riding me, making me feel uncomfortable in my skin. It makes me wonder what it’ll be like tomorrow when it fully kicks in.

We’re far from the only species who have to deal with heats—some even have to deal with them monthly. I can’t imagine having to deal with this more than once a year. I’ve also heard that some species create a nest to spend their heat in, another thing I’m grateful I don’t have to deal with. All I have to do is make sure there are clean sheets on my bed and that the fridge is fully stocked—both of which I’m happy to say have already been taken care of.

Giving my room one last glance, I’m glad that I splurged on the California King. It’s really too big for just me, but I feel it’ll still be too small for the five of us. But we’ll make do, I’m sure.

A shiver runs through my body when I realize how little sleep we’ll be getting over the next few days—or at least that’s what I’ve been taught. Nerves send my stomach aflutter, and I press a hand to it as I try to calm down.

I head to the kitchen, making sure to clean it thoroughly before moving into the living room. It’s not like either room is especially dirty. I just need something to keep my mind off the guys and the fact that I’m waiting for them to arrive.

When I woke up this morning, there had been a bunch of texts in the group chat. Themost important one had been from Carter, telling me they’d be here around noon.

A glance at the clock shows me they’ll be here any minute now.

With nothing left to clean, I grab a book to curl up on the couch, but the words seem to swim in front of me. I guess that’s another thing that the heat has taken from me. I can’t even freaking read. Great.

I jump when the doorbell rings, my nerves getting the better of me. I hurry over to the door because even though I’m nervous, I can’t wait to see them again. In my excitement, I throw the door open a little too hard and it bounces off the wall.

I wince, grinning as I shrug my shoulders. “Oops?”

“Glad I’m not the only one excited.” Aidan grins, sweeping into the house and lifting me in his arms. I wrap my legs around him as his lips descend on mine. My eyes fall shut as my back hits the wall, Aidan’s hands running over my body as he devours my mouth.

“Really, Aidan?” Oliver laughs. “How about you let the rest of us say hello and get a tour of the house before jumping her?”

“Fine.” Aidan pouts, setting me on the floor, and I can’t help but laugh at him. He just looks so put out.

Oliver pulls me away from Aidan and gives me a quick kiss before passing me to Carter. Carter doesn’t kiss me right away, spinning me in his arms so my back is to his chest and I’m facing Ty.

“Go on, Ty,” Carter urges him.

Ty hesitates for a moment before pressing to my front and kissing me. Unlike our first kiss, this one is slower—sweeter. Carter noses at my neck, biting down slightly and making me gasp.

Ty is grinning when he steps back, and Carter swoops in to kiss me, never pulling away from my back.

“So, how about that tour?” Oliver asks, interrupting my kiss with Carter.

This time, it’s my turn to pout as Carter breaks away from me, causing all four men to laugh. I glare, biting on my lip as I try to keep myself from laughing with them, but I can’t keep it in, throwing my head back as I laugh.

We take a quick tour of the house, pointing out the rooms that will be most important during my heat—the kitchen, the laundry room,and the extra bathroom—before I lead them to my bedroom. I don’t bother showing them the spare bedroom or my office because what use will they have for it? Hopefully none.

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