Page 109 of Ember

“Okay, you were right,” I said, swirling the last fry through ketchup. “That was good.”

“Sometimes you just need a good cheeseburger.” Alejandro grinned, his brown eyes warm. “How’s work?”

“My project’s coming along. Boring.” I gestured at the kitchen. “Don’t let me keep you.”

“You won’t,” he said, brushing his hand over my wrist before eating some of his own fries. “I am allowed to take breaks. Logan isn’t running a sweatshop.” He tilted his head, and then grinned. “Forgot no one can hear me. Usually I get the peanut gallery’s witty commentary.”

“Are you working late tonight?” I asked.

“Nope. I worked late the last three nights. It’s Brianna’s turn.”

“Good.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. I was terrible at small talk, and I couldn’t get him to fuck me in the conference room, so I was at a loss.

“Am I working too much?” He cocked his head. “I’m working on cutting back, but the schedule is still pretty crazy.”

“You’re not neglecting us,” I said. “Restaurants are busy.”

“I want to be there more,” he said, looking at me. His tropical guanabana scent was easier to smell here, and it relaxed me more.

“So work it out in the future,” I replied. “I’m not going to say no to more time with you. But don’t feel guilty in the meantime.”

He nodded, seeming lighter.

“Having regrets?” I arched an eyebrow. “You didn’t think you were getting three other people when you started sending Ember lunch last year.”

Sweet god, what was wrong with me? My mouth was writing checks I could not cash today. I was just tired and cranky from too many changes.

“Regrets?” Alejandro took my hand and rubbed his cheek on the sensitive skin. “Hell no.”

I quietly prayed he’d turn it into a suave way to flirt.

Instead, the asshole went with sincerity. “I was more than happy to pack you a lunch too.”

“Without ever meeting me.”

“I scented both of you on Sunshine,” he said, watching me like I was a horse that was about to spook. He wasn’t wrong.

I let out a breath, reminding my instincts to calm the fuck down. We weren’t in any danger.

“After I saw you and Ember, got to know you…” He shook his head. “I was a goner. So no, no regrets.”

“It’s only been two months.” Give or take. I watched our fingers entwined together. His skin was darker than mine, a soft brown against the olive undertones of my own skin.

“It has been,” he agreed. His dimple flashed, and my cock twitched.

No, I told my hormones.We are not in a position to get laid.

“Ember’s worried that we’re all going to leave her,” I said. “After her parents died…”

He nodded. “I can’t promise her I’m not going to die. I can only give her space to process her grief.”

“And accept that she’s already in love,” I said. She’d said it before but repeating it felt bigger somehow. Like it was all just implied, easier to not think too much about.

“Yep.” Alejandro rubbed his thumb on my wrist. “My dad is a beta and my mom an omega. They’re in Mexico right now, but I’d like the pack to meet them when they come back in the winter.”

“Okay,” I said, knowing he was going somewhere with that line of thought.

“My parents are stupid in love. I used to make gagging noises as a kid.”

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