Page 69 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
He flashed a cheeky grin. “Do winners get ice cream?”
I laughed. “Let’s see what your mom says.”
While Ro went to the changing rooms, I sat next to Zoey. “Ro asked about ice cream. You up for some creamy goodness and the company of a fine man?”
She scanned the room, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I don’t see any fine men, but I’ll be happy with your company.”
She laughed, then shocked me when she pressed her lips to mine in a sweet, chaste kiss.
The bellover the door of the ice cream parlor jingled as we entered. Ro barely contained his energy, bouncing ahead to scan the rainbow of flavors displayed in the glass case.
“Can I have double chocolate and... and chocolate?” he asked.
“Sure thing, champ,” I said, then turned to Zoey. “Today was just a practice bout to assess his skill. I’d like to increase his sessions. He’s quick on his toes. He has a real natural ability. He’s good, Zoey.”
She looked at Ro, who was practically vibrating with anticipation for his ice cream. “You think so?”
“I really do. Boxing is a great sport. It’s been good to me,” I said. “Look, I’m not saying it’s a career Ro will pursue, but it would be good for his growth as an alpha, and it’ll provide an outlet for his energy. I’d like to increase his training to twice a week.”
“Twice a week?” Zoey repeated.
“Two classes a week!” Ro piped up, catching the tail end of our conversation. He moved over to Zoey and unleashed the full power of his puppy-dog eyes.
With a sigh that was more affectionate than exasperation, Zoey caved. “All right, then. Two classes.”
He fist-bumped the air. The kid had spirit, and despite the shadow of his father looming in the background, he shone brightly.
When Ro was finished with his double chocolate ice cream, I walked them back to Zoey’s car. I waved to the two men my father had assigned to stay with them until the threat of George passed.
As I watched them drive off, a thought crept in unbidden, warming me from the inside out.I would be honored to call Roland my son.Hopefully, I’d have that opportunity one day.
I wokeup on my day off with a smile on my face. My boat was freshly serviced and back at the docks, and the forecast today was perfect for a sail. I wanted to take Zoey out on the lake. I craved her company more and more each day.
A knot of uncertainty formed in my stomach. I’d soon have to have a difficult conversation with Zoey—I had to tell her she was my fated mate—and I wanted to be fully prepared for that. I made the call, agreeing to meet at a local café before I could chicken out.
As I waited for Heather, I clung to the coffee mug in front of me, its warmth seeping through my body. The café was a quaint little place with mismatched chairs and an old piano no one played anymore, but it added to the ambience.
Heather’s hand on my shoulder pulled me out of my thoughts. “You look like you’ve been wrestling with your thoughts rather than boxing your clients,” she said.
“Guilty,” I said, sliding one of the steaming mugs towards her. “I’m not going to waste your time, Heather. There’s something I need to tell you about Zoey.”
She took a sip, then laughed. “Let me guess… she’s your fated mate?”
My mouth dropped open. “How did you?—”
“Come on, Noah. Your face was a dead giveaway. When you saw her that first time, it was like your entire world just... filled with joy.” She mimicked a moony expression, a hand dramatically placed over her heart.
I groaned, hiding my face behind my hands for a moment. “Was it really that obvious?”
“Oh, yes. Little love hearts flying around your head and everything.” She giggled.
“Great,” I muttered. “You don’t have to enjoy this, you know.”
Heather set her mug down. “Sam knows, too.”
“Sam?”
“Yep. You know you’re going to have to ask him for permission? He may not be her biological father, but he raised Zoey with the same love and care as he did me.”
