Page 5 of Perfectly Naïve
This date is going to be torture.
The laugh I manage sounds slightly pained. “Oh, um, thank you?”
Kyle smiles before adding his contribution to the conversation. “Normally we date models and influencers, but with our dads working with yours, we figured it couldn’t hurt to branch out and date a nurse.”
There’s so much to unpack there, but all I say is, “I’m an endocrinologist.”
Kyle’s smile slips and his brow furrows. “That’s not a nurse?”
“No. I have a PhD and work as a researcher with a focus on how hormonal and chemical irregularities impact behavior, aggression, and emotional regulation.”
All that earns me is six blank stares.
“So, like, kind of a nurse?” one of them, Tag I think, asks.
Blowing out a deep breath, I tell myself it doesn’t matter if these men understand what I do. Clearly we have nothing in common, and I may have been generous with my plan to give them an hour before finding a reason to leave. “Sure. Kind of like a nurse.”
“Do you wear one of those sexy uniforms?” Bryce asks, his eyes on my chest.
“No. I don’t.” At my clipped tone, the alpha’s eyes meet mine. I’m about to ask them what they do when our server sidles up to the table, introduces himself, drops off a basket of bread, and takes my drink order.
Silence descends as we all read the menus, and I decide on the espresso-encrusted burger with blue cheese, arugula, and garlic aioli. I should probably order something fancier, but after a year in London, I found myself missing the quintessential American dishes I took for granted in college and med school.
When our server returns with my drink and refills for the men around me, he asks if we’re ready to order.
“Yes, I’d like the bluefin tuna with a house salad. Make sure it’s not overcooked. I’m very particular about my bluefin.” Bradley levels the server with a condescending glare that makes my hackles rise, and an embarrassed heat floods my cheeks. “And the omega will have the apple walnut salad with grilled chicken and light dressing.”
My back goes ramrod straight.The omega?Notour date, notLiv, justthe omega. And who does this alpha think he is toorder for me? We’ve never met, he has no idea what I like or whether I have any food allergies, and here he is presuming to order for me? The server’s gaze flits to me, likely picking up on my rising ire and obvious discomfort. The heat from my cheeks spreads across my chest and warms the tips of my ears.
If this had happened before I went to London, I would have sucked it up and forced myself to eat the salad. I wouldn’t have spoken up or said anything at all, too worried about making a scene to assert myself. But I’ve spent the last year figuring out who I am, what I want, and how to advocate for myself, no matter how hard it may feel in the moment.
Not to mention, Ireallywant a burger.
“Actually,” I say, my voice cracking slightly, “I’d like the espresso burger with extra blue cheese.”
The server grins at me. “Of course, miss. And would you like truffle fries or mixed greens with that?”
Bradley starts to answer for me, but I cut in before he gets the chance.
“Truffle fries. Definitely truffle fries.”
Bradley shifts in his seat, turning to look at me while the server takes everyone else’s orders. “Are you sure you want to order something so fatty?”
Ex-squeeze-me?
“You’re absolutely right,” I say. I wish my voice didn’t waver, but it does. Turning to the server, I say, “Excuse me. Could I please get some extra aioli on the side? I like to have something to dip my fries in.”
The server’s smile grows. So does Bradley’s scowl.
Guess this pack and I just aren’t meant to be. Pity that.
Chapter Three
SAWYER
The redheaded beta sitting across from me at the candlelit table is beautiful, intelligent, and funny.
And I feel nothing for her.
