Page 111 of Feeling the Heat: Part One
“I look forward to it.” I pause for a moment, and then cling to this new, tentative thread of connection. “Would it be alright if I texted you to work out the details?”
Camille’s eyes drop from mine for a moment, and I worryshe’s going to say no. When she looks back up, there’s a shy smile on her lips. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
You’d think she’d confessed her unbridled passion for me with how my alpha roars with excitement inside me. I clear my throat to cover the purr threatening to spill out, and nod. “Okay.”
When she heads back to her desk, I slump in my chair with a low groan, knowing I’ll spend the rest of the day distracted and struggling to wait for a socially acceptable amount of time to pass before I text Camille.
36
I can do this.
It’ll be fine.
Just breathe.
Walking up the steps of the cute brick front townhouse is only slightly less nerve-wracking than the first time. At least I’m not having a full-blown anxiety attack, thanks to all three of the guys texting me throughout the week.
Yes, even River texted.
Some switch must’ve flipped in his brain because ever since we talked in his office and I gave him permission to message me, River has been…nice.
Definitely better than tolerable.
Our conversations are stilted, with a few glimmers of humor when he lets down his guard, but he’s checked in every morning and evening since we talked at the office. When he sent me a message for the third day in a row, right around dinnertime, I wondered if he’d set an alarm on his phone to remember to check on me.
I can’t decide if it’s sweet that he’s scheduled time for me,or a sign that he views it as another chore to check off his to-do list. I can’t get a read on the alpha at all. It’s clear now that River has his defenses up with me, but I can’t figure out why.
What does he think I could possibly do to him if he lets them down? Make him laugh? Force him to be my friend? Would that really be so bad?
My omega is pissy about River keeping his distance. To her, it’s simple—if we join his pack, he belongs to me, too. Whether or not it’s romantic doesn’t matter. She doesn’t get why he’s not scrambling to make me as happy as possible. But she’s also still stuck on what Lauren said about River eventually being unable to resist me, so I do my best to ignore her.
Before I get the chance to ring the bell, the dark green front door swings inward and I’m greeted by the sight of the alpha in question, a barking Dahlia cradled in his arms.
He looks different out of his work clothes. Less harsh, but still as devastatingly handsome. The frayed neckline of his fitted band tee shows off more of the tattoos on his throat, drawing my eye to the beautiful moth and floral design.
I wonder how much of him is covered in ink. Does it go down onto his chest? What other artwork does he have hidden beneath his clothes?
At least I’m able to play off the way I’m staring as me looking at the adorable sausage dog in his arms.
River winces at the impressive decibels she’s reaching with her barks. “Hey. Sorry for the ear-splitting greeting. Someone is very excited to see you again.”
I resist the urge to joke that at least one of them is happy I’m here, knowing that’s unfair to him. He’s trying, even if I wish that meant he warmed up to me more. It’s better than it was and that’s progress.
As if to confirm his words, the dachshund wriggles and thumps her tail violently, letting out a weird little chirpingsound as I step in closer to her. “Hi Dahlia!” I coo, giggling as she nudges her head under my hand and her tail thumps harder. “Oh my goodness, look at how sweet you are.”
This close, an unfamiliar scent wraps itself around me. Something deep and slightly bitter, like extra dark chocolate. But after the initial bite, it melts into a molten decadence that makes my mouth water.
Wow, I didn’t realize River smelled so good.
This might be a problem. His scent makes my omega want to lick his skin to see if he tastes as good as he smells.
My fingers brush against the back of River’s hand accidentally as Dahlia wiggles to get closer to me. I pull back immediately, but that doesn’t stop the jolt that hits me when my skin contacts his. “Sorry!”
His brows pinch inward. “It’s okay.” He steps closer, turning so that it’s easier to pet Dahlia and inclining his head toward her.
Hesitantly, I stroke my fingers down her back a few times, enjoying the silky softness of her fur. Every time I make contact with River, another fizzle of awareness dances across my skin and I cringe as my scent grows strong enough that I know he’ll notice.
My eyes flash up to meet his and I go to give him an apologetic smile, but falter when I see how wide his eyes are behind his glasses. I immediately take a step back, face burning. “Crap, sorry again. I didn’t mean to. My omega is ridiculous sometimes.”
