"I don’t think…" I begin.
"What if she is my mate and I just let her go…?" He shakes his head. "Never mind. Let's discuss the energy partnership, Cal."
But I feel Calder's amusement. He's seen that look before too.
The look of an alpha who just met his omega and knows nothing will ever be the same.
That evening, after Nathaniel has left with signed partnership agreements and a distracted expression, Lila calls.
"I'm sorry," she says. "I didn't mean to be rude to your guest. I just… his reputation, Elowen. I've seen too many omegas get hurt by alphas like him."
"I know," I assure her. "And you weren't rude. You were clear about your boundaries. That's healthy."
"He's probably already forgotten about me anyway. Men like that, they move on fast."
Through the window, I can see Calder on the porch, phone to his ear. Probably talking to Nathaniel about business.
Or maybe about a certain sharp-tongued omega who walked away.
"Maybe," I say. "Or maybe not."
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing. Just be careful, Lila. I think you made more of an impression than you realize."
She laughs. "Right. Because the wealthy player alpha is suddenly going to be interested in the omega who rejected him."
"Stranger things have happened."
"Not to me they haven't." She yawns. "Anyway, I’ll visit again next week. When he's not there. I want to hear all about the India tripproperly."
"Deal. Love you."
"Love you too. And Elowen? Thank you. For always being there."
"Always," I promise.
After we hang up, I join Calder on the porch.
"How's Nathaniel?" I ask innocently.
"Distracted. Asking questions about Lila."
"What kind of questions?"
"Where does she live? What does she do? Is she seeing anyone? Whether I think she'd accept flowers." He's trying not to smile. "I told him she'd probably throw flowers at his head."
"Accurate."
"He asked for her number anyway."
"You didn't give it to him."
"Of course not. It’s not mine to share." He pulls me close, hand settling over my stomach. "But I have a feeling this isn't over."
"She's not interested in players."
"And he's never met someone who said no before." Calder kisses my temple. "This is going to be entertaining to watch."
