Page 19 of Alfie

“Come on,” she said, leaning into the dining room. “You were such an adorable baby and you’re a lovely young woman.”

“Mom.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Spoilsport. What is Alfie’s favorite drink? I want to be sure we have whatever he likes.”

“On our dates he’s always gotten iced tea.”

“Perfect.”

“Hey! Do you have my favorite drink?” Alice asked.

“Of course. Cranberry juice and sparkling water to mix together.”

“You’re the best.”

“You know it.”

As Myla and Alice worked on getting the tablecloths ironed and set on the tables, she found herself thinking a lot about what it would be like to be with Alfie in a more serious way. They’d been talking for almost a week now, and it felt very serious. Plus, he’d rocked her world after their first date. But they hadn’t agreed on anything yet, hadn’t made any promises about dating exclusively or anything. Hell, they hadn’t even spent the night together.

With guys she’d dated in the past, she often felt like she was on pins and needles waiting for texts and calls, wondering if they were going to ditch her or cheat on her. Alfie might not have promised her his heart yet, but he’d shown up for her a dozen times in the last few days in ways that she hadn’t expected.

She was sure they were on the edge of something incredible and real.

She just wanted to be sure that he felt the same way.

Chapter Nine

Alfie had been to a few New Year’s Eve parties in his adult life, but none that felt quite so serious as the one at Myla’s parents’. Not only was it an annual tradition and would be full of her family and their friends, but he was going to meet her parents.

It wasn’t just the midnight-kiss that was looming ahead, it was meeting her family on their home turf.

He dressed in jeans and a sweater, and as he was getting ready in the apartment at the back of the park, someone knocked on the door.

“It’s open. I think,” he called.

“Yeah, it is,” Joss answered. “Got a minute?”

“Sure.”

He stepped out from the bedroom and met his alpha. Jeanie was with him and handed Alfie a coupon booklet.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“We printed up a set of tickets for the group safari tour for her family. Once the tours open back up in February, they can schedule a family tour with these coupons, and you can drive them or be the guide if you’d like.”

“Oh, wow, that’s cool. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s always good to bring a gift to a party, and tour coupons are definitely unique,” Jeanie said with a warm smile.

“Jeanie and I are going to be your escort tonight. We’ll follow you to their home, and then just send a text when you’re ready to head back to the park and we’ll meet you on the road.”

“Sounds good, thanks.”

“You bet,” Joss said. “I always feel like we could relax our security precautions sometimes, but then I’m reminded of terrible things that have happened to our people in the past and I’m not willing to risk anyone’s safety.”

“I don’t mind at all, honestly. Are you going out to dinner or just being my escort?”

“Dinner,” Jeanie said. “Joss promised he’d try sushi, so I found a place.”