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Alec crosses the cafeteria toward us. He’s wearing a navy-blue shirt and dark jeans, his hair pushed haphazardly to the side. He looks so good that I have to hold in the whimper that threatens to spill from my lips.
When he approaches the table, I avert my gaze, fearful that he might see the jealous anger in my stare.
“Ladies.” His deep voice assaults my ears.
“Hey.” Lucy is the first to greet him.
“Mind if I join you?” he asks.
“Of course not.” She smacks my outer thigh moments later, pulling my gaze to her. “Scoot,” she mouths.
Even though it’s the last thing I want to do, I slide into the empty seat next to me so Alec can squeeze in between us.
“Hey, Hope.” He sits down and offers me a smile.
“Hey.” I poke at my salad with my fork.
“I was wondering when you’d be coming in.” Lulu leans into him and I have to hold back at stabbing my fork in her face.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Sorry. I got a little turned around again.” He chuckles.
“Well you’re here now and that’s what matters.” She leans her head onto his shoulder...and I’ve had enough. I stand so quickly the chair legs skid violently across the floor, bringing every set of eyes at the table to me.
“Sorry.” I force a smile, picking up my tray.
“Where are you going?” Lulu asks, confusion marring her pretty face.
“I totally forgot I signed up to help in the office today.” It’s a lie I know she won’t question as I typically volunteer in the office a couple of days a week.
“But you haven’t eaten your lunch,” she points out.
“It’s fine. I’ll take something with me.” I back away from the table. “I’ll see you guys later,” I call.
A murmur ofgoodbyesandsee you laterscome as I spin around and quickly walk away.
Dumping my tray of food into the trash can on my way out, I make a beeline for the bathrooms. I know my reaction to seeing Lulu and Alec together is unwarranted. So why does it feel like someone has stabbed me with a steak knife and is slowly turning the blade inside my chest?
Because you like him.
It’s true. Even though I’ve only known him for a little over twenty-four hours, there’s something about him. Something that makes me feel like never before.
Sure, I’ve had crushes over the years. I’ve even gone on a couple of dates. But none of those guys made me feel even a fraction of what Alec does with a simple look.
It’s unnerving. It’s unsettling. And it’s something I need to get under control immediately.
