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“So Grant Moore, huh?”
“Yes?” I wasn’t sure where he was going to go with this.
He let out a sigh that created a puff of smoke in this cold air. “I want to know what I’m up against.”
“Grant is smart and ambitious. We want a lot of the same things from life.”
“He’s a nerd,” Will grumbled. I found myself reaching for his hand to soothe him. He laced our fingers together and rubbed his thumb along my skin, leaving little waves of pleasure behind. My scent bloomed around us, and he groaned.
“I need to take you home.”
“What? Why?”
He pulled me in close, and the entire population downtown that night disappeared. He gripped the back of my head and leaned down to whisper in my ear.
“All I have to do is hold your hand, and your scent fucking explodes. How can you continue to deny that you’re mine, Sweet Pea? You’remysweet omega. And yet every time I kiss you, you run away. So I won’t do it again.”
I let out a small whimper, and he chuckled darkly, pleased with my anguish.
“The next kiss has to come from you. So for now, I’ll walk you home and say a polite goodbye on the doorstep. That’s whatnicealphas do, right?”
I huffed in displeasure, and he released me. I took a step back, but I’d have to be halfway across the state to escape the thick cloud of our aroused scents surrounding us. I was going to smell like him for hours.
Will did as he said and walked me home, giving me one last hug before leaving me alone at the door. He didn’t even give me a kiss on the cheek, the jerk. When I curled up in bed that night holding my lime-drenched sweater like a teddy bear, I slept like a baby.
Chapter Eighteen
CEDAR: Courting date with Alpha Grant Moore. Thursday 2pm. North Pole Village Skating Rink. To confirm text YES. To decline text NO.
See,IknewGrantwould have a great idea for our date. He didn’t even need to ask my input because we were so in tune that he knew just what I’d like.
Every winter, Briar Lake embraced the holiday season. And one of the most extreme cases was the creation of the North Pole Village. Right on the edge of the lake, there was a small lagoon that froze safely for skating. The town created a whole little village around it to encourage winter sports. And people flocked to it. It was adorable.
Even Anna had to agree that this was a perfect courting date for me. We grew up ice skating, and I loved getting a chance to be out on the ice whenever I could. Because we’d be outside the whole time, I was bundled up in my warmest winter gear, but my sister helped me choose some cute accessories.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on Grant. You really seem to light up around him. I promise to try harder to be nice.” She finished tying my hair up into a cute high ponytail for me and then handed me a knitted headband.
“Thanks. I appreciate that. I do really like him. And ice skating? Come on, that’s perfect.”
“I know, I know.” Anna had turned away but slid her eyes back to me. “Almost as perfect as taking you to see one of those holiday movies you love so much?”
“Stop. We’re not talking about that. This is Grant’s date. Sure, we’ve been struggling to connect a little lately. Had a few awkward moments. But we’ll get back on track tonight. This will be good.”
“Are you convincing me… or yourself?”
“I thought you were going to be supportive!”
“I’m behind you 100%.” She gave me a mock salute as I headed toward the door. Who needed sisters?
North Pole Village was exactly as quaint and perfect as I remembered. Anna and I had been before with other friends, but knowing I was here to meet a date gave everything a more romantic air.
There was a little fence around the icy lagoon that was strung with fresh garland and a small shack that was renting out skates. There was also a little coffee and cocoa booth, and about a million places to take cute photos. Grant and I should remember to take some.
I looked around but didn’t see him yet. It was a few minutes until we were supposed to meet, so I strolled along the fence, watching the skaters and trying to keep warm.
A few more minutes passed, and Grant still hadn’t arrived. That was odd. He was usually as punctual as I was. I decided to walk over to the coffee booth and grab a drink while I waited.
By the time my drink was gone and I was frozen to the bone, I realized I’d been stood up. I kept hoping he’d show up with some apology for why he was late, but nope.
