But beneath all of that is something steadier, deeper.
A quiet, glowing sense that something in my life shifted last night. That whatever comes next, I’m not the same girl I was yesterday. And I love the woman I am today.
Throwing the blanket off me, I sit up in bed, get dressed, and then before heading out of the room, pick up my phone off the nightstand. I need coffee and food.
As I move through the house, I don’t see anyone. No Benton. No parents. But with it being almost noon, I know they’re at work. My mom most likely at the nursing home visiting those with no families. She loves to read romance stories to the ladies, and even some of the men join in to hear them.
For once, I finally get how they feel in those books when they meet the men who make them complete. Who show them how love can really feel. How a woman should be treated.
While Benton has been more tolerable since our talk, he still manages to let me know his true feelings about the guys. My guys. So, for once, I’m glad he’s not here. It’s a nice little break from being scrutinized or scolded. And I’m afraid he’ll somehow be able to tell what happened last night.
I turn on the electric kettle, then open up the fridge, pull out a breakfast sandwich and pop it into the microwave. Sixty seconds and it’ll be done and scalding hot, just like my caffeinated drink.
Sitting down at the table, I open my phone and see a message from James.
James: Be there in thirty. I have Schnitzel, fries covered in gravy, Pepsi and sweet treats.
I check when he sent the message and see it was literally thirty-five minutes ago. Before I can respond, the lights flash, telling me someone’s at the door.
Fuck me. I don’t get up. He has a key, and will be walking into the house any moment. Sure enough, he pops into the kitchen with a smile on his face that drops when he sees me take a bite of my breakfast sandwich.
Sorry, just saw your message. But you brought my favorite, and I’m still starving, so don’t think I’m not going to eat it.
He just rolls his eyes at me.
“Get us some napkins, and I’ll meet you in the living room.”
He turns and leaves, bags and drinks in hand. I decide to wrap my sandwich in aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for later. Schnitzel does sound better anyway.
I do, however, take my coffee along with the napkins with me and make my way to the living room, sitting down on the couch beside him as I pick up the remote and turn on the television. It’s on a sports news channel, and I leave it there. For now, anyway.
James taps me on my shoulder, and I turn to him.
You look different today.
Heat rises, and I can’t help but look away for a second. But that one act is telling enough for him.
Something did happen. Spill now. I need all the tea.
I bite my lip, and then my hands start flying, sharing all the details. From Lincoln picking me up. The lake. All the way to losing my virginity. He listens, never speaking, digesting it all.
Are you okay? How do you feel now?
I love that he’s not judging me but asking how I’m doing in the aftermath.
Amazing. He told me I was it for him. He wants me to be his omega.
James lets out a squeal as he stands and does a shimmy dance. I wait for him to calm down before telling him the rest. How the three of us hung out after, eating, talking and watching television. Then I tell him about Milton. How he held my hand like I meant the world to him. About us making out.
Bayleigh, brother’s rival or not, you’ve hit the jackpot with those alphas.
I know. It’s like a dream.
He pushes a plate over to me, handing me the package with silverware and then my drink.
Let’s eat. Once we’re done, we can watch Wicked. Again.
Deal.
