Oh no. Oh no no no.
That wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed tofeelthat. It was supposed to be a quick, desperate kiss to prove a point. Not... not whatever that was. Not heat pooling in my core and my omega humming with satisfaction and wanting more, wanting to pull him back down and…
What have I done?
"I'm so sorry," I gasp. "I just…there was…I needed."
"Bea."
Terrance's voice cuts through my panic like ice water.
I spin around, nearly stumbling. Seth's hands steady me automatically before falling away.
My ex-boyfriend stands ten feet back, looking shocked and... sad. Defeated. His eyes move from me to Seth and back again, and I watch him finally understand what 'no' means.
For a long moment, we just stare at each other. Then something shifts in his expression, acceptance, maybe. Or just exhaustion.
He nods once, slowly. Then turns and walks away through the crowd, heading toward the parking area.
Relief floods through me so strongly my knees almost buckle. He'll find someone who wants the same future he does.
It's just not me.
Then reality crashes over me like ice water.
I just kissed Seth Monroe. Deputy Seth Monroe. Thoroughly. Desperately. In front of the entire town. At the Thanksgiving Festival.
The Thanksgiving festival where everyone I've ever known is currently staring at us.
I turn slowly, already hearing it.
"Did you see that?"
"Ben Wilson's sister just attacked that poor deputy!"
"Well! That was quite a homecoming!"
"I didn't know they were dating!"
"They weren't! That just happened!"
Maeve Bennett is watching with knowing eyes and what looks suspiciously like approval. Mrs. Peterson has both hands pressed to her chest like she just witnessed the most romantic thing in her life. Margie Winslow looks absolutely delighted. The Parker kids have stopped running to stare.
And Seth—sweet, professional Deputy Seth Monroe—is looking at me like I just rewired his entire brain.
"I should..." I gesture vaguely. "Go. Somewhere. Anywhere. Maybe join Ben in that duck pond after all."
"Wait—" Seth starts, voice cracking slightly. "I— Bea, what just…"
But I'm already backing away.
"I'm sorry! I just… thank you. I have to go!"
His bewildered expression makes it clear he has absolutely no idea what just happened or why.
I don't wait for his response. I spin and practically sprint into the crowd, my face hot enough to cook on. Behind me, the excited buzz of conversation spreads like wildfire.
I am absolutely NOT into Deputy Seth Monroe.
