She should have her own Alphas, not rely on others.
I could protect you.
Please, let me protect you.
I nod. “Good. I’m glad. But I’m happy to kick someone’s ass if they’re bothering you.”
She snorts. “I’ll keep that in mind, Trav.”
Normally, I hate that nickname, but when Blair says it…
It feels right.
I walkher to her car, like I do after every shift we have together.
I do it for all the bartenders but I infinitely enjoy my walks with Blair more.
I greedily inhale her aroma, wishing that the both of us weren’t so covered in different scents from the bar’s patrons.
If only I could be alone with her, truly alone with just her company, maybe I could get that ridiculous hope out of my head.
Just so I can finally put my thoughts to rest and assure myself that sheisn’tmy scent match.
But I don’t know how the hell to do that unless I ask her out on a date, and she’s made it clear that that’s not what she wants.
I’m not going to push her boundaries—I’m just going to yearn after her like an idiot.
It also doesn’t help that I’m more than ten years her senior.
The last thing she needs is another old man perving after her.
“Am I seeing you tomorrow night?” I ask as we reach her car.
I already know her schedule, but again, it’s just another reason to talk to her.
“Nah. Not tomorrow. I’m getting some well-deserved rest.” She unlocks her door and enters her car. “Thanks for the walk, Trav. I’ll see you soon?” she asks gently.
I nod. “Of course. See you later.” I move to close her car door for her, but she interrupts before I can.
“Hey. Get me more of those cat pictures, too.” Her grin is playful, her voice light and teasing.
I give her a mock salute, completely stone faced, and she laughs as she closes her car door.
I slowly head back into the building, waiting for the sound of her car to start up.
She always takes a minute or two to sit in her car before leaving.
Once I hear her pull out of the parking lot, I enter the bar through the back door, her scent wafting over me.
Violets and sugar.
My body tenses as my inner Alpha roars to life, the instinct toclaimfueling the blood in my veins.
I lean against the wall, taking in deep, calming breaths, trying to tamp down my need.
My mouth waters, desperate for more of Blair’s potent aroma.
I want her so badly it hurts.
