Then, I scroll through the photos on my phone and organize all the new cat pictures I plan to show her.
I’ll do anything to keep my inner Alpha from losing his damn mind and dragging her out of here like a caveman.
The hour feels like it drags on for days, until blessedly, a delicious scent wafts from behind the bar.
Blair enters, her cheeks rosy and her eyes glassy, and I’m almost knocked over by her aroma.
She’s ridiculously close to her Heat, if not already in it.
“Hello,” she chirps, and I stand frozen, taking in her outfit.
It’s a corset top, this time bright pink.
A tiny black skirt shows off her long, toned legs.
I’m going to lose my mind at the number of customers that will try to flirt with my scent match tonight.
I’m not going to last my fucking shift at this rate.
“What are you doing here?” I demand. “Shouldn’t you be at home?”
Her eyes widen for a moment, but then understanding dawns on her.
“We’re understaffed tonight,” she says, smirking. “I can’t go home.”
Maybe she’s worked this close to her Heat before, but now that I know she’s my scent match, this is torture.
She moves closer to me to inspect the containers of garnishes. “Oh, you already set up. Thanks, Trav.”
Rylee and Quincy are talking at the DJ booth in the corner, but I still keep my voice hushed. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I hiss. “Are youtryingto kill me?”
Her grin isevil. “Just showing up to work.”
“Adia or Macy would cover for you.”
“Why? What’s your problem?”
I narrow my eyes. “My problem is you’re playing with fire. First, you fuck my packmates when I’m not there, and then you show up like…likethis.” I motion to her outfit and growl. “You’re a little tease.”
But the playful glint doesn’t leave her eyes. “I’m in my normal uniform, Trav. And we playedvideo games, for your information.”
I don’t miss the hitch in her breath, though.
“You’re close to your Heat. You shouldn’t have come here,” I snarl. “Anyone can scent you.”
“I came because I knewyouwere here,” she whispers, and my cock turns hard as steel. “It’s hard to stay away from you," she admits. "It’s even worse when I’m like this. You weren’t there yesterday and—” her voice drops— “I wanted you inside me, too.”
I chew the inside of my cheek, half convinced I’m dreaming.
“Get the fuck home,” I snarl. “I’ll handle the bar for tonight.”
She raises her chin. “Nope. You act like I haven’t worked when I’m like this before.”
We’re five minutes from opening for the night, and now, Rylee and Quincy have turned to us, confused.
“If anyone tries to touch you, I’m ripping their hand off,” hiss. “And you’re paying for this later.”
Her grin tells me that’s exactly what she wanted.
