His jaw dropped. “I didn’t think you…people come here.”
“Yes, some do. Kink isn’t always about that. You saw the big open area, and yeah, orgasms occur. But we also have various special ones. Like the little room, and the pet play area, and some themed rooms for those who prefer privacy—or a peephole to watch.”
“Wow. Okay, yes, I’d love to see your kitchen.” Clearly he was a little overwhelmed.
“My pride and joy. Right this way.” When we got to the door, I stood for a moment, building anticipation, but maybe only mine. “I hope you like stainless steel.”
Hudson was very admiring and complimented the cleanliness. I almost suggested cooking him something, but my staff was due in any moment, and I still had things to do before they arrived. So, regretfully, I showed him back to the front door. But I couldn’t just say goodbye and never see him again. My wolf was having fits, and I agreed. This male was special. “Hey, would you like to go out for breakfast tomorrow if you’re free? We can talk about membership if you like.”
“All right. Where would you like to go? I’ll meet you there.”
“I love diner food for breakfast, and I know a sweet little place not far from here.”
He agreed and we shared phone numbers and planned to meet in the morning. I watched him walk away, wishing I’d beenable to think of another way to keep him longer. But I’d be busy enough late into the night. Hopefully it would go fast.
Chapter Six
Hudson
If there was one thing I loved the idea of and had never experienced, it was a breakfast date. A staple in romance novels and movies. My old alphas hated breakfast. They were only-coffee-in the-morning people.
They poked fun of me for eating eggs and toast with my coffee.
I put on a long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans after showering that morning. My nerves and my thoughts were on full alert.
In my head I called this a date, but he only asked me out for breakfast. He probably wanted to sell me a membership.
Sure, Evander and I flirted a bit through the tour, but he hadn’t been overly complimentary. He didn’t offer to make me food. It was probably not allowed if the club was not open, but he said nothing about it.
Maybe putting an employee out there during the day to give tours was part of their recruitment system.
On the other hand, he’d said all members were vetted and background checks done on them, so scouting people on the street wouldn’t work.
I sighed, grabbing my wallet and phone. Maybe the alpha was just being friendly or, worse, he knew of an alpha he wanted to hook me up with.
I steeled myself. It had been so long since I had a platonic friend, other than the ones at work, that maybe I didn’t know a blooming friendship when I saw one. Yes. It was friendship he sought from me. That was all.
“Good morning,” Evander said with a beaming smile. I thought he looked good in his chef’s jacket, but he was incrediblethis morning. Freshly showered. I smelled his natural scent above the body wash, toothpaste, and other products.
“Good morning. I haven’t been here before. Have you?”
The alpha nodded and placed his hand on my back as we went into the diner. “I have. They make the best pancakes. I’m trying to figure out their recipe. It’s an ongoing investigation.”
“Ah, so you needed a sidekick.”
“No. I invited you because I wanted to, Hudson.”
Oh. he might’ve meant that as friendly, but my cock and my wolf took that as entirely flirtatious.
“I appreciate it. What else is on the menu besides pancakes?”
Watching Evander talk about food and this place was like watching fireworks explode. His face became animated, and he talked with his hands. His passion for food was so palpable, I became hungrier as he spoke. The waitress couldn’t arrive with our food fast enough.
I took three bites of the strawberry-cheesecake French toast before noticing Evander’s gaze on it.
And me.
“Want some?” I asked, sliding my plate across the table a bit.
