“Yeah, see ya,” I say, packing up my bags and getting up to go home for the night.
I have planning to do, and it doesn’t involve former playboy goalies.
Definitely not.
I sneak Ethan into my apartment, though I don’t think my dad would really care if we were dating. It’s just truly none of his business. It’s been a few weeks since the diner incident, and he’s been odd. Almost like he’s afraid if he touches me wrong or says the wrong thing, I’ll go running for the hills.
I meant what I said in Bram’s bed, and of course I want to know about his past but only when he’s ready.
Bram and my father have been super busy with the hockey season picking up. I see him when I can, but he still calls me or texts me every night. How he’s able to make me feel special no matter where work takes him is exactly why I know he’s the right Alpha for me.
Even if there is another Alpha on my mind, one that absolutely shouldn’t be.
“Sloane, sweetheart, I don’t think this is all necessary.”
“It is, keep chopping,” I tell him.
“We can feed you just fine. You don’t have to do all this work.”
“They’re my favorite comfort foods, just the way I like. If we have them frozen and you can put them in a crockpot, it will begreat for heat meals. The less that has to be done during my heat, the better.”
“Whatever makes you happy.”
“Good, this makes me happy.”
“Are you alright?” he asks me, and I huff out a breath.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?” I snap, and I swallow back the attitude. “I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep well, and I feel bad about Max.”
“You feel like you can’t be his friend because of Bram?”
“Not necessarily that.”
“You’re attracted to Max and can’t be around him because of Bram?” he asks while he chops carrots.
“Bingo.”
“I might also be in this very specific and ridiculously loyal club as well.”
“I feel bad,” I say as I run my skincare routine sheet through the laminator and add glue dots to the back so I can post it on the mirror.
“Do we know why he hates him anyway?”
“I haven’t been brave enough to ask,” I admit, and Ethan nods his agreement.
“Me either.”
“We’re a little pathetic,” I admit, and Ethan laughs.
“I’d say Bram has been there for both of us when we really need it. Not to mention we’re both really into him. Max is a friend, nothing more. We’ll figure it out.”
“Hmm,” I say, not completely agreeing or disagreeing.
I get up and glue my skincare routine to the mirror before going back to my binder and seeing what else I may need to add.
“Sloane, I don’t think you need a manual.”
“Oh, yes. I definitely need a manual. It’s all of my favorite things, things that soothe me. Not to mention how to use my washer and dryer and how much detergent.”
