He blinked, seeming a little surprised to hear me say that. “Me?”
I snorted. “Yes, you. Do you see anyone else around?”
A slight blush appeared on his cheeks. “I guess I don’t really think of myself that way.”
“C’mon, don’t be so modest. You’ve practically ripped my head for the sake of standing up for your friend.”
Skylar nodded this time but wouldn’t meet my eye. He seemed lost in thought. If he didn’t want to talk about it, that was okay, too. I didn’t want to pressure him.
“Well, whatever,” I said with a shrug. “It’s none of my business, I was just wondering is all. You don’t have to tell me anything.” When I finished downing my coffee, I set the mug down. “So, what’s the plan today?”
Skylar winced like he hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I guess I should go back home before Kaden starts worrying.”
“Your roommate?”
“Yeah. I didn’t even tell him I was going out in the first place.”
Going out?I thought. I wondered if he meant on a date. I had a few pieces of the puzzle, but nothing concrete yet, and every moment I spent with Skylar, I was growing increasingly curious. Something about him intrigued me. I knew from the moment I first met him that he was different--both a caring mother hen and a red hot firecracker of an omega--but as soon as I saw this vulnerable side of him, something changed. I wanted to know more.
I was partially disappointed that he was going home so soon, but it would be stupid of me to assume he’d stay the whole weekend, like we were having an extended slumber party like a pair of college kids.
When he was done his breakfast, I said, “Come on. I’ll drive you home.”
He smiled appreciatively. “Thanks, Rafael.”
I liked the way my name sounded on his tongue.
3
Skylar
“Sky, where the hell have you been?”
I’d already braced myself for Kaden’s questions, which he bombarded me with as soon as I walked in the door.
I smiled brightly, trying to make it as genuine as possible. It helped that our two cats, Demon and Trouble, were trilling and rubbing against my leg. I kneeled down to pet both of them. At least I didn’t have to answer any oftheirquestions.
“Sorry,” I told Kaden sheepishly. “I went out to see a movie after my shift and by the time it got out, it was super late, so I just stayed the night at a hotel.”
The look he gave me made it clear he absolutely didn’t believe a word I said, and to be honest, I probably wouldn’t either. Thankfully Kaden wasn’t the pushy type, so he didn’t pry any deeper. Not yet anyway.
“As long as you were safe,” Kaden said with a sigh. “I was really worried, you know? I called you a few times when it was late and you didn’t show up.”
I winced. “I’m really sorry. My phone died after my shift.”
That part wasn’t a lie.
“It’s okay.” Kaden gave me a quick hug. He wasn’t as heavy on the physical platonic affection as I was, so it was always a treat when he displayed it. I realized he must have been truly concerned. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
I gave him a pat on the back. “Thanks, Kay.”
Demon and Trouble yowled at me for attention. The orange and black siblings looked like a pair of Halloween decorations.
“Right. Breakfast time again?” I said.
They both stuck their tails up and ran over to the kitchen where their bowls stood, acting like they’d never been fed in their lives.
* * *
