I wipethe sweat from my forehead as I try to focus on the next volley, but it’s impossible with Dean standing so close. The feel of his hands are still a ghost of a touch on my fingers. His cool, distant vibe only makes me more aware of how out of my league he is, but I keep trying to act like I’m fine with just being friends. It’s not like I have a choice—he’s already made it clear that’s all we’ll ever be.
Two weeks ago, my attempt for more crashed and burned. Spectacularly. At least he kept it to himself—I'd never live down hitting on my brother's friend. Not that Landon’s ever said he wouldn’t be cool with it, but still.
‘I’m sorry Lakelyn, but I can’t. It’s not that I’m not attracted to you…’On and on his explanation went, until I wanted to sink into the floor.
Which is fine.Completely.
If our lessons are a little awkward now, it will pass.Right?His normal teasing and harmless flirting has gone the way of water on hot pavement, burned away with the sun.
Alphas don’t typically settle down with beta’s. We are normally just good to help ease oncoming ruts before they gettoo strong, if there isn’t a willing omega that is. And normally there’s a willing omega. Not that I’d know about that. I stifle a laugh at myself as I push the thoughts away and try to focus back on the lesson at hand.
Then I notice Dean’s attention shift, his body tensing slightly. I turn to see what—or who—he’s looking at, and that’s when I see him.
An undeniably attractive guy leaning against the fence has a presence that demands attention. He’s tall and lean, his frame carrying a graceful energy that contrasts sharply with the rugged masculinity of Dean.
His dark eyes, framed by impossibly long eyelashes, hold a depth that’s almost unsettling, like they could see right through any facade. His lips—full, bow-shaped, and naturally pouty—give him an almost boyish allure, softening the sharpness of his jawline. And did I mention attractive? It’s the kind of attractiveness that sneaks up on you, subtle at first, but then it hits like a wave, leaving you breathless. I am definitely breathless, and it has nothing to do with the tennis lesson, and everything to do with the mystery guy.
I feel a flush rise to my cheeks as I catch myself staring, my pulse quickening in a way I’m not used to. When he turns to face Dean, his hair flops carelessly over his forehead, and a confident grin spreads across his face, tugging at those perfect lips. He’s got this air, like he’s the kind of guy who says exactly what’s on his mind, unapologetically.
“Dean?” The guy’s voice is warm and familiar, and there’s a hint of something more in his tone—something that makes me glance between them, curious. “Wow, it’s been forever. Last time I saw you, I kissed you, didn’t I?”
I can hardly believe my ears. Did he really just say that? My eyes widen, and I glance at Dean, whose expression is as stony asI’ve ever seen it. He nods, his voice clipped as he replies, “Yeah, I remember.”
He obviously doesnotwant to remember.
Okay, this is officially awkward, but there’s something about the way the new guy carries himself that makes it hard to look away. He turns to me, and I suddenly feel like the center of his world, which is both thrilling and terrifying.
“Who’s this?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrays me by trembling just a little.
“Chad,” he says smoothly when Dean remains silent, extending his hand and stepping toward me. “An old friend of Dean’s.”
I take his hand, and the moment our skin touches, there’s this spark—like something electric passes between us. I can’t help but stare at him, taking in every detail, from the pouty curve of his smile to the way his eyes seem to see right through me. And before I can stop myself, the words just tumble out: “I’m a virgin.”
Oh. My. God. Did I just say that out loud?
I snatch my hand from his and take a step back. My face heats up as I desperately wish for the ground to swallow me whole. Dean looks like he wants to disappear too, but Chad, on the other hand, just smiles wider, like he’s genuinely amused.
“Good to know,” he says, his voice teasing but not unkind. A sparkle in the depths of his dark brown eyes lets me know that my lack of a filter is nothing to be ashamed of.
I want to crawl into a hole and never come out, but he doesn’t let the moment linger awkwardly. Instead, he leans in a little closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “So, do I get to know the name of the woman who’s bold enough to make confessions right off the bat?”
I force myself to breathe, trying to gather what little composure I have left. “Lakelyn,” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t betray how flustered I am.
“Lakelyn,” he repeats the syllables of my name, rolling over his tongue like music, sending a shiver down my spine. “Beautiful name for a beautiful woman. You’ll have to let me buy you dinner sometime, Lakelyn.”
My heart races at his words, and I’m painfully aware of how close Dean’s standing. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking, but I try to focus on Chad instead. “Maybe,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Chad’s smile deepens, and I can see the way he’s enjoying this, while Dean taps his racket against the side of his leg uncomfortably.
Dean releases a sigh and shifts on his feet, dragging a hand through his golden blond hair. Impatience radiates off of him like he’s a coiled spring, ready to snap at any moment. I want to smooth the furrow between his brows and reassure him that everything will be okay. But I suspect it’s Chad—or at least the idea of him—that’s put Dean on edge.
The tension hangs in the air, dense enough to slice through. I can’t seem to pull my gaze from Chad, even though I know I should. The way he looks at me, as if I’m the only person in the world, is almost overwhelming. But I can feel Dean’s presence beside me, colder than usual, almost frigid.
I glance down at my wrist, needing a distraction, and my stomach drops when I see the time. My shift at the diner starts in less than a half hour. “I—I have to go,” I stammer, taking a step back. “My shift is about to start.”
Dean nods, his expression unreadable, but there’s a certain coldness in his eyes that makes my chest tighten. That’s not for me. I know it isn’t. It’s for the beautiful omega standing in front of me. Still, it makes me ache inside. For him. For them both.
Chad, however, doesn’t miss a beat. “Where do you work, Lakelyn?” he asks, like he’s trying to keep me from leaving just yet.
