He hands me Danger, turns, and runs up the beach, and I can’t look away, watching as he leaves me all over again.
And just like I did all those years ago, all I want to do is follow him.
Chapter 3
Elijah
“Sorry I’m late,” I hiss as I rush into the kitchen, almost falling on my butt as my shoes slide a little. I grab the stainless steel bench to keep myself upright. The kitchen is big enough to run a team, but it’s mostly just the two of us working. This space is Franco’s pride and joy.
“What have I told you about footwear, Elijah?”
“Kitchen success starts with safety first,” I repeat with a grin at my mentor.
Franco Sol smiles at me as he chops onions with a speed that still makes me nervous for his fingers. I shouldn’t be. He’s a god in the kitchen. When I first started working at Be Seaing You, I’d been stunned and amazed that he wasn’t working in the city or looking to grow the restaurant.
But that’s not Franco. He’s just happy feeding his family and friends.
I grab my apron and tie it on. “So, what’s happening today? What are we making?”
“We’ve got a few reservations, a birthday party, and the Pack Makers are hosting a dinner for their Valentine’s Day plans.” Franco smiles at his onions like he’s smiling at his omega. I have never seen a family so in love as the Sols.
Pack Makers again.
I wince, reminded that I volunteered our pack for this Pack Makers Smitten event in a panic. Devon had almost killed me.
“Oh, sounds good. Have they ordered the specials?” I ask, trying to focus on work and not the blind panic over who we’re likely to be paired with tomorrow. I’m not good at talking to people. Hell, I’m not much good at anything an alpha is supposed to be. Things come out wrong when I get nervous, and I’m not calm and strong like Mack or fierce and charismatic like Devon.
“I’ve got their order as usual. It just needs to be made when they get here. The cakes are in the refrigerator. Milton brought them over earlier. We should be out of here by eight.”
“Got a burning date?” I tease.
Franco looks up from his onions. “Sofia is home.”
The world spins wildly before coming to a sudden stop. “Sofia’s home?” I fail to hit nonchalance and instead say those two damning words with an undignified squeak. A completely, unalpha-like squeak.
“Yes!” Franco beams at me. “You remember Sofia, yes?”
I remember Sofia very well. I remember the party and the game of Spin the Bottle. In the darkness with her scent just starting to bloom, the feel of her lips and how I was ruined from that moment on.
“Uh, kind of. I mean, I think I saw her around.”
Franco, damn him, just smiles wider. He scrapes his onions into a pan and starts cutting up carrots.
“How long has she been back for?” I say, clearing my throat, but I don’t miss the glimmer of amusement in my boss’ eyes.
“She got back a few hours ago. Brought a new man with her.”
My brows snap down, and, for one second, I can’t hide my displeasure. “A man?”
“Well, he is kind of a dog.”
I cock my head to the side, studying Franco. “He’san actual dog, isn’t he?”
Franco doubles over, slapping his knee, laughing so hard tears come to his eyes. “Oh, you should see your face. Devastation unlike any other. So much for all these years of pretending Sofia who.”
My cheeks burn.
“Don’t worry, son, I’m on your side. She needs an alpha exactly like you.”
