I have no idea why I’m nervous, but my legs are restless as I quietly pad down the hall to Brooks’ room. I knock softly on his door, then wince, wondering if he heard it or if I should try again.
“Come in,” his deep voice sounds from the other side.
I enter to find the alpha shirtless on his bed, leaning back against the headboard with one leg bent and a book in his hands. He sticks a ribbon between the pages to mark his spot, then sets it on the nightstand as I push the door closed and tread closer.
It’s only when I’m next to the bed that I realize the book he’s reading is a romance novel. Even worse, it’s one from my collection, which means I’m very aware of how spicy it is.
“Did you steal my book?” My eyes fly from the book—noting he’s more than halfway through and therefore hasdefinitelyhit the spicy parts—up to his amused eyes.
“It looked well-loved, so I had to see what it was youenjoyed about it so much.” Brooks smirks, and my heart skips in my chest. “I’m definitely seeing the appeal.”
My face burns. I’m absolutely tomato-red, no doubt about it, and I have no idea what to say.
“Come here,” Brooks says, patting the bed next to him.
I scramble over, then don’t know how to arrange myself. Brooks brushes his hand along my shoulder, then wraps it around the nape of my neck. It’s surprisingly comforting in a secure way, and I relax into his hold as he pulls me down to his side.
“You okay, Ri?”
“I’m okay,” I whisper, snuggling into him. “Just getting in my head about all this.”
“Let’s sort it out. What’s got you worried?” His voice is gentle and deep, sinking beneath my skin.
“Besides how unreal it all feels, and Sage’s brother, and the fact my heart now resides outside my chest?” I try to make light of it, but Brooks doesn’t laugh.
“Hmm,” he hums, a low rumble against my ear. “I know what you mean. But since you phrased it that way, yes. In addition to all that, what’s going through your pretty head?”
I pause as my thoughts swirl, trying to pick which worry to start with. None of the expected ones emerge though, and instead, something entirely new slips out. “I think her heat coming up is making me nervous.”
Brooks hums, a thoughtful rumble as he considers. “Have you been part of an omega’s heat before?”
I shake my head. “No, never. Have you?”
“I haven’t,” Brooks says, surprising me. I chance a glance up at his face to see his strong brows pulled together, eyes distant. “Why are you nervous? To be honest, I am a little bit, too.”
I bite my lip and wiggle around, not wanting to put thethought into words. Brooks senses my hesitation, and he twists toward me.
“Talk to me, Ri.”
I stare at his muscular chest, then look away before I start drooling. He’s so freaking hot it’s unbelievable, and he seems to have no idea.
“I just,” I sigh, wrinkle my nose, then roll to my back and fling my arm over my eyes. “I’m afraid you donwantmelikeIwantyou.”
A gentle hand strokes along my arm to my wrist, then tugs it away from my face. Brooks’ warm hazel eyes are soft when I gather the courage to meet them.
“And how do you want me?” he murmurs, voice low and intimate.
“I want you in every way,” I whisper, staring into those mesmerizing eyes. He has flecks of gold and darker brown interspersed with the lighter hazel, and a ring of light green around the pupil.
“Be more specific, Riley,” he instructs.
I gulp. “I want to kiss you.”
“Then kiss me.” His reply is immediate.
“You want me to?”
“I do,” he says, cupping his palm around my cheek. He leans forward slowly, towering over me on the bed. “I really do, Riley.”
