“They have a newJurassic Parkpinball machine too,” Riven adds.
“Well, he’s got my seal of approval, Del.” I stifle a groan when Laz winks at me. This is worse than being ambushed by my parents while on a date. I shouldn’t be surprised, though; Laz is just as protective of all the Stellas as he is of Sabs and Faye. “It is a super, secret club, though, so I’ll have to check with Delilah that you’ve treated her well first.”
Where is an emergency escape hatch when I need one?
“Don’t worry.” Tae doesn’t even balk. “I have every intention of treating her well.”
“You know, I think I can hear pastries calling my name,” I decide to put an end to this conversation before Laz can say anything to embarrass me further.
Tae laughs. “I guess that’s our cue to go.”
“I could eat a pastry,” Riven muses. “Maybe we can?—”
Laz nudges him in the ribs. Poor Riven sometimes misses social cues. “I don’t think they want us cramping their style.”
“Ohhhh.” Realization dawns on Riven’s face, and his pale cheeks flush. “Right, of course. On a date, you’d rather be alone.”
“Del will give you my number,” Laz tells Tae. “We can all hang out soon.”
After they fist bump in goodbye, we continue on our way.
“They’re two of my friends’ packmates,” I explain. “They have a whole bromance going on.”
Recently, Laz and Riven have formed a tight friendship. They’re total opposites, but Kady is pleased that Laz’s influence is helping to bring her shy alpha out of his shell, and Faye’s just happy that Riven can get Laz to sit still for five minutes to watch the stars. With Laz’s endless energy, it’s no small feat.
“They seem like nice guys,” Tae replies. “I haven’t had time to meet many people here yet.”
“So you moved to town alone?”
“Oh, look!” Tae points at the Tea House up ahead, nestled behind an oak tree, the shutters down for the day. “ Don’t worry about it being closed.” He raises his finger to his lips. “I have keys for the back door.”
“I don’t want you getting in any trouble for me.” I wring my hands. “This is only your first week.”
“It’ll be fine.” He doesn’t seem at all concerned. “I’ll just say I forgot something if anyone finds out. No one will check.”
We sneak down the side alleyway, excitement bubbling under my skin at the thrill of breaking the rules. Tae puts on a funny walk, pretending to tiptoe as I follow him. His light-hearted, bright energy is contagious, and I giggle along. I’d almost lost hope that it would be possible to have fun with a guy again.
After Jagger, I became so jaded. As much as I adore losing myself in a good romance book, I’d started to think that maybe they were just stories about unattainable love that doesn’t exist in the real world. While I’ve always believed in fated love, clinging onto that belief has been getting harder. Especially after I thought I’d met my scent match last year only to lose him.
EIGHT
Delilah
PRESENT DAY
Tae fumbles with the keys before eventually letting us into the building, guiding me straight to the kitchen. The lights skitter to life above us, illuminating the small space with no windows. Every wooden worktop is gleaming, the sparkling area filled with appliances, and hanging utensils lining the walls. On the island, neatly packed boxes of bread and cakes from Springflour Bakery—an amazing place in Forestville that makes my favorite key lime pie—are ready for tomorrow. There are also rows of delicious-looking cinnamon buns in containers.
“What’ll it be?” Tae gestures at the island.
I gasp. “I can’t just take whatever I want!”
“Don’t worry, I’ll pay for whatever we eat tomorrow.” He opens a box to reveal rows of perfectly iced red velvet cupcakes, each covered in a mountain of frosting. Next he opens another container housing decadent-scented slices of strawberry shortcake, made with what appears to be a light sponge cake and heavy whipping cream. In another, there’s a selection of snickerdoodles and sugar sprinkled shortbread. All of it has me instantly salivating.
“The shortbread does look pretty good.” I eye it.
“I’ll grab us each one of those, then, along with cinnamon buns.” He selects the biggest ones then plops them onto a plate. “Now what drink will be the perfect pairing to go with this?”
“Hm…” I rub my chin. “How about a chai latte? The added spice will go well with both of them.”
