Page 48 of The Alpha and His Song: Volume One

I shrugged asking, “What did this place used to be?” Keaton answered, “It was a roller skate rink.” Oh. Keaton asked, “What’s wrong?” I admitted, “I always wanted to go to one. My elementary school always had school nights at them. No matter which school I was in actually, but I could just never go.”

Keaton frowned asking, “Why not?” I looked down, “I couldn’t afford it. I was by myself a lot and when I was old enough to get a job, I had to pay for utilities in my apartments. Rent was covered but it was up to me to get food and things like that. After getting school supplies I just couldn’t go out to things like that. I’d probably fall on my ass anyway.”

Keaton looked angry when he turned away and looked out the window. Eventually he said, “There’s an ice skating rink here. Have you gone before?” I shook my head. Keaton asked, “Would you like to go with me?” I teased, “Like a date, Key?”

This man looked me dead in the eyes, “Yes, Katie, on a date.” I nodded yes, unable to say words. The voice seemed smug now. Seriously? How did I make that thing shut up?! Now it had feelings and I was referring to my own head as an it. UGH.

Keaton said, “Great. Immy said you don’t work Wednesday. We can go then if you’re free.” I laughed, “When did you ask Immy about my schedule?” Keaton winked, “I have my ways.” Whatever they were doing it was clearly texting magically, since I’d swear his phone was still in his pocket.

I complimented, “A man of mystery, I like it.” Keaton laughed, “Let’s switch places, so I can drive you home.” He got out, and I slid over into the passenger seat. We drove to my apartment in a comfortable silence.

I asked, “What’s with all the snacks in the back?” Keaton smacked his head with his hand, “I got those for you in case you were hungry.” I laughed, “How much do you think I eat?” Keaton blushed, “I just didn’t know what you liked.” I smiled and grabbed the Funyuns.

I admitted, “My brother used to buy these for me. When I was learning to read, I always called them funyums which made him always laugh.” Keaton asked, “Where is your brother?” I looked out the window and whispered, “I don’t know.”

I didn’t ask how Keaton knew where I lived given the likely conclusion was Immy probably told him. Keaton punched in a code for the parking garage. I asked, “Uhh what?” Keaton winked, “This is my grandpa’s building. I know the codes for all his buildings. Keith and I worked maintenance here a few summers ago. Which spots are yours?”

I pointed, “That red mustang is mine.” Keaton smiled, “We can take that out next lesson if you want.” I clapped, “Really?” Keaton laughed, “Yes.” The song was demanding something in my head. I just didn’t know what it wanted.

So, I tried to hum the melody quietly hoping that would appease it as Keaton pulled into a spot next to my car. I kept humming then looked over realizing Keaton was breathing hard with his hands clenched at his side. I asked, “Key?”

When I put my hand on his, Keaton’s eyes snapped open, he pulled me into his lap, then his lips were on mine. It was bliss. The man’s hands were on my hips, and I put mine in his hair instinctually tugging on it.

Keaton growled causing me to shiver with desire because his growl was doing things to me. I was so past normal it wasn’t even funny. If I’d thought the song was smug before, now it was downright gloating. Keaton’s hands were moving up to cup my breast.

I wanted that more than I could express. My body was actually aching for his touch. A rapt of knuckles on the window had me pulling back, shrieking. Keaton growled but this time it sounded annoyed. He didn’t look away from me as he rolled the window down.

Keaton asked, “What Ken?” I was mortified we’d been caught by my building manager. Kenneth replied, “Your brother link…” He trailed off correcting, “I mean called.” What was a link call? Was that an app?

Kenneth continued, “He needs to see you in fifteen minutes.” Keaton said, “I’ll tell him I’ll be home after dinner. I ordered a pizza for Katie and I.” When did he do that? Kenneth raised an eyebrow but smiled at me before he waved goodbye.

Keaton rolled up his window, and I leaned into his shoulder. I groaned, “I need the earth to swallow me whole now.” Keaton chuckled, “No, you don’t. You have a beautiful voice, Katie.” I blushed, “Thank you.” He asked, “What’s that song?” I shrugged because I really didn’t know.

I looked back at him and ended up staring at his lips. Keaton whispered, “If you want to make it upstairs for the pizza, we need to get out.” I scrambled off him. What was wrong with me? I just met this guy! Keaton led me over to the elevator.

I pushed the button for my floor and nervously played with my keys before I walked into my place, putting my stuff down. I held out my arms saying, “So, this is home. For now anyway.” Keaton nodded then grabbed my hand pulling me backwards, so I was flush against him.

My heart was racing as he kissed my neck. I couldn’t stop my moan when I felt his teeth scrape my neck. The song was pulsing in my head. I needed to push him away, but I pulled him closer. Keaton whispered, “Katie.” It was like a bucket of ice water was poured on me.

I pulled back from him which made him frown. Now, the song was annoyed with me. Great. Stop having feelings, you weird song hissing thing! I said, “I’ll be right back.” I ran to the bathroom in my room. I looked at myself in the mirror, “He doesn't know, so you can’t be upset.” Except I was.

I wanted to hear Keaton say my real name. I whispered, “You cannot tell Keaton your real name. You don’t even know him, but it feels like you do. God. What is that with the song? Stop that. Stop with the feelings and the hissing, singing, and gloating.”

I took a deep breath, “It’s just period hormones. That’s all this is. I am not crazy. I’m not upset that Keaton said Katie because he thinks that’s my name so of course he said Katie. UGH!” I flushed the toilet as if that was why I was in here.

I ran the water in the sink and walked back out. I jumped when I saw Keaton standing in my room. He asked, “Did I do something wrong?” I shook my head, “No.” Keaton continued, “If I’m moving too fast….” I held up my hand stopping him, “You did nothing wrong, Key. I can’t really explain it.”

Keaton moved to me, “Try. I’ll never hurt you, Katie. Ever.” I asked, “What if when we are alone you don’t call me Katie?” That was compromise I could be happy with. Keaton asked, “What would I call you then?” I whispered so low there was no way he’d hear, “My name.”

Somehow, he did hear me, “Isn’t Katie your name?” I gasped, “Do you have super hearing?” Like me? Was he like me? Keaton smiled, “Something like that.” Something dawned on me. I asked, “Did you hear me talking to myself in the bathroom?”

Keaton bit his lip trying not to smile. Oh god, he had. I need to stop talking to myself so much. This man looked at me saying, “You don’t have to tell me your name yet if you don’t want to. We have time to get to know each other better for you to trust me.”

I twirled my hair with my fingers acknowledging, “It’s silly. You’d have to call me Katie around everyone else.” Keaton shrugged, “I can keep a secret.” A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Keaton went to answer it. I was somewhat convinced, we could both smell it was the pizza.

Keaton said, “I hope you like meat lovers. I should’ve asked you.” I smiled, “I’m not really picky so meat lovers is just fine.” We ate and he told me about his family. I was jealous of all the siblings he had. They all seemed really close.

Eventually he said, “I’ve got to go. Emmett is probably going to be pissed.” I laughed, “He looked mad today. His umm…” I trailed off not knowing if he was married. Keaton offered, “Wife.” I smiled, “His wife had to calm him down. They look really happy, like your parents. I swear your mom came out of nowhere for your dad.”