Page 30 of Jealous Alpha
“Why are you so unreasonable?” I chose not to answer because her words made no sense.
I drove down to the waterfront; I was suddenly starving. Sparring with her usually whets all my appetites; my dick was as hard a spike.
I pulled into the parking lot of one of the city’s best seafood restaurants on the pier. “What are we doing here? I’m not hungry.”
“You didn’t eat lunch, let’s go.”
“How do you know…?”
“It doesn’t matter.” I helped her out of the car and took her hand, leading her into the restaurant.
We found a nice secluded corner near the back that overlooked the water as she looked around. No doubt due to her profession she picks apart every building she enters.
The waiter came over and offered us menus and glasses of water before walking away again. “What are you in the mood for, what do you feel like having?” I perused my own menu while she left hers sitting on the table untouched.
“Very well, why don’t I order for you.” I did just that, ordering us both the same seafood pasta but I forewent the wine and any other beverage choosing instead to drink sparkling water.
The rain was now a steady drizzle and I wouldn’t take the risk of imbibing while I knew I had to drive her home.
She picked at the food when it came because I threatened to force feed her if she didn’t eat. I watched to make sure she ate enough.
I kept the conversation light, only bringing up the project and her child, the two things she cared most about.
“Have you decided what to do about Amber while we’re gone?”
“Ms. Pierce has agreed to stay over.” Every damn word was like pulling teeth.
“I’m guessing you won’t accept my offer for them to stay at my place.”
“No, please don’t insist, it’s not necessary.”
“Very well, as long as you’re comfortable with the arrangements I’m fine. Do you want coffee? Dessert?”
“No, I’m full, thank you.” I reached across the table for her hand and held on tight when she tried to pull it away.
“You look tired still, I don’t like seeing those dark circles under your eyes.” I ran my thumb beneath her eye gently, felt the warmth of her cheek beneath my palm.
For the barest of seconds it looked like she would turn her cheek into my palm, but at the last second she caught herself and pulled back. Damn!
“Okay then, if you’ve had enough I’ll take you home.” I called for the check and paid before leading her out the door with my hand protectively in the small of her back.
I seated her and belted her into the passenger seat before walking around to take the wheel. I reached for her hand and held it as I drove her home.
I walked her up to her building and was pleased to see that my threats had worked. The elevator had been fixed and was working like new.
If she knew I’d called the landlord and threatened him she’d have my ass. No matter how she reacts I will always do what’s best for her.
16
Once inside she dismissed Alice as Amber ran to me with outstretched arms. “Uncle Evan, uncle Evan.” Hearing her voice distracted me from the wall of gloom.
I picked her up and kissed her cheek. That place in my heart where her mother lives felt warm as I felt her little body shaking with excitement.
“How’s my other favorite girl?”
“Uncle Evan do you know another little girl like me?”
“There’s no other little girl like you.”
