Page 39 of The Alpha's Surrogate

“You’re too kind,” he said.

“I’m too full,” she countered.

He was about to tell her that was the result of eating two people’s food, but the look she gave him was enough to make him forget his comment and keep his mouth shut. Instead, he said, “How about we go to the living room?”

“Good call,” she said, sliding out of her seat. “Can I get some more of that tea?”

“Of course. You can go ahead. I’ll just heat it up a bit and bring you a cup.”

She smiled appreciatively and touched his arm as she left. He felt a warm sensation run up and down his arm when she removed her hand, and he felt lightheaded from the touch. It was the most physical contact they’d had since…

He pushed the thought out of his head. He found it easier to live as if that night had never happened. It didn’t hurt as much if he didn’t think about it often. A memory that should have brought euphoria brought him only pain now, and he hated that.

He heated up the pot and poured some of the spiced tea into a cup for Josie. After a moment’s thought, he poured a second cup for himself. He could use some relaxation himself, he figured.

He hit a switch on the digital screen on the kitchen wall, and the background jazz music stopped playing in the kitchen. He could hear it playing softly from the living room. He reduced the volume some, and then adjusted the lighting as well.

Satisfied, he picked up the two cups of tea and went to join Josie on the couch. She was lounging like a cat sunning on a porch. He’d never seen her so relaxed before.

“You, Callahan Finn, know how to treat a woman,” she said as she accepted the tea from him.

He sat down beside her, careful not to spill the hot liquid on himself. He took a sip and sighed contentedly. They sat in silence for a long time, sipping tea, while the sweet sound of jazz music twisted soothingly through the room.

Josie rested her head on the couch, and her eyes closed drowsily. She wasn’t asleep, just tremendously at ease. “Where did you learn to cook like that?” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper, but it floated toward Callahan like the lyrics of a sweet song. “I’ve been meaning to ask you for weeks, it just kept skipping my mind.”

More like you’ve been avoiding me for weeks, he thought to himself. “My mom loved to cook. My dad could eat a horse and then some. It was like they were made for each other. I spent a lot of time around her, so I picked up a thing or two.”

“I know for certain that you picked up more than a thing or two,” she said musingly. After a long pause, she spoke again. “And the music…that was a nice touch.”

Callahan smiled. “I stole it from your phone a few days ago, when you were out in the greenhouse. I was saving it for the right occasion.”

“Your timing is impeccable.”

“You deserved nothing less,” he said sincerely. “Here, pass me your feet.”

She opened her eyes and looked at him suspiciously, hesitating. “Since you asked nicely…” She moved around and lifted her feet, placing them on Callahan’s thighs. He flexed his fingers, then started massaging her ankles gently. She sighed appreciatively and got more comfortable.

Callahan took a mental picture of the moment and locked it in a safe place in his heart. The world could be burning to the ground around him and he wouldn’t have moved a muscle. He didn’t want this moment to end.

“I came down tonight to have a serious conversation with you,” Josie said after several minutes of silence.

Callahan tensed but tried to keep the anxiety away from his face. He’d been waiting for this moment for a long time, and now that Josie was ready to talk to him, he didn’t know what to expect. “Seems as good a time as any for a serious conversation,” he said lightly.

“I’m serious, Callahan.” Her voice sounded tight and he heard some worry in it as well.

“Alright, talk to me. I’m all ears.” He continued massaging her feet gently, and hoped she couldn’t hear his heart thundering wildly in his chest.

She fell silent for a long time, probably putting her thoughts together. When she finally spoke, her voice sounded solemn and thoughtful. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I really enjoy spending time with you. I also appreciate all the comforts you’ve provided for me ever since I moved in with you. Living here has been a five-star experience.”

Her words were warming to hear, but he was waiting for the but. He knew her enough to know that the second shoe had to drop. He had a sinking feeling in his gut, but he remained quiet. He doubted she would ever be this open again.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, though,” she said quietly. “Today has been like a bucket of water, and not only because of the visit to the clinic. I’m talking about everything. I’d like for you to know a few things about me.

“I never knew my mom, and that’s all you know. But you don’t know the circumstances surrounding her death. She got involved with some very dangerous people, and—”

“Josie…” Callahan said softly, cutting her off. “I know. I know everything.”

Her head snapped quickly to the side. “Huh?”

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