Page 40 of Alpha Theo

I see a flash of something in his eyes, like he’s wounded by my response. I’m getting another peek behind the curtain, underneath the cocky facade.

I think hewantsme to care.

I clear my throat and speak up. “Sorry, I’m just in a rotten mood today. I’m stressed.”

Theo pulls something out of his jacket pocket- looks like he brought a protein bar as his snack today.

“No worries, kid,” he sighs, tearing open the wrapper. “What are you stressed out about?”

He stuffs the protein bar in his mouth, taking a big bite and chewing.

I blow out a breath, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose. “This program, for one. I was supposed to have it done a week ago.”

“Sorry, can’t help you with that,” he grumbles, still chewing. He swallows, peeling back the wrapper of his protein bar further. “What else?”

I pause, unsure if I should tell him.

“I… have a date tonight.”

Theo’s eyebrows shoot up. His mouth is open, ready to take another bite of his snack, but he pulls it away from his mouth, narrowing his eyes.

“A date?”

I nod.

“Let me guess,” he chuckles wryly. “Connor.” He says his name with such disdain.

I nod again.

Theo slowly brings his protein bar back up to his mouth and takes a bite. Chews. Swallows. Considers.

“Why does that stress you out?” he finally asks. “I thought you were in love with him or something.”

A maniacal laugh escapes my lips. “What?! No! I mean, I like him, but… well, this is our first actual date.”

“Ooh, first date.” Theo waggles his eyebrows. “Where’s ol’ mop top taking you?”

I wring my hands in my lap. “The Italian restaurant in Goldenleaf… I think it’s called Bella Vita or something?”

He rolls his eyes exaggeratedly, taking the last bite of his protein bar and wadding up the wrapper. “Boring.” He drags out the word, turning to toss the wrapper into the trash behind him. He misses and it lands on the floor.

“Whatever. I think it sounds nice,” I say defensively.

“Yeah, and real original, too,” he scoffs. “C’mon, the best he could come up with was a dinner date?”

I fold my arms, narrowing my eyes. “What, like you’re an expert or something? Have you ever actuallydatedanyone?”

He gives a quick shake of his head. “I’m not the guy that girls want todate, kid. But if I ever did, I’d come up with something way better thandinner.”

“I’m sure that’s not true. You’ve practically got a fan club.”

I’ve seen how women throw themselves at Theo. The guy’s gorgeous, and that alpha energy is magnetic.

He snorts. “Those girls aren’t looking for adate.”

I get his meaning. I just shake my head disapprovingly and roll my eyes again. “Whatever.”

Theo grins, dragging his feet off of my desk, letting them fall to the floor.

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