Page 97 of Forget

Not like with Hayes.

“I detect no lies,” I say with a giggle, swallowing down my treat.

Chef fills a glass with water for me, and I thank him as I take it from him to drink it down. I’m starting to feel overheated again, which means it’s time to stand outside in the snow. That’s about the only thing that winter is good for. Otherwise, I’m ready for spring.

“Let me know if you’re not coming home tonight,” Dad says casually, making my jaw drop.

“This is what happens when you have adult children,” Chef says with a wide grin. “You have to be okay with them having an adult life.”

“Jesus, this is going to take some getting used to,” I mutter. “I’ll text you if I won’t be coming home.”

“Thank you,” Dad says, standing with his cup. “You look beautiful, my daughter. Knock them dead.”

Inclining my head, I say goodbye, walking back to my discarded boots. God, I can smell that scent again. Maybe I need a session with Dr. Alys to talk about sensory hallucinations, because I’m unsure what else this could be.

Sitting on the stairs, I pull on my boots, and declare myself as ready as I’ll ever be.

Cool air greets me as I walk out the front door, the clean scent of winter hitting me smack in the face and freezing my breath. Letting it cool me down, I pull the door closed behind me as I walk to the outside garage.

Usually, I’d have escaped directly to my car, but I need the time to compose myself and calm down.

Blowing out a breath, I shake my head as I open the garage entry door. Unlocking the SUV, I slide in, clicking the remote to open the roller doors to allow me to drive out. Getting situated, I push the engine button, pull my seatbelt on, and convince myself that I can handle this date.

Pulling the gear shift to drive, I push the accelerator pedal down to begin moving. It’s not snowing yet, though the world is covered in it.

The drive isn’t bad as I head into the small town near the house, but I’m starting to feel even more warm as time passes. Cracking the windows, I sigh as the frozen air plays in my hair and blows over my skin.

The sun is going down, there are few cars on the road, and I’m alone with my thoughts. Ugh, at this point I’m in denial, but I’ve come too far to turn around. I confirmed my date this afternoon, I have to go.

Parking once I arrive, I wince at the small cramp in my stomach. Behave, I don’t have time for you! Forcing myself to breathe, I drop my head back against my headrest and turn off the car.

I can handle a forty-five minute dinner. Then I’ll figure out what I’m going to do.

My heat shouldn’t be this early, but here we are.

Grabbing my clutch, I get out of the vehicle, slamming the door behind me as I walk. My waves are wind tossed, but stilllook good as my heels hit the pavement, and I toss my hair over my shoulder.

I’m already tired of dating. How do people do this for fun?

It’s exhausting.

Opening the door to the restaurant, I give Hollis’ name. She reserved the table under her, so that neither party would have any idea who they’re meeting. It’s kind of exciting, I’m just ready to be done with this all. I want a solution to my problem.

I’m conflicted because I really like Domh, but think he deserves more than what I think I’m capable of giving him. I work long hours, throw my life into helping people. Why would he want me?

The waitress weaves me through the restaurant tables, the candlelight appearing romantic now that the sun has gone down. Hollis has been choosing the restaurants, and I have to admit that she has great taste.

Every place that I’ve been to has been excellent.

I can see three men with their backs to me as the waitress walks me around, and as I inhale, I almost stumble in surprise. They smell delicious. Why do they…

I can tell immediately that two of them are biologically mine. One smells like grapefruit and raspberries, while the other smells like apple blossoms. My feet walk faster, wanting to know who is waiting for me.

Blinking, I find alphas that I know and a beta that I don’t. Their dark gazes promise fear and wonder at seeing me, and my knees threaten to buckle underneath me.

“Hey, sugar,” Domh growls. “Why don’t you sit before you fall down?”

I do exactly that as my legs feel like rubber, blinking rapidly.

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