Page 56 of Talk About… Rivalry

“Well, don’t you look delicious tonight, Maverick Whitaker. I’m so glad you agreed to this date,” she said, her voice a low purr that had me swallowing and stepping back, my jaw clenched tight until I forced it to unclench so I could answer her.

“Thanks, you look great, too,” I offered as awkward as fucking ever.

I turned to the hostess, not wanting to prolong the pain. The sooner we sat, the better. I’d make some awkward small talk, be kind but not overly interested, then walk away.

“I have a reservation under Maverick Whitaker.”

The hostess gave me a sweet smile and tapped her book. “I’ve got you right here. Right this way.”

Thankfully, Kelly followed right behind her, not bothering to look back at me. I fell into step behind them. We walked right through the dining hall and out to the patio outside. I let out a breath, relieved that they were able to accommodate my request.

I was afraid the dining room would feel too claustrophobic.

It was cool enough that they had patio heaters going. Warmth encompassed the tables, making the candlelight and dark wooden tables seem even cozier.

Ugh, maybe this was a bad plan. This felt a bit too romantic.

When Kelly gave me a look full of promise, I cursed myself for fucking this up. Now parting ways would be even more difficult.

My entire body went cold as my eyes flickered to the table next to us, where Sidney was sitting with that asshole, Leo. The one who thought it was appropriate to open a fucking bar right here in Rockwood Valley, like we hadn’t been established for years.

Anger and hurt slammed into me at the sight. A low growl escaped as I glared at him, then back at her.

“What are you doing here, Sidney?” My voice was full of gravel, the words sharp and biting enough that she winced, but pasted on a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

In fact, those mossy eyes mirrored the pain I felt.

What the hell? Had Nash been right? Did she actually care?

Then why the hell did she not say something, do something, give me a single sign?!

“Leo here asked me on a date and I thought it would be rude to not accept,” she said, her voice soft then defiant as she glanced at Kelly who was standing next to me. My date was looking fromme to Sidney with narrowed eyes. “I see you have a date of your own. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

At this point, there was nothing else I could say, so I simply turned back to my date and pulled out the chair for her. She shot me a flirty smile and sat, watching me as I rounded the table to take my own seat. At least mine gave me a full view of Sidney and the asshole she was on a date with.

Bastard.

Nash’s words were playing in my head, reminding me thatIhad never asked her.

He did.

Which meant I had no right to be upset right now.

Yet, fury burned in my veins, eyes constantly flickering over to their table, clocking every single fucking time he reached for her, touched her, made her laugh.

I wanted nothing more than to rip this beta limb from limb.

Asshole.

This was just another reason to despise him. First my business, now my omega was at stake?

No, I wasn’t going to stand for this.

Kelly cleared her throat and I turned back to her, biting back my anger to give her a forced smile.

“Sorry, it’s just that she’s my little sister’s best friend,” I explained, hoping that would calm her worries. It wasn’t a lie, but it was miles away from the truth.

I glanced over in time to see Sidney’s gaze flick my way, a frown lining her gorgeous face.

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