Page 32 of Talk About… Rivalry

What the hell is wrong with me?

I blinked a few times and shook my head as if to clear my thoughts. The last thing I needed to do was thirst after yet another man that I couldn't have.

He was so damn gorgeous that I couldn’t help but smile at him, focusing on the conversation and not his looks.

“You did. It’s omega night, which means all the thirsty packs and omegas are here to try to make connections.”

He chuckled to himself at the snark in my tone. “I take it you’re not here for that?”

I fucking wish.

“No. My best friend is part owner and on maternity leave. She wanted me to come and check how things were going since she couldn't be here.”

“Ah, loyal. A lovely trait to have,” he said with a genuine smile. “I feel it’s hard to find loyalty these days.”

“What brings you in?” I asked, hoping to make conversation and pass the time. Or maybe I did it just to piss Maverick off, an attempt to make him finally notice that I wasn’t a little sister.

Sure enough, within a few seconds of me smiling and leaning into this alpha, I could feel his gaze searing into me.

“This small town bar has blown up,” he agreed. “I work for Sinclair Vineyards and was sent to talk to the owners. My name is Bennett, and you are?”

He spoke in a way that felt more like he was stating facts, not bragging. That was also a trait hard to find these days.

“Sidney,” I said, offering him a shy smile. He was surprisingly easy to talk to. It was kind of nice to talk to someone who had no clue who I was after the chaos of the week I’d just had. Conversation with strangers never felt easy, but with Bennett it did.

“Can I get you something to drink, buddy?” Maverick's voice was full of gravel as he cut in.

“I'm guessing that best friend thing comes with protective older brothers, huh?” Bennett stage whispered at me before turning to Maverick. “Actually, yes, you can. I’m here to speak with whoever handles brands. I’m a representative with Sinclair Vineyards. I was hoping to have a chat about wine suppliers.”

Maverick blinked at him, clearly taken aback.

“Tonight's really not a good night,” he finally admitted, looking around at the crowd. “I can't leave the bar to talk to you and I'm the one who handles suppliers.”

“That's okay. I got a room in town for the week. I wanted to check the place out anyway, and I think coming here was the right choice.”

He glanced at me and then grinned back at Maverick. “At least I know that you have enough business to sell our products.”

“Why don't you stop by tomorrow afternoon,” Maverick offered, still thrown off by the curveball thrown his way. “The front door will be unlocked and it'll be quiet in here. We don't open until six.”

“Perfect,” Bennett managed to get out before Maverick was moving on to the next person, giving me one last look.

“Is that your alpha?” Bennett asked.

So, I wasn’t making up the tension that was burning between me and Maverick?

“I don't have an alpha,” was all I managed to get out, glancing down at my drink and taking a sip.

Bennett made a noise but didn't argue with me. I couldn't help but steal a glance at the handsome alpha again. He was a surprise tonight and I couldn’t believe I was being so open.

Was I just so touch starved and desperate for a connection that I was willing to flirt and chat with any alpha that would have me?

Especially ones I didn't already have an emotional connection with.

Maybe it would do me some good.

I turned, ready to start up the conversation again, but fell silent as an omega leaned across the bar in front of Maverick, giving him an eye full of her tits.

A low growl escaped me and my eyes narrowed. I don't know why I was feeling so possessive. Maverick’s eyes flickered to mine, giving nothing away before turning back to her.

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