Page 55 of Talk About… Rivalry

She wasn’t Sidney.

Fuck, I was in trouble.

The guilt for stringing this girl along was enough to eat away at me, but I never promised her forever, I promised heronedate. I was going to give her this, at least, then part ways.

We would never have to see each other again after what I knew would be a painful date.

My phone dinged again and I let out a sigh as I read over the message.

Kelly: Can’t wait to see you tonight. Here’s a preview, if you want to have a little fun afterward!

Part of me wondered if Kelly found me because of the lives. Avery had joked how I was the brooding, quiet brother that was mysterious enough to get my own attention. Was she one of those people who just wanted to add this conquest to a list of accomplishments, to brag in the comments that she bagged the untouchable Whitaker brother?

Now, Ireallydidn’t want to go. The alpha in me wasn’t willing to stand her up. That wasn’t my style. I was a gentleman to the best of my abilities.

Maverick: You look gorgeous, see you tonight.

There, a compliment. To the point but not over the top, no flirting back. She didn’t feel rejected because I knew how sensitive omegas could be, but also not telling her I wanted to take her up on her offer.

Even as my stomach churned, I tried to pretend I was proud of myself.

She didn’t respond to me, likely not enjoying the lack of excitement from my answer.

Maybe she’d put us both out of our misery and not show up.

Not fucking likely.I’d just have to alpha up and handle this.

It was time to leave finally. I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I’d at least put some effort into my appearance. My long hair was pulled back into a bun like usual, my outfit of choice was a black button up.

I rolled up the sleeves to my elbows, exposing my forearms, putting my tattoos on display. My shirt was tucked into a black pants ending in black shoes.

Not a lot of variety, but I looked presentable and didn’t smell like old booze like I would after a long shift.

I just had to work on the scowl that was permanently formed on my face. It wasn’t exactly something you should greet your date with.

Even I knew that.

I’d picked up some flowers from the florist earlier today and I snagged them off my desk before walking out of my room.

Sharing a place with my brothers after Mom met Charlie sounded like a good idea but that also meant they were alwaysin my business. Nash was waiting in the living room for me. There wasn’t even a TV on to make it look like he was distracting himself.

“Really?” I growled as he settled his bored gaze on me before it slowly turned to a smirk.

“Have a great time, Maverick. I’ll be here to hear all the juicy details when you get back.”

“Fuck you,” I said, flipping him my middle finger as I snagged my keys off the wall and walked to my truck.

Every step forward felt heavy, but I forced myself to keep going. I couldn’t get out of this now. Ihadto move on.

For my own sake.

When I pulled up in front of The Landing it was already filling in for the dinner rush. Kelly was waiting by the front door, chatting with the hostess behind the stand as if they were best friends.

I walked up slowly, wishing I could be anywhere else, but placing a small smile on my face as my hand brushed against her elbow to get her attention.

She turned my way and her gaze went from confused to full of heat. She ran her eyes over my body before back up to my face, giving me a wink and a smirk.

No reaction. Nothing. It was official, I was ruined for anyone other than Sidney Vance.

---