Page 37 of Bonding with the Beta

“Ireallydon’t want to talk about this, Kayden.” She runs a hand through her hair. “Can we talk about something else?”

The sadness in her voice immediately makes me feel bad for pushing. But I can’t blame myself for wanting to know more about her.

“Sure.” I nod once. “I’m sorry.”

She forces a smile. “It’s fine,” she says and waves off. “I’m guessing this is where you take all your dates.”

“Why would you say that?” I tilt my head.

“Because it’s calm and romantic and seems thoughtful.” She shrugs, tucking her hands under her thighs as she glances around once more. “It’s a good move. Just not on me.”

A small chuckle passes my lips. “Damn it,” I tease. “Back to the drawing board then.”

“So…is it?”

“I barely go on dates,” I admit.

Kayleigh swipes her sunglasses to the top of her head, exposing her stunning blue eyes in the sun. “Why?”

“I haven’t met anyone worthy of a date,” I say simply. “I meet girls, sure. But I don’t think they’re all that into me because I might come across as reserved.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe that.”

“Believe what?”

“Girls aren’t into you.”

“They really aren’t.”

“Kayden, have you seen yourself?”

“Yes, you said I look like shit.”

She blinks for a moment and pulls back. “Yeah, well, maybe you kind of look like polished shit.”

I can’t fight the laugh that crawls up my throat. “Charming.”

Once we reach the middle, I stop rowing and allow the paddles to rest.

“How’s Ava?” she asks.

“Good,” I hum. “Still running around the house trying to get everything done.”

“I have no idea how that woman does it,” she mutters. “When I’m pregnant, best believe I’m going to have my feet kicked upand make everyone else do everything for me while I grow the baby.”

“Yeah, she’s a superwoman.”

Kayleigh runs her fingers through the ends of her hair before she flinches, a large bee resting on her knuckles. She stands up, the boat rocking slightly. “Oh my God!” she shrieks, staring at her fingers. “Oh my God!”

“It’s just a bee.” I hold out my hands to steady her before she goes over the edge. “It’s not going to hurt you.”

“Do you know what the bee is thinking, Kayden?” she snaps sarcastically. “No. You don’t. So shut up.”

I have to muffle my laugh. “It’ll fly away. Give it a moment.”

“It’s not moving, what if?—”

The bee decides this is the perfect moment to fly directly into Kayleigh’s face. A high-pitched scream bellows from her lips as she stumbles back. Oh, Goddess. She really is going to go over.

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