Page 69 of Bonding with the Beta

My eyes narrow. “You’re very persistent.”

“I know what I want,” he smiles, and those dimples taunt me. “And secretly, I know you want to go on a date with me, too. So stop playing around and come out with me.”

“I told you I don’t date.”

Kayden hums, sounding unconvinced. “Alright, fine. If you want to be in denial.”

“I’m not in denial. I’m—” I cut myself off before I say too much.

He takes my hand and runs his thumb over my knuckles. “I promise you won’t regret it. I just want you to jump with me.”

I chew my lip for a moment. Deep down, a part of me really,reallywants to, but another part is holding me back, and I wish I could let go.

“What are you so scared of?”

Getting hurt again.

Kayden’s brow twitches for a moment. “Kayleigh, I?—”

“I’ll go on the date,” I blurt suddenly before I chicken out.

He pauses for a second. “What?”

“I’ll jump,” I whisper. “With you.”

Kayden grins widely at me, and my insides flutter. “I won’t let you fall, I promise.”

“What are we doing?”

His eyes flick down to my lips. “It’s a secret.”

“A secret?”

Kayden hums, clearly enjoying the fact I’m squirming. “I’ll come pick you up at seven. Dress fancy.”

My eyes widen. “Fancy?”

He chuckles deeply. “Yeah…you ain’t getting in looking like that.”

I gawk. “You’re lucky even to be getting this.”

“Stop flirting with me.” He winks. “I’ll see you on Saturday.”

My eyes roll into the back of my head once more before I open the door. “You’re an ass,” I murmur as I hear his laughter before I slam the door shut.

“Evie, this is so not me,”I whine as I stare back at the full-length mirror.

Evie claps her hands. “It looks fucking amazing, Kay.”

“Really?” I press my hands against the soft fabric.

“Yes!” she shouts. “It’s been sitting in my wardrobe for God knows how long. It needs a night out. Trust me.”

Her words warm my chest as I look over the dress once more. I rarely wear this colour because I fear it makes my skin look too pale, but I adore the way her wine-red, long silk dress sits on my frame. There is a slit up one on the sides, the waist is pinched, and it has a V-neckline that shows off the perfect amount of cleavage.

It feels like a lot.

But Kayden said fancy.

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