Page 33 of Knot Happening

I almost want to say yes, but I have work, and I can’t give up that nap before my shift. If I tell him this, will he believe me? Hayden hasn’t been nagging me to drive me to the diner, but I can’t walk to Haze without that Alpha-hole honking his horn at me the whole fucking way. It’s easier to just give in.

What would he do if he saw another man, another Alpha, giving me a ride after taking me to dinner?

“I have to head home after this. I need a nap before my second job.” I wince, because that sounded so fake, but it’s the truth. I try to smooth it over. I like Everett, and wouldn’t mind getting to know him more. “Maybe you could take me to dinner tomorrow? I don’t have a shift here, so I can sleep in a bit more.”

Normally, I wouldn’t agree to a date, but Everett, there's something about him that puts me at ease. Maybe it’s because he’s not a conventional Alpha. He’s softer somehow, and less dominant. Not as intimidating and really fucking handsome. He’s not my boss, or my ex-best friend, either. Thus, uncomplicated.

I agreed to have him pick me up at six this evening for dinner at a nearby restaurant. When he pulls up, I can’t help but snort a laugh.

He’s driving what can only be described as something you’d see a pimp in a movie driving. A purple box looking car with bright gold rims, and a lifted front. The inside is covered in purple velvet, and I give Everett a questioning look.

He’s rolled the windows down, so I lean forward on the driver's side and peek in at him.

“This is actually ridiculous, Everett,” I giggle, but instead of looking amused, he frowns.

“Easton.”

“What?”

“My name. It’s Easton. I don’t like giving it out, but it turns out I like hearing you call me by the wrong name even less.” There's a hint of a growl in his tone, but he doesn’t sound dominant like Alphas usually are. Maybe a little possessive.

“Oh. Well then, I guess it’s nice to meet you, Easton.” Despite the change in name, I don’t find myself reluctant to go with him. I think about it for a second as I take in the sight of him. He looks unreasonably sexy right now. He’s wearing a white v-neck t-shirt, and black jeans. From here, I can just catch a glimpse of one of his shoes. Black combat style boots.

He’s got several rings on his fingers and thumbs, a couple reaching just past the first knuckles. As well as a ton of black string bracelets on one wrist, and on the other, has a combination of black and silver string and metal bracelets.

The necklaces are no less sexy the second time around. A small string of mini pearls and a gold chain hang around his neck, and I suddenly feel fucking feral.

I’m wearing a simple flowy pink sundress and strappy white sandals. I left my hair down and curled and only put on a little makeup.

“I think I like Easton better.” My voice is breathy, and I make my way to the passenger side door. As I slide into my seat, I take a deep breath. His scent hasn’t necessarily changed, but there's a hint of another lingering scent. A sweeter brownie. Thoughts of gooey warm brownie and vanilla ice cream flood my mind.

Sheesh. Maybe I need to buy a second kind of suppressant. The scent of my arousal fills the car, and I whine. I’m so embarrassed that I cut the whine off and end up in a coughing fit.

Easton pats my back gently, and when I finally get my shit together, he’s watching me intently.

“Sorry about that,” I murmur.

Easton shrugs, returning his attention to the task of driving. We pull out of my complex and head down the main street.

“Instincts can be a real bitch sometimes,” he grumbles, and I nod my agreement. They really can.

When we park at our destination, I frown. “This isn’t…”

“I know. I thought you’d like this more.”

Through the windshield, I see the neon colors of comics and vintage games adorning the side of a large, black, brick building, while flashing lights are just visible in the front windows under a bright yellow overhang. SMASH is written in bold letters just above.

Easton is out of the car and promptly jumps across the hood to get to my side before I can open the door. He’s practically skipping as he drags me inside. I can’t help but giggle as we enter the dimly lit arcade. The restaurant is attached at the back, but the entire front is nothing but games.

After exchanging a fistful of cash for game tokens, he drags me over to the first set of skeeball machines.

Easton has clearly been here before because he spends an hour kicking my ass at every game we try. I’m having a blast though, and when we’re done he gives me his tickets, and I pick out a stuffed teddy bear to take home.

When we finally collapse into a booth to order dinner, he sits forward enough that his knees touch mine under the scarred tabletop. He’s holding my hand, our fingers laced, as we sit in the booth looking at the menu. Placing the neon-turquoise bear on the seat by my hip, I am already wondering if it will manage to capture any of his scent on the ride home… I take the opportunity to unclasp one of his bracelets and stuff it in the purse I brought with me. I don’t even know which one I got, but I didn’t get the feeling these were sentimental, more of a style choice.

Once the food arrives, he releases my hand, but between every bite of his food, his hand lands on my thigh.

“Tell me about yourself.”

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