Page 13 of Eight Steps to Alpha

If she had any type of self-control whatsoever, she would have been able to resist the face that greeted her, but there was something about Elliot’s that could thaw the most frozen of hearts. It was so boyish and genuine, so Elliot, that any bits of anger she held onto dissolved to a puddle on the floor.

“A what?” Ed and April laughed in unison.

Fe covered her mouth, because all of a sudden, she found the whole thing comical. She peered over to Elliot, waiting for him to explain.

“Wait,” Ed practically yelled. “You guys are serious?” He sauntered toward Fe, draping his arm over her shoulder. “Come,” he said close to her ear. “You must tell us your grand scheme over dinner.”

Fe wrinkled her nose and looked back at Elliot. He was two steps behind her, with one brow cocked with curiosity. “Well,” She began. “It all started when Elliot couldn’t find his way into Mary Poppins purse…”

* * *

Explainingthe details of the plan to Ed and April was just the distraction she needed. It was also surprisingly entertaining to find out just how into the plan Ed seemed to be. Yes, the plan was superficial to say the least, but there was also a strategic quality that made it quite game like, and who didn’t love a good game?

“So you have four weeks?” Ed questioned, eyeing Fe and Elliot back and forth almost simultaneously.

“Yes,” Elliot agreed while eating a fry.

“And what happens then? You go into work looking like a stud-cicle and she licks you until you release your creamy center?”

April choked, elbowing Ed in the ribs. “Gross.”

“I’m serious!” he said rubbing his side. “What happens then? You go into work a new man, and she magically notices you?”

Elliot’s eyes shifted to Fe, as though he hadn’t quite thought that far ahead.

She adjusted in her seat and took a large gulp of soda. “You’re having a launch party when she gets back from London, right?” she asked Elliot. “To celebrate the new acquisition?”

He nodded slowly.

“It will be then.” She shrugged. “Office parties are notorious for bringing out the slut in people.”

Elliot leaned back in his seat and cocked a brow. “I’m not so sure. I’ve been to many office parties, and I’ve never encountered any sluts.”

She laughed. “Trust me. I’ll go with you, which will instantly make you ten times more attractive—”

“How so?” April interrupted.

“Because.” She took a bite of cheeseburger and swallowed. “Women are notoriously jealous. She’ll see me with you, see your killer new confidence, and instantly become competitive. It’s science.”

April’s eyes narrowed, but her lips curved in a slow grin. “I think she’s right. There was once this guy in high-school who no one liked, but then the head cheerleader took an interest, and bam! He could have anyone he wanted.” She shrugged.

Fe lifted a brow. “See?”

Elliot filled his cheeks with air, then blew it out slowly. “That’s high school, Fe. Mary’s an adult.”

“True.” Fe braced her elbows on the table. “Though lust has no age limit. Mary Poppins may not even be good enough for you when I’m done. Ever think of that?”

He grinned and stuffed an onion ring in his mouth. “One can only hope.”

* * *

An hour later,standing at the women’s restroom after dinner, Fe leaned across the counter to give a few pumps to the soap dispenser. She felt more herself after a hefty burger in her belly. Relaxed, carefree, and actually enjoying the evening. She should have known better than to think a protein bar at lunch would have been satisfied her. Meal replacement, Ha! Maybe for a toddler.

She glanced into the mirror to check her appearance, comforted by the fact she now had a reason for her odd behavior earlier. She was just hangry that’s all. So hungry, she was easily agitated.

She moved over to the automatic dryer, and April came to stand by her side.

She met Fe’s gaze and frowned. “Won’t it be weird for you guys,” she yelled over the electric blower, rubbing her hands back in forth in an effort to make them dry faster.

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