Page 4 of Kiss Me for Christmas

“She’s not a fucking slut,” I snarl, curling my fists tight.

“I’m not saying that.” Drek smiles wide at my reaction. “I’m just saying that you should go on a few dates and see if she likesyou,or if she just likes the idea of being with a pack.”

It’s not a terrible idea, but I can’t shake the worry growing in my gut. “She’s going to find it odd that I don’t have a pack.” I give the room a sweeping glance. I don’t want anyone to hear what we’re talking about. There’s a reason I don’t share my private life at work. “I have nothing to offer. I’m pushing forty, with no pack. No stability. No?—”

“Fucking, hell, Ben.” Drek groans, giving me a tight glare. “You’rethe one that isn’t listening. You don’tneeda pack. But you do need to get your head out of your ass and ask the damn girl out. It’s very clear you’re drawn to her and it’s dangerous for alphas to ignore that kind of pull.” His eyes cut just past me, and a bright smile fills his face. “Beta Marin!” he yells and my whole body tenses. “Come sit with us!” Then his friendly energy shifts darker as he leans in and whispers, “Man-the-fuck-up andact like a goddamn alpha.” He stands, smoothing his hand down the front of his dress shirt. His green tie is weirdly stiff. I want to choke the life out of him with it.

“Dr. Foresten.” Beta Marin moves at my shoulder and it takes everything in me not to turn and look at her. “Dr. Enoch,” she whispers my name, and I swear it comes out a little deeper. Throatier. It’s a little thrilling. “What can I help you with?” she asks as if offering to check a temperature or draw a patient’s blood.

“Have a seat.” Drek motions to the chair he was just in.

The sweet beta obeys, placing a small cup of coffee on the table between us. I can’t help but admire her as she glances up at Drek. Her skin is so smooth and her scent is so warm.I want to touch her so fucking bad.

“What’s going on?” Scarlett asks in a bright voice as she looks from Drek to me.

“Bennet and I were just talking, and we wanted your opinion on something.” Drek glances at the main counter and his grin pops back into place. “I’ll be right back. The line is finally bearable.” And just like that, the fucker walks off.

“Okay,” Scarlett whispers, before turning her brown eyes to me. I love her eyes. The soft color with a ring of deep green around the edges. They’re the first thing I noticed about her. They remind me of the woods where I grew up. “What do you need my opinion on?” Scarlett asks me, and my attention immediately snaps to Drek’s back.The asshole.

“Have you given any more thought to the Christmas party?” I ask, trying like hell to do what Drek said. He’s right, but he’s also an idiot. Alphas can be aggressive with other omegas and even other alphas, but betas are an entirely different creature. They require more time for affection to grow.

“I was thinking of going,” Scarlett smiles sweetly, but I don’t miss the way her hands tighten around her cup of coffee. Is shenervous? DoImake her nervous? Fuck, I hope so. “Are you bringing a date?”

Her question catches me off guard, and I sit a little straighter, ready to make my move. “I was hoping to take you.”

Scarlett’s whole body goes tight as her eyes slowly widen. “What…” she shakes her head, her expression a mixture of shock and maybe fear. I don’t know. It’s hard to tell. “Are you saying you want to take me…” she points at her chest, “...as adate?”

I can’t help but smile at her reaction. “Yes, Scarlett,” I say her name slowly, cherishing the moment. It’s the first time I’ve addressed her informally, and it feels surprisingly good.

“Oh.” A bashful smile fills her face as she ducks her head.Fuck, she looks so submissive.“I think…” she licks her pouty lips. “I think I’d like that.”

My chest puffs out as my heart swells. I feel as if I’ve won a precious prize, but I need to tell her I don’t have a pack. That might be an issue for her.

“Scarlett,” I slip my hand across the table, wrapping it around her small wrist, “I should tell you?—”

The PA system overhead beeps loudly followed by a monotone voice. “Dr. Enoch. Code twelve on the ninth floor. Dr. Enoch. Code twelve on the ninth floor.”

“I should go too.” Scarlett pulls her arms back, forcing my hand to fall from her wrist. “I’ll talk to you later, Dr. Enoch.”

“Please,” I resist the urge to fly across the table and kiss her hard, “call me Bennet.”

A deep blush warms Scarlett’s cheeks and she stands. “I’ll talk to you later, Bennet.”

And it takes everything in me not to follow her.

LEAVING THE CAFETERIA

Scarlett

What the hellam I doing?

Am I really going on a date with Dr. Enoch?Bennet.

My heart pounds hard against my ribs as I walk across the cafeteria. I want to run at full speed straight for the main door, but I can feel the alpha’s eyes on me. His dark sexy eyes and that tempting dimple when he smirks…

Lord, help me.This is a bad idea.

“Hey, lady,” Kassidy smiles wide as she spots me on the other side of the main lobby. The sunlight pours in from the massive wall of windows behind her. It goes a good three stories up, making the whole space bright and warm. Too warm. “Where are you going in a hurry?” she asks as she pushes herself away from the receptionist’s desk.

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