Page 20 of Tempest

The credits rolled. House lights flooded the theater.

Tempest was on his feet in an instant, striding toward the exit. My heart leapt into my throat.

“That was fun,” Mark said, stretching. “Want to grab a coffee?”

I barely heard him. My eyes were locked on Tempest’s retreating back. The pull was magnetic, undeniable.

“I… I’m sorry, Mark. I have to go.” The words tumbled out.

Confusion creased his brow. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just… remembered something urgent.” I was already standing, gathering my purse.

Mark’s disappointment was palpable, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Yeah, I knew it made me a bitch, but I wasn’t ready to admit I’d used him. I hadn’t walked into this even thinking of giving him a chance. Hopefully, he’d find what he was looking for with his next date.

Tempest was disappearing through the doors. I hesitated for a split second. Following him was playing right into his hands. But the alternative -- letting him walk away -- was unbearable.

“Sorry again,” I mumbled to Mark, then bolted.

I’d thought for sure he’d be waiting for me. But when I reached the street, he was nowhere to be found. My heart pounded in my chest, and I couldn’t deny the disappointment I felt right then.

What the hell is wrong with you, Kasen? I wanted him, but… what? Did I want him to chase me? To force me to admit I needed him?

Or maybe deep down, what I really wanted was for him to act like just about every other Reaper. I wanted to see the caveman side of him. The Tempest who would throw me over his shoulder, tell me I was his, and not give me a choice in the matter.

Yep. It was official. Living with a bunch of alpha-holes had ruined me.

* * *

Three hours later, I sat across from Alex at Bella’s, a cozy Italian place downtown. My third and final date for the day. Warm candlelight flickered, and the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air. It should have been romantic.

Instead, my nerves were frayed. Every chime of the door had me flinching, half-expecting to see Tempest’s hulking frame fill the entrance.

“So, Kasen,” Alex’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “What made you want to work at a dental office??”

I blinked, forcing myself to focus. “Oh, um, I just sort of fell into the job. I didn’t really have any experience and they hired me anyway. I’ve been there about four years now.”

Alex nodded, clearly interested. “It’s great to stick with one employer for a while. Looks good on a resume when you’re ready to move on.”

“I’ll probably stay as long as they’ll have me. I enjoy it there.”

As Alex launched into a story about his own work, my eyes drifted to the entrance again. Where was Tempest? The anticipation was killing me, a mix of dread and electric excitement coursing through my veins. He’d followed me to every date today. Was he finally giving up?

Alex’s voice faded into background noise as I scanned the restaurant for the hundredth time. The waiter approached, notepad in hand.

“Are you ready to order?” he asked.

I nodded absently, barely glancing at the menu. “Chicken parmesan, please.”

“And for you, sir?” the waiter turned to Alex.

As Alex deliberated over pasta choices, the bell above the door chimed. My head snapped up, heart racing, but it was just an elderly couple. I exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. The waiter walked off, leaving me and Alex alone once more.

“Kasen?” Alex’s concerned voice broke through my thoughts. “Is everything okay? You seem… distracted.”

I forced a smile, hating how transparent I was being. “Sorry, I’m fine. Just… a little tired. It’s been a hectic day.”

Alex’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure? We can call it a night if you’re not feeling up to this.”

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