Page 54 of Sweet Heat

That dealt with, I turn the phone off and relax against her, closing my eyes and creating a mental list of all the ways I’m going to court Posie. The fun things we’ll do, the happy moments we’ll have until she’s even half as obsessed with me as I am with her.

Just me.

The only Alpha who will ever get a taste of my Puff.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Why exactly are we here again?” Emma asks, lips puckering as though she’s just sucked on a lemon, and I don’t blame her one bit. The baseball stadium looms before us, and after what happened here last time, the whole experience has been soured.

The gray walls don’t seem to hold the same warmth and nostalgia they usually do, not after last time. But Miller invited us, asked me to sit in my favorite seats, and promised this would be a totally different experience. So even though my palms are sweating,I’m here.

“Miller said it was a courting gift. I didn’t want to say no,” I explain with a shrug. At that, Emma’s frown turns upside down, and her demeanor changes. Even Mari perks up, peering around like a marching band is going to appear out of nowhere and serenade us.

Knowing Miller, it just might.

These past weeks with my parents gone have been an absolute dream. Miller and I have spent so much time together hiding behind the guise of ‘driving lessons.’ While he has been teaching me to drive, that hasn’t been the only exploring we’ve done. Not to mention all the fun surprises, little treats, and days spent indulging in the joy of being together. Somehow, Owen’s remained oblivious, and my parents have even been more relaxed about my needing someone to stay with me. The team had a few away games, and the dads settled for an evening call and a promise I wouldn’t leave the house.

“That’s so sweet,” Mari swoons. “Courting is such an old-fashioned idea, but I love how much he’s been wooing you!” Emma gives me a hip check, then threads her arm through mine as we head into the building.

The security guard checks our tickets and waves us in without any commentary, and suddenly, we’re sucked into the packed hallways. Fans shuffle around us, completely focused on getting souvenirs and snacks before the first pitch is thrown.

“Where do you want to go first?” Emma practically shouts, curling closer to us and holding on tight.

“Let’s go straight to the seats. Miller said he took care of everything.” Throwing my shoulders back, I proudly wear the deep blue ‘Phillips’ jersey with the number 7 emblazoned on it.Miller gave it to me when he asked me to come to the game, and although it feels strange to declare our relationship so publicly, I kind of love it. Yeah, there are tons of other fans wearing it here today, but none of them have the words ‘My Puff’ stitched into the lining.

“Sounds good. He better have good taste in snacks,” Emma warns, slicing her finger across her throat. Mari snorts at the dramatics, finally looking a bit more like herself, and I decide once we sit down, I’m going to find out what’s going on with her. This time, I’m not take no for an answer.

Shuffling through the throngs of fans, we make our way to the gate and down the narrow hallway until the lush green field comes into view, sending a thrill through me. To my great disappointment, the players aren’t out there yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

A friendly-looking woman who smiles at us has replaced the usual sour-faced beta who guards the entrance.

“Good afternoon!” she chirps, holding her hand out for our tickets, which I show her. Seeing the stamp in the corner, her eyes widen. “Welcome, Ms. Moore. Mr. Phillips gave me this note for you.”

She hands me a sealed envelope and steps aside as we make our way into the stands. Our seats are the same as always, right behind the dugout, but everything else about the section seems different. The entire row is empty, as is the one in front of and behind us, while the rest of the seats are brimming with happy families and smiling children.

“Did Miller buy out three rows of seats so no one can sit near us?” Emma asks with a laugh as we snag our usual seats. Her eyes sparkle with glee as she takes in the sheer level of ridiculousness.

“Open the letter!” Mari insists, sliding onto the seat on my other side. They both lean toward me as I open the crisp white envelope with trembling hands.

The sound of the ripping paper echoes loudly, and I pull out the note.

Puff,

I’m so happy you’re here. I had the rest of the seats in your section donated to women’s and children’s charities. There shouldn’t be any unbonded Alphas nearby to bother you. The server will get you and the girls anything you want.

Come meet me outside the locker room after the game. Please.

I love you.

Miller

“That’s too cute,” Mari squeals, grabbing my arm with a shake. And I gulp at the thoughtfulness of it all. He bought out the entire section to keep me safe. Tears cloud my vision, and warmth surrounds my heart. No one has ever made me feel so cherished before, so looked after.

Someone clears their throat and the three of us snap our heads toward the noise to find another smiling beta woman with her arms weighed down by large bags.

“Mr. Phillips sent these,” she explains, passing them to us.

“Thank you,” I say, floored that there’s more.

---