Page 28 of Sunshine

“This isn’t a move.” I slipped my phone back into my pocket, and clutched my water bottle in my hands, not sure what to make of Luca randomly dropping by. “We’re friends.”

My heart, however, was beating faster. Luca never called in the middle of the day to hang out. In fact, we’d never hung out alone. Either Logan or Julian was around.

“Hmm.” Raina cocked her head. “If he was considerate of your time, then, yes, I think Ember’s right. He’s trying to date you.”

I choked on my sip of water. “They keep saying they’re not dating anyone.”

“Maybe they’re not dating casually, but you’re their friend.” Ember gave me a tight squeeze. “You’re gonna be the beta butter in their alpha and omega sandwich.”

I made a face. “Ember, that image…”

My cousin eyed my dress. She fiddled with the top buttons. “You look super adorable but maybe let’s show some skin.”

I squealed and swatted her away. “Stop undressing me. I’m not walking around with my top buttons undone.”

Ember cackled. “He’s already interested in the goods, so maybe you’re right.”

I shook my head and walked back to the Welcome Center with my family.

I tried and failed not to get my hopes up. I’d spent more time with Pack Kahele recently, sure, but that didn’t mean anything.

I would do my best to take Luca at his word. He wanted to hang out.

Try as I might, I couldn’t stop from feeling the nervous energy buzzing through me as I went to meet the suave alpha.

Chapter 9

Luca

Despite the crappy start to my morning, the afternoon was looking up.

“Hi.” Sunshine beamed, standing in front of the Welcome Center, looking ravishing in a yellow sundress and sandals. Her honey blonde hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, and her soft linen-and-air scent teased me.

“Good afternoon, beautiful.” I pulled her into a quick hug, unable to resist getting some of my scent on her.

I was a masochist for doing this. I should know better than to be alone around the alluring beta. It was going to be nearly impossible to hide my need to drag her back to the house and scent mark her until every alpha in the Tri-county area knew she was mine.

But if I scared her off, I would never forgive myself for breaking Julian and Logan’s hearts.

“Thanks for letting me crash your lunch break.” I stepped back reluctantly, leaving my hand on the small of her back.

“It’s not problem.” Sunshine grinned. Her plush mouth looked so warm and inviting, I almost leaned down to taste her.

I stepped back with a smile and forced myself to focus. I’d had a bad morning filled with shouting clients, missing briefs,and tight deadlines. I craved her scent. Julian was her buddy, and Logan worked with her, so I’d realized I had to make my own excuses to be around her or invite myself when they were with her.

Today it would be just the two of us.

“Do you want to walk around?” Sunshine gestured behind the Welcome Center. “Are you hungry?”

“A walk would be lovely.” It was a beautiful spring day, with a nice breeze and plenty of sun. “I haven’t seen much outside of the lodge. How about you give me a tour?”

She perked up. “Sure. I can show you around.”

“Lead the way.” I gestured ahead of us and followed as she walked me past the Welcome Center. I’d been inside, but it was mostly offices and waiting rooms.

The buildings were all constructed from warm brown timber with arched rooflines. Surrounding the buildings were fields with beautiful flower beds and walking trails. Sunshine brought me to the next biggest building to the left.

“This is the spa.” I followed her inside, slyly checking out how her legs looked under the swish of her dress. Inside it was dimly lit, with a check-in desk and a long hallway of treatment rooms. It smelled vaguely of lavender, reminding me of Logan’s herbal scent.

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