Page 23 of Whisper of an Alpha
RAIN-CHECK SHOWER
Octavia
The steam wrapsaround me like a warm embrace as I stand beneath the cascading water, lathering shampoo into my hair. The scent of lavender fills the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of breakfast I’ve just prepared for Wyatt. I hum softly, lost in my own world, the gentle rhythm of the water creating a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.
Suddenly, a voice cuts through the tranquility. “I wish I wouldn't have stayed in the kitchen talking to Harrison, because I would have trampled anyone in my path if I knew you were up here naked, baby girl.”
I gasp, startled, and whip around to find Wyatt leaning against the doorframe, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. My cheeks flush a deep crimson as I splash some water over my face, trying to hide my embarrassment. “Wyatt!” I exclaim, laughter bubbling up despite the shock. “You can’t just sneak up on me like that!”
He chuckles, shaking his head as he steps into the bathroom, the smell of his cologne mingling with the steam. “I can’t help it.You’re just too tempting,” he teases, his emerald eyes roaming over me with that heated look that sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
“Get out of here before I drown you,” I retort, but the playfulness in my voice betrays the seriousness of my words.
He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, enjoying the view. “You know I’d love to join you, but I need to get dressed. Raincheck on the naked shower-time?”
I laugh, nodding. “Definitely. I’ll hold you to it.”
With a wink, he finally turns to leave, but not before stealing one last glance at me, a smirk still plastered on his face. I can’t help but smile back, my heart swelling with affection.
Once I finish rinsing my hair, I step out of the shower, the cool air hitting my damp skin. I grab a towel off the warming rack and dry off, my mind drifting to the day ahead. The upcoming Luna Ceremony looms over me like a majestic mountain, beautiful yet intimidating. I still can’t believe I’m marrying Wyatt, the man who makes my heart race and my soul sing. But with such a significant event approaching, I realize I know little about planning something so important.
After fasting my black lace bra, I pull on one of Wyatt’s flannels, relishing the familiar scent that clings to the fabric. It’s comforting, like a warm hug, and I know it’ll keep me feeling close to him throughout the day. As I step out of the bathroom, the sound of a knock at the suite door draws my attention.
“Wyatt? Can you get that?” I call out, brushing my damp hair back.
But it’s not Wyatt who answers. Instead, I hear his mother’s voice, melodic yet commanding. “Octavia? Are you in there? I need to speak with you about the Luna Ceremony!”
My stomach twists slightly as I open the door to find Jeanette standing there, her arms crossed and a determined look on her face. “We need to hammer out some details,” she insists,stepping inside without waiting for an invitation or minding that I could have been naked in the walk-in closet.
“Oh, um, sure!” I stammer, my mind racing. Jeanette has been a lifesaver since I found out about the ceremony. I knew nothing about planning an event of this magnitude, and her guidance has been invaluable.
“I’m glad you’re finally awake. We need to discuss the menu and table linen colors,” she says, her tone brisk yet warm.
I nod, trying to suppress my nerves. “Right, of course. I was just finishing up in the shower after I made breakfast for Wyatt.”
She waves a hand dismissively. “No need to explain. Let’s get started. We have a lot to cover.”
As we settle at the coffee table by the lit fireplace, I can feel the excitement bubbling within me. Jeanette pulls out her binder filled with notes and ideas, and I can’t help but admire her organization. “So, for the menu, I was thinking we could have a mix of traditional dishes and some of your favorites,” she begins, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
“Traditional dishes?” I echo. “Like what?”
“Well, we could have roasted lamb with mint jelly, of course, and perhaps some seasonal vegetables. Wyatt told me you loved the honey-glazed brussel sprouts with pecans, from dinner the other night” she suggests, her eyes sparkling with ideas.
I nod, my mind racing to keep up. “That sounds amazing. I definitely want to incorporate some of my favorite foods, too. Maybe a pasta dish? Pesto linguine?”
Jeanette jots down notes, and I feel a rush of gratitude for her help. As we dive deeper into the planning, I can’t help but think about how much has changed in my life. Just a few months ago, I was a girl trying to find her place in the world, and now I’m on the brink of marrying the man I love and becoming part of a family that truly seems to care for me.
After a while, the conversation shifts to table linens. “I think we should go with something elegant, maybe a deep rust or brown to match your eyes,” she suggests, looking at me with a critical yet loving gaze.
“It sounds beautiful,” I agree, imagining the colors and textures in my mind.
Just then, I hear Wyatt’s footsteps outside the door, and my heart skips a beat. He peeks inside, a warm smile spreading across his face. “How’s it going in here?”
“Fantastic! We’ve made great progress,” Jeanette replies, beaming with pride.
Wyatt’s gaze flickers to me, and I can see the love and admiration in his eyes. “You’re doing amazing, Octavia. I knew you’d be great at this. My little Luna.”
“Thanks,” I say, my cheeks warming under his praise.
