Page 13 of The Alpha's Addiction
“Okay.”
We turn and head to the checkout.I help her put her groceries on the belt, smiling like a lunatic the entire time.I see her sneaking glances at me as the cashier scans her items, which only makes me smile wider.
When it’s time to pay, I push her out of the way and swipe my card before she can argue.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she protests.
I shrug.“I wanted to.”
“Well…thank you,” she grumbles.
“Anytime, Adeline.”
I help her load her bags into her cart and pay for my items quickly so I can follow her out to her car.
“Where’s the jacket?”I ask as I nudge her out of the way and load her groceries into the trunk.
“Oh, it’s at home.I’ll give it back to you tomorrow.”
“You should wear it.Or another one.It’s been chilly here.”
“I’m okay.”She gives me a warning look before I can argue with her about it.“Thanks,” she says, waving a hand at her trunk and the grocery cart.
“Anytime.”
She nods and, with one last look, climbs into her car.I watch as she starts it and shifts into gear.She glances at me one last time before she pulls away.
I grin, waving as she pulls out of the spot.
I can tell she’s on the fence about trusting me, but that’s okay.I’ll fix it.Soon, she’ll trust me with everything.
Including her heart.
SEVEN
Adeline
The knockon my door comes exactly at six.
I jump, heart leaping into my throat as I glance at the clock.It’s silly.I’ve been watching the time for the last thirty minutes, pacing in front of my mirror, changing my outfit twice, and reapplying my lip balm more times than I care to admit.
My heart is racing.My palms are sweaty.I’m not ready for this, but it’s too late to back out now.Rhodes is outside.
Reaching for the doorknob, I pause.I take a breath.Deep, slow.My nerves don’t settle, but I manage to twist the knob and pull the door open.
He stands on the other side like something out of a dream—broad shoulders wrapped in a dark button-down shirt that stretches across his chest, jeans hugging his thick thighs, and boots planted like he’s ready to protect me from anything.His dark hair is combed back but still a little messy at the edges, like he’s too rugged to ever be completely polished.
His green eyes meet mine, and his lips curve into a smile that makes my breath catch.
"Hey," he says, voice rough and low.
"Hey," I echo, too breathless to try to be clever.
He holds something out to me, and I blink at the small bouquet in his hand.Wildflowers.Not a fancy store-bought arrangement, but a bundle of bright, colorful blooms that look freshly picked.
"For you."
I take them, my fingers brushing his.That same jolt zings up my arm, a weird, electric awareness that only happens with him.My cheeks warm.
