Page 14 of A Real Alpha
Connor
I watchedRoscoe as he was rocked back and forth in the new baby bouncer Oscar had brought home. Ros examined the little mobile on the front with awe and delight and I didn't think I’d ever felt so happy than to see him so excited and engaged.
“Youreallydidn't have to do this,” I said to Oscar for the third time.
“I couldn't resist,” Oscar said. “Don't worry about it. Please.”
Finally, I was able to drag my gaze away from Ros and to my surprise, caught Oscar watching me with I could only define as adoration in his eyes. He looked away as soon as our eyes met, but it was too late. I'd seen it… and I wasn't sure how I felt about it.
Was he only being so kind because he was interested in me?
I was in no position to be upset about it. In fact, I'd decided to use his generosity for as long as I could. So long as he was being respectful, I would shamelessly overstay my welcome. Maybe at some point I would figure out how to set up some sort of social welfare or help, but until then...
I glanced at him again, but this time, he was watching my son, smiling gently and wiggling a rattle. Roscoe managed to grab onto it.
“Good boy,” Oscar chuckled as Rosco started to shake and then bite it.
I’d never once seen anyone else look at my child with such tenderness. Warmth spread through me.
Ugh. Stop it, Connor, I chastised.Youjustgot away from an alpha!
But Oscar was different... a voice in the back of my head told me. I tried to suppress it, but as the evening went on, it only got louder.
Oscar ended up cooking for us, made sure we were cozy and set up dinner in front of the TV so we could relax while we ate. It all felt so domestic and comfortable that I almost didn't want to retreat and lock myself in the bedroom when it got later and Roscoe fell asleep on my chest.
I kept glancing at Oscar's profile, watching the TV light illuminate his face. It seemed like the more I looked at him, the more handsome he became. By the time he stood and stretched, I could barely pull my gaze away from him.
“I need my room for a minute before you go to bed,” he said, voice already sleepy and his eyelids heavy.
I watched him go, still staring despite myself. His broad shoulders and the long line of his body were far too enticing. Swallowing, I forced myself to look away, attempting to watch the show that had started but I'd missed the start of the murder mystery. I had no clue what was happening, and moments later, Oscar emerged clad in classic plaid pajama bottoms with a thin t-shirt, a spare blanket, and pillow in his arms.
“Are those for me?” I asked automatically. It would only be fair. I supposed I should take a turn on the couch.
He paused and chuckled. “No, I promised you that the bed was yours. But I got a bit cold last night and want to be prepared this time.”
“Why didn’t you come in and get a blanket?”
Oscar slowly met my gaze, almost appearing embarrassed. “It was clear… you didn’t feel safe with me in there. I didn’t want to scare you.”
I stared, aghast that he spent the night cold in his own living room instead of potentially makingmeuncomfortable.
“You'retooconsiderate,” I blurted, and he simply chuckled again.
“Maybe.”
And now, I suspected he didn't want to kick me out of the living room even though he was obviously tired.
Shaking my head, I forced myself onto my feet.
“You don't have to go,” he said at once. “I wasn't trying to kick you out of the living room.”
“I'm tired anyway,” I said, confused by what he’d admitted. Confused by what his admission made me feel. I lifted Roscoe into my arms. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
I could feel his gaze on my back as I walked down the hall, watching me just as I had been watching him.
After carefully setting Roscoe on the bed, I went back to the door and locked it anyway, even though a big part of me now knew there was no way that Oscar would come in here unless I wanted him to.
