Page 34 of Patiently Yours
Stacia (1:00 pm) After the hockey game? You don’t even know if you’ll be celebrating yet.
Ciro (1:01 pm) They’re playing against St. Lawrence. It’ll be fine
I thinkhe just made a hockey joke, but I’m not fully versed in the sport enough to confirm it.
Stacia (1:03 pm) I’d love to hang out with you two. Just let me know what time to be ready.
SEVENTEEN
Playing: You’ve Got the Love by Florence + the Machine
“I love this song.”
My attempt at conversation floats in the air as I try to distract myself from the proximity of the scents in the close space. I’ve never thought of men driving as attractive before, but watching Uriah maneuver the steering wheel is doing something foreign to my body. I’m staring at the veins protruding from his forearm when Ciro responds from the backseat.
“You look how this song feels.” Ciro leans forward. His scent is thick amongst the alphas, making the air around me even more tantalizing. It also makes me wonder why I didn’t think this man was my scent match. It’s so painfully obvious now that it’s embarrassing.
“What does that even mean?” Kendall jeers with a giant smile on his face. “Are you drunk already, Ci?”
“It makes sense in my head,” he defends, pushing his friend playfully.
Uriah’s voice cuts through everything else. “You have the same aesthetic.”
I look over at him and my lips twitch at the sentiment. There’s something so mysterious about him, but also so serene. It’s interesting. His eyes stay on the road, his muscles seemingly relaxed.
“Uriah’s really into music,” Ciro says.
“Oh? What kind?” I ask, giving Uriah my attention. He looks partially uncomfortable, like he isn’t used to talking about it.
“Alternative rock and lo-fi. I think that’s what you would call it,” he forces out, like gritty words through his teeth. “I’m not very good.”
“Always the humble grump,” Kendall teases before looking at me. “He’s very good. His band’s actually practicing tonight.”
My eyes widen. “You’re in a band?”
The inner adolescent in me wants to squeal. I always had a thing for men in bands, but I keep that tidbit to myself.
“Yeah,” he responds, still seeming unsure. “Sorry it has to be tonight. I wanted to join you guys but it’s hard to schedule with the others and they’re all free.”
I’m surprised by this apology. “There’s no need to be sorry. I hope you have a wonderful time.”
I see his lips twitch like he wants to smile, but they fall back into a line.
Just as the song changes, Uriah pulls up to our location. It’s already riddled with people and the music is loud, along with the chatter that can be heard from every nook in sight.
I wonder briefly where we are. We’re certainly not at Alpha Xi. Which makes me sigh with relief that I probably won’t see Der… er, Dickwad.
I laugh to myself that Rory’s found a way to correct me even in my thoughts.
Uriah parks and turns to look at his pack mates. “Don’t get too fucking crazy,” he warns. “I’m trusting you guys.”
They both scoff at him. “Yes, yes. We’ve already heard your threats.”
I raise my eyebrow slightly as they hop out, leaving us alone.
“Thank you for driving us,” I say in earnest.
“Of course.” His voice is gentle. His cleansing scent lights me up in a way I can’t humanly comprehend. His eyes fall to my lips. The tension between us heightens as he stares at them, and I wonder if he’s thinking about kissing me.
