Page 12 of Seduced By Two Alphas

It was Jack who shifted into his human form. “Are you sure?”

No. “Yes.”

I walked back inside, because if I’d held the door open for them, they would have to pass by me naked, and I wasn’t ready to have miles of glorious nudity all up in my face. I just might have caved, and I wasn't ready to cave just yet. Maybe I needed to get out of my own head because, when uncertain or feeling out of my depth, it tended to be a very weird place to dwell.

Chapter Four

Casey

Four nights of them sleeping in my house. Four nights of them stretched out on my couches. I had two of them, a sectional that I’d separated to fill up my large living room, making it look a bit cozier. Four nights of me tossing and turning, knowing they were just down the hall from me.

Four nights of complete torture.

But I was determined to be their “friend.” I would prove to Dillon that I wasn’t neurotic. I wasn’t flighty. I could be just as warm and kind as I’d always been, except when it came to dating. Then I was at my most neurotic. But we weren’t dating. We were having fun and getting to know each other.

I had to confess, if only to myself, that the atmosphere at the café was much more relaxed. Even Jack was smiling more, which was no small feat. I liked when he smiled. Jack’s face was softer around the edges, smoother, making his eyes dance and come to life.

“So, how about we catch a movie later?” Ken leaned an arm on the counter. “I’ll spring for popcorn.”

When was the last time I’d been to the movies? It was a shame that I couldn't remember. It would also be nice to get out of the café, out of my house, and have a bit of fun. “That sounds great. Hungry has a movie complex. I don’t know why they call it a complex since it only has three screens. But they stay open until midnight.”

“Sweet.” Ken grinned, and just like Jack, his features completely changed. Softer eyes, but Ken appeared more boyish. “I’ll check to see what time the last movie starts.”

“Wait. You don’t even know what movie you want to see?”

He shrugged. “Just wanted to get out and do something.” He was already scrolling through his phone. “How do you like action films?”

I was a rom-com kind of guy but wasn’t opposed to action flicks. “Lots of explosions and car chases?”

“In 3D,” he said. “This is gonna be sweet.” He pumped his arm. “You know you’ve made it in life when a movie gets you this excited.”

That made me laugh. “Just as long as you don’t want to hang out at Walmart.”

“Hey, we could go to Bailey’s Bar and Grille afterward for drinks.” Ken pumped his arm again. It was like watching a kid do a happy dance. “Some beers and finger foods, someplace Jack or I don’t have to do the cooking ourselves.”

“And I don’t have to make nice with everyone,” I added.

Ken’s smile softened. “You’re just a naturally nice guy, Casey.”

Aw. “Not always. There are some days I don’t feel like being bothered, but when you run a business, you have no choice.”

“Really? There are days when you don’t want to be bothered?” He seemed to think about that. “Tell me when those days happen and I’ll gladly take over as host for you.”

Ken had the outgoing personality to do just that. It would be nice to have a day in the kitchen without having to smile at everyone who walked through the door. Just because you owned a business didn’t mean you were constantly perky during those hours. Everyone had those days when they wanted to shut out the world, and I was no exception.

“In fact…” Ken straightened from his leaning position then rested his butt against the edge of the counter. “If you hired at least two more servers, you could have more time to yourself. Jack and I have been here long enough to know how you like this place to run. We could take some of that pressure off your shoulders.”

“Let me think about it.” It wasn’t easy letting go of the reins, and I wasn’t even sure I knew how. I’d been at the café every day it was open from morning until closing time. I felt a bit rundown, and I had trained my employees well. It wasn’t like I’d get rich running this place, but I had a nice savings and lived comfortably.

“So it’s a date,” Ken said. “Tonight, I mean, but not a real date.” He winked. “Friends hanging out.”

“What’s this about hanging out?” Jack asked as he came from the kitchen, a towel over his shoulder.

“Movie date,” Ken said.

“Not a date,” I reminded him.

“Right, not a date,” Ken agreed. “Late movie and some beers at Bailey’s.”

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