Alpha’s Baby(45)

“Cut him some slack, Evelyn,” Terry grumbled. “The boy is one of the hardest workers there. In fact, he might be one of the reasons for our success.”

Evelyn stared, a smile spreading across her face. “I suppose so.”

I breathed in deeply, trying to cool my heated blood. I don’t know what was going on, but my hormones were raging out of control. I just wanted to rush forward and jump into Stefan’s arms, making him take me on the kitchen’s island for all to see.

“Dad’s right, Mom,” Stefan added, grinning to show he meant no offense. “I do work hard.” He turned to Terry. “Hey, Dad, why don’t you take Mom out to dinner to share your success? Since Bella and I have been back, I haven’t seen you two spend much time together.”

Terry’s face lit up and he snapped his fingers. “You know what? That’s a good idea, Stefan. How about it, Evelyn? I know it’s piss poor since Stefan had to bring it up, but I've been neglecting you. How about we go out to eat at your favorite restaurant?”

My mom glanced back over at the stove. “But what about the roast in the oven? Bella and I spent a good deal of time preparing it.”

Terry shrugged. “Let Bella and Stefan have it.”

Stefan rubbed his stomach. “Don’t worry, I can polish it off. I'm absolutely ravenous.”

“See?” Terry asked. “Problem all taken care of.”

Evelyn smiled. “I’ll try to get ready as fast as I can.”

Terry grinned back. “You do that. I’m going to wash up too and change suits.”

They walked off together upstairs, leaving me alone with Stefan. When Stefan turned his gaze on me, I felt like I was melting.

“How was your day?” he asked in his deep baritone. He walked over and set his hat down on the kitchen’s bar.

“Okay,” I said, my eyes glued to his glistening biceps. “Mom worked me like a slave as usual.”

“She needs to lighten up,” Stefan said with irritation. “She has no idea what you’re going through.”

“It’s okay. It gives me something to do while you’re gone, but I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do it before . . .”

Stefan nodded quietly. We both knew what that meant.

“Let me make your plate,” I said, tearing my gaze away from his sexy body. “I know you have to be ready to chow down.”

“I’m about to pass out.”

I went about fixing Stefan a plate, piling it high with meat and potatoes. Once again, I felt good doing something so simple for him. I finally figured it out. All the hours of doing housework—this is what I want. I want to be his. To serve him.

When I set Stefan’s plate down, he tore into it like a starving dog. I got a kick and a little something else out of watching his powerful jaws at work while he chewed. While I watched, I stuffed my face with the buttered rolls I’d put in the oven right before Stefan and Terry walked in. They were absolutely delicious.

Stefan groaned in contentment when he was done with his food. He practically licked his plate clean. “That was really good. If you keep that up, I might hire you to cook for me one day.”

“Shut it, silly,” I said. “I had help from Mom.”

“That’s why I said, if you keep it up.”

“So, what are you going to do now?” I asked. I hoped Stefan sensed the hidden meaning.

But it looked like he was blissfully unaware of the opportunity our parents leaving us in the house alone might give. I got it—he was tired—but I almost had Fuck me, Stefan written on my forehead in red marker.

Stefan got up from his seat, oblivious. “I’m going to take a hot shower and then jump in the pool for a swim.”

I waited for him to ask me to join him—anything—but he didn’t, and he walked off upstairs to his room without inviting me and I was left with a feeling of disappointment.

My mom was down the stairs twenty minutes later, dressed in a sparkling silver evening gown.

“Mom,” I breathed. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Why, thank you, Bella,” my mom beamed. “It feels nice to hear that at my age.”

Terry was down next, and he didn’t look much different than before, dressed in one of his usual business suits. “All ready?” he asked Evelyn.

My mom smiled up at him. “All ready,” she repeated.

They both left the house and I was left with a strange feeling of loneliness. After I had put up all the food, I walked up to my room.

I was about to take a shower when I remembered Stefan. I walked over to my window and looked out. Stefan just so happened to be crossing the lawn to the pool at that moment. He was dressed in swimming trunks, with no shirt on, carrying a towel. Even from this vantage point, I could see his well-defined abs.