Alphas on Top(91)

“Hi,” I say, trying to smile but I know I probably look like I'm in pain. I stand up ready to bolt. “Come on, Beast. Miss Alice has a guest and we need to go to the store.” Yes, now I'm talking to my dog out loud in front of hot jerk-face. Ugh, I'm such a loser. “Well, Miss Alice, I’ll see you in a few days,” I say, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“Okay, sweet girl,” she says quietly. She looks like she wants to say something but she closes her mouth, and then glares at her grandson. I'm sure if she could make him catch fire, she would. If I could make him catch fire, I know I would. I turn and walk down the short hall toward the exit when I feel pressure on my elbow.

“I'm gonna walk November out. I’ll be right back, Gran,” Asher says from behind me.

Crap, crap, crap. “Umm…no−no, that's okay,” I say, trying to pull my arm free from his touch. I can already feel his fingers burning into me.

“No, I’ll walk you,” he whispers near my ear, causing goose bumps to breakout across my skin.

“Fine,” I mutter because I don't want to cause a scene in front of Miss Alice. I'm sure she likes me, but I’m not so sure she would like me to ruin the chances of her having great grandchildren when I ‘accidently’ kick him in the nuts. She doesn't say anything as we leave. She just waves goodbye with a face-splitting smile. Oh, if she only knew.

“Come on, Beast. Asher is walking us out,” I say, and then bite my tongue. I really need to work on not talking to my dog in front of people. Once out the door, I pull my elbow from his grip. “Look, I'm sorry. I had no idea that she is your grandma. I just bring Beast here to see anyone who wants the company. I watched a show on TV about animals visiting with people in hospitals and nursing homes; it said how much joy it brought them. I figured I’d give it a try. I have a beautiful dog who loves attention, so why not, you know.”

Asher's not saying anything and I realize I'm rambling. Crap. “So we're just gonna go.” I turn to leave, but he grabs my hand, pulling me back.

“Hey, not so fast. You just surprised me. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Well, I really like your grandma and she likes Beast, so if you just tell me the days you’re gonna come, I’ll make sure not to show up then.”

“That's not gonna work for me.”

“Okay,” I say, feeling my shoulders slump. “Well, have a good day.” And don’t fall off a cliff. I say under my breath as I turn to walk off again.

“Meet me tonight,” he says and I know that I must have heard him wrong. His rough voice and his southern accent are making it hard to concentrate on what he is saying. I swear I heard him wrong. I look over my shoulder.

“What?” I ask, scrunching my nose.

“You, me, tonight, beer, a game of pool?”

“Um…” Nope, didn’t hear him wrong. I look around to make sure that it’s still just me and him in the parking lot.

“It's just a beer,” he says, smiling.

“You’re kind of a jerk,” I tell him. It’s something he probably hears all the time.

“I can be, but it's still just a beer, November.” The way he says my name makes me think this is a lot more than just a beer and a game of pool. Plus, when a guy admits that they are a jerk, is that really a good thing? “Just meet me at the Stumble In at seven,” he says, taking a step closer to me. All of a sudden, I can feel the heat from his body, smell the scent of his cologne, and I can finally make out the color of his eyes.

“Light blue with gold flecks,” I mumble to myself. My lips part and my eyes glaze over. All my senses are on overload.

“Pardon?” he asks and I realize I just said that aloud.

“Nothing,” I mumble, still staring at him. I realize that I probably look like an idiot so I take a step back. He smiles, revealing one perfect dimple and I know in that moment that I am so screwed. Crap!

“Meet me at seven,” he repeats, taking a step closer to me. His hand comes up, moving my hair to behind my ear, and I'm totally lost. Just floating away in a hot-guy fog.

“Um…” I blink, trying to pull myself together. “Okay, seven,” I say, wondering what the heck just happened. The words are out and I need to get away from him and his Jedi mind tricks. I turn to go but am tugged back. I almost fall on my butt when I turn my head and see Asher squat down to pet Beast.

“Alright, babe. Seven. See you then.” His smile gets bigger, like he knows something I don’t. He stands from his squatting position and winks. I turn around because I need to go; go before I throw myself at him and ask him to help me give Miss Alice great grandbabies.