Sired to the alpha

13

The next day at the coffee shop, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous as the clock ticked closer to Ryker’s usual time. I kept replaying our last conversation in my head—his words, his smirk, the way his eyes lingered on me as if he knew exactly what he was doing to my pulse.

But when he finally walked in, it was like the world paused for a second. He looked even better than yesterday, if that was possible. His dark jeans fit him perfectly, and the way his leather jacket hugged his broad shoulders made me want to give in to the temptation of just staring at him.

He caught my eye the second he walked through the door, and his lips curled into that familiar, teasing smirk. My stomach flipped, and I swear I almost spilled hot coffee all over myself.

“Evangeline,” he said, his voice low and smooth, sending a shiver up my spine. He strolled up to the counter like he owned the place. “I was starting to think you were avoiding me.”

I quickly wiped my hands on my apron, trying to hide how flustered I was. “Oh, no. Just, you know, working hard,” I said with a forced nonchalance. But I was anything but calm on the inside.

Ryker leaned over the counter, his eyes narrowing playfully. “Hard at work or hard at pretending you don’t want to be around me?”

I tried to mask the heat rising in my cheeks with a sarcastic laugh. “Oh, definitely working hard. But if you want to be around me, I won’t stop you.”

He raised an eyebrow at that, clearly amused. “Well, that’s an invitation I can’t refuse.”

My heart skipped a beat. Did I just say that out loud?

I quickly changed the subject, trying to regain some control over the conversation. “What can I get you today?” I asked, reaching for the register.

Ryker pretended to think, tapping his chin. “Hmm. Something bold, something a little unexpected. How about a dirty chai latte? Make it extra spicy.”

I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Extra spicy, huh? You sure you can handle that?”

“Trust me,” he said, his voice dropping an octave as he leaned in closer. “I can handle anything.”

I blinked, momentarily caught in the depths of his intense gaze. My heart pounded in my chest. He was definitely flirting harder today, and the pull between us was undeniable.

As I began making his drink, Ryker’s attention didn’t waver. He stood there, his eyes scanning me like he was trying to read every little detail. I tried to focus on the task, but I felt like I was under a microscope.

“So, Evangeline,” he said, voice turning a little more serious. “When do you plan on showing me more of this place? Or are you going to keep me guessing about your favorite spots?”

I shot him a quick glance, trying to play it cool. “I don’t know, Ryker. You seem like a guy who knows all the good places. I don’t want to be redundant.”

He chuckled, and the sound sent a thrill down my spine. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re not redundant. You’re… interesting. That’s why I keep coming back.”

There it was again—his flirting, as direct and deliberate as ever. He had this way of making every word sound like it had multiple meanings, like I was supposed to read between the lines.

I placed his drink in front of him, trying to shake off the heat creeping up my neck. “Here you go. One spicy dirty chai latte.”

Ryker took the cup with a grin. “Thanks.” He let his fingers linger on mine as he took it, the touch sending an electric shock through me. “So, you going to tell me how you really feel, or are we going to keep playing this game of cat and mouse?”

The words hung in the air, thick with tension. I opened my mouth to respond, but Josh’s voice cut in from behind me.

“Are we interrupting something?” he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.

Ryker didn’t even flinch. He just turned to Josh with that same cocky grin. “Not at all, man. Just enjoying some quality conversation.”

I rolled my eyes, my nerves on edge now that Josh was here to witness the whole thing. “Josh, you’re killing me,” I muttered under my breath.

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” Josh said, looking between Ryker and me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Ryker, if you keep making her blush, I might have to step in and offer a distraction.”

I shot him a warning glare, but Josh just raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just saying, it’s getting a little hot in here.”

Ryker chuckled, taking a long sip of his drink. “I like to make things a little heated.” His eyes locked on mine as he added, “I’ll be back for round two, Evangeline. Don’t think I’m finished with you yet.”

I could feel the heat in my cheeks, and I desperately tried to keep my cool. “I’ll be here,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

As Ryker turned to leave, Josh leaned in close and whispered, “This is definitely going to be interesting.”

I watched Ryker walk out, the door swinging shut behind him. My heart was still racing, and I could barely think straight. Was I really doing this? Was I really letting him mess with me this much?

Josh clapped me on the back. “You’ve got it bad. I can see it in your eyes.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “This is a disaster.”

Josh smirked. “Nah. It’s just the beginning.”