Sired to the alpha

12

It had been two days since Josh dragged the Ryker incident into the light, and I swear, every time I saw him, his eyes would light up like he had a new secret to add to his “Evangeline’s Love Life” scrapbook. It wasn’t helping that every time Ryker walked into the coffee shop where I worked, Josh would shoot me a knowing glance, as if I had just committed the worst crime—and I wasn’t entirely sure I hadn’t.

But today? Today was different. Today, Ryker walked in looking like he’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine, and my heart did a little flip. A flip that was entirely too dramatic and way too embarrassing to be happening in public.

“Ryker, what are you doing here?” I asked, trying to sound casual, but the words came out a little too breathless. “Didn’t you have…some kind of ‘I’m too cool for this coffee shop’ meeting?”

Ryker smirked as he leaned against the counter, his eyes locking onto mine. “I came for the best coffee in town,” he said, voice smooth, like he was trying to melt me into a puddle right there on the spot. “But if you’re offering me something else, I might reconsider.”

Oh, he was definitely flirting. And not the subtle, cute kind of flirting. No, this was the kind of flirting that made me want to slap my face to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

I cleared my throat, trying to stay composed. “What, like…my company?”

“Exactly,” he said, taking a step closer. “Although, I have to admit, your company is a little distracting.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, but my heart was doing a tap dance in my chest. “You’re not as smooth as you think.”

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I beg to differ. How about I prove it to you? I’ll let you pick my drink.”

I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. “You think you can just waltz in here, pick up where we left off, and I’ll be all oh, Ryker, you’re so irresistible?”

“I don’t need to be irresistible,” he said, voice low, leaning closer, his breath a warm whisper against my ear. “But you sure as hell make it difficult to leave without knowing what happens next.”

I could barely keep my composure as I picked up a cup, pretending to focus on my task. “Fine. You’re getting a caramel macchiato. No sugar. Because you’re sweet enough already.”

Okay, that was awful. So awful. I cringed internally, but he just grinned, as if I’d handed him the crown of flirting.

“I think you’re the one with the sweet talk,” he said, standing back up straight. “I’ll take that drink. And maybe you can tell me more about how you really feel when I come by to get it.”

I was saved from responding by Josh, who suddenly appeared at my side, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Is this a private moment, or are we all sharing in the drama today?”

Ryker’s eyes narrowed, but the smirk didn’t fade. “You must be Josh. The one with all the theories and no filter.”

Josh winked. “You got it, my guy. And trust me, Ryker, I’ve got a million questions for you. But we’ll save that for when we’re on a first-name basis.”

I rolled my eyes. “Josh, please don’t.”

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” Josh said, leaning back and crossing his arms. “You know, I never thought I’d see the day when the brooding guy and the sweet barista would be playing verbal ping-pong in the middle of the coffee shop.”

I couldn’t tell if I wanted to hide under the counter or laugh at Josh’s ridiculous commentary.

Ryker chuckled, turning back to me. “Looks like we’re officially a team. Maybe you’ll start sharing your coffee secrets with me after all.”

“Or maybe I’ll just make you the worst drink I can think of,” I said, the playful tone slipping from my lips before I could stop it. “Like a double shot of espresso, no milk, no sugar. Just pure misery.”

“Good luck with that,” Ryker said with a smirk. “I like my misery a little sweeter.”

Josh threw his hands in the air dramatically. “And there it is, folks! The perfect blend of sass and intrigue. Honestly, it’s like I’m watching a soap opera.”

I shot him a glare, but couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled up. Ryker raised an eyebrow at me, like he was daring me to keep the banter going.

“Alright, alright,” I said, finally getting the drink together and sliding it toward him. “Here’s your caramel macchiato. Consider it a peace offering.”

Ryker took the drink, his fingers brushing mine as he accepted it. “And when I come back for round two? You better be ready for even more sparks.”

“You’ve got a deal,” I said, fighting the urge to blush.

Josh sighed dramatically behind me. “Why does this feel like the start of a very hot mess?”

I shot him a look. “Because it is.”