With another sigh, I scramble out of my car, shivering against the impending autumn air. There’s no way I can hide in my car forever. Leaves crunch underneath my knee-high boots as I cut across the grass towards the back of the house. The back door leads to a mudroom just off the kitchen, and it’s my normal entryway, but I’m also hoping to avoid immediate interaction with whomever my dad’s dragged home. Meanwhile, my mom smiles at me from the kitchen window and waves excitedly as she moves towards the mudroom door. It swings open in a rush.
“Hi sweetie,” Mom gushes warmly, pulling me in for a hug.
“Hey Mom,” I smile back, returning the embrace.
Margaret steps back, but keeps one hand on my shoulder. She eyes my outfit critically, pursing her lips ever so slightly.
“Hon, you look fine, but what exactly are you wearing?” she asks quizzically, her gaze sweeping from my knee-high boots to the short mini up to the tight top.
“It was laundry day and this is all I had,” I reply in a meek tone, feeling even more embarrassed now that my mom’s called me out on the odd outfit choice. “I’m sorry, I know we have a guest tonight.”
But then my mom clucks and smiles.
“No, no you look fine sweetheart, don’t even worry about it,” Mom insists, pulling me from the mudroom into the kitchen. The house is as I always remember it: warm, full of vibrant colors and a happy touch of love. I peer around the corner into the dining room, where the old table is indeed set for four people instead of our usual three. I notice with some surprise that my mom is using the good china and cloth napkins too – the items we normally reserve for holiday meals.
I do not, however, spot any special guests.
“In the living room,” my mom says in a low voice, as if reading my mind. “That way. Go say hi!”
I nod and drop my bag on the counter, biting my bottom lip as I prepare myself for company behavior.
“So who did Dad bring to dinner?” I ask, trying to smooth down my sweater top.
Margaret merely smiles.
“It’s a long story,” she says while checking on some rolls in the oven before straightening. “Is school going well?”
I shrug. “It’s almost midterms, so I think everyone’s a little panicked, but I feel good about my exams overall. It’s nice that I get to just focus on science courses now.”
My mom beams at me, pride written all over her lovely face.
“I’m glad to hear that sweetie. I knew you’d do well when you transferred to Lakeview College. You’re our smart girl.”
I nod and try to delay.
“Can I help in here?” I ask. “Do you need a hand?”
But my mom just shakes her head. “No, no. Come on, honey, let’s go say hi to the guest. We don’t want to be rude and stay in the kitchen all night,” she answers.
Actually, that’s exactly what I want to do, I think as I follow my mother into the other room. After all, I’m really not in the mood. I’d rather just grab a bite, chat with my parents a bit, and then leave, but that’s clearly not going to happen tonight.
It’s then that I hear a deep, throaty laugh that catches me off guard. The sound is quickly followed by the sound of my dad’s chuckling, less robust but equally mirthful.
“Damn, don’t you miss it, Caleb?” I hear my dad ask his guest.
“I’m still in it, Frank,” retorts a rich male tone. A shiver goes down my spine once more at the man’s voice – it’s deep, strong, and very alpha.
Alpha? I scoff to myself. Get a grip, Lori. You’ve been reading too many romance novels.
But then I completely forget what I’ve just said to myself because standing next to the fireplace is the most imposing man I’ve ever seen in my entire life. “Alpha” is right on the money, and my eyes run over him hungrily even with my parents in the room.
His jet-black hair is cut close, but with enough length on top so that a subtle wave shows through. It looks silky to the touch and my fingers itch to stroke through those dark locks. His eyes are piercing blue and take in everything with keen observation. Plus, the man’s body – oh my god his body – looks like it’s chiseled out of stone. Even though he’s wearing casual pants and a knit sweater, I can see the outline of thick muscle and a broad frame beneath the fabric.
The room that’s always seemed so large feels suddenly, incredibly small with this stranger in it. My knees go weak as I linger by the doorway, and I steady myself by leaning against the back of my dad’s chair, hoping that I still look normal, even if inside, I feel like I’ve been hit by lightning. The stranger’s stunning eyes lock on mine and I swear, all the oxygen exits from my lungs in a sudden whoosh.