Why argue, when I can still taste his scent on my tongue?
Dash gives an approving hum as he brushes his nose along my cheek. “Did you know he’s an uber?”
“He told me.” He pulls back slightly, and I feel the color burn down my neck and shoulders at his heavy-lidded gaze. “I thought it was just something out of comic books, but it makes sense. He’s like you. Larger than life.”
“Mmm.” He brushes a hand down my side, curling his fingers over my hip. “He’s a big guy, that’s for sure.”
I’m pretty sure he means a particular part of his anatomy, since ubers are supposed to have permanent knots. I definitely felt something pressing against me when I climbed into his lap, but since he didn’t exactly invite me there, I push the memory from my mind. “You’re not mad?”
Dash gives a soft chuckle and feathers his fingers along my waist. “It’s hot as hell thinking about you with Bram. Your curves and his muscles... they’re a match made in heaven.” He bites his lip. “I’d like to see you withallof us, if I’m honest. But I’m not pushing for anything. It can just be my little fantasy, if that’s what you want.”
He’s wound a tendril of hair around his finger, and I shiver at the brush of his knuckles on my hot cheek. We’re so close I can taste his floral-scented breath on my lips, and while I want to soak him up like a thirsty flower, I’m still confused. “But why would you want that? The omegas I know don’t share. Theytake, especially when it comes to alphas.”
Dash makes a rude sound, but I can see the sympathy in his eyes. He knows I speak from hard-earned experience. “It’s not just about the guys. I like women, and I felt a connection with you in that hotel room. I was attracted to you, but I wanted this, too. To talk to you, and find out what’s going on behind those gorgeous, gray eyes.” It’s been so long since anyone paid me any kind of compliment, I’m left speechless, and he gives another soft chuckle. “I also love the way you look at me. People stare, but you kind of melt. It’s addicting.”
“I can’t help it,” I reply with an embarrassed little groan. “I’m like a sunflower, chasing you across the sky.”
The problem with melting? Everything leaks out, including all the neediness I should probably try to hide.
Cool your jets, Kate.Fangirling is only attractive from a distance, after all.
But another part of me doesn’t want to hide how I’m feeling. I know what happens to dreamers who fly too high and want too much, but Dash makes me feel reckless. If I’m going to burn out, what better way to go than in his arms?
But maybe I’ve said too much, because Dash takes a careful step back, his hand sliding down to my elbow. It’s like turning away from a campfire to face the bitter night air, and I brace myself for the letdown.
“Don’t look so sad, sweet girl,” he croons, brushing a thumb over my down-turned lips. “I’m just going to show you to your room. It’s late, and you’re exhausted.”
He’s right. With the tension easing between us, it’s like someone has sliced through my strings. I nod, my head feeling too heavy for my neck, and follow him down the hall into a guest bedroom. The centerpiece is a beautiful bed draped in plum and lilac velvet, with ornate nightstands on each side, and a black-and-gold dresser against the wall. There’s a crystal and brass chandelier above the bed, and a lavender silk rug on the floor, and it’s not hard to picture Dash stretched out on the cover of an Art Deco magazine.
“It’s a dream room.”
Dash beams at me, then crosses to the nightstand with a chuckle. “Looks like the guys made the beverages, after all.” He picks up a note next to the steaming cup of hot chocolate and waves it in my direction. “For you.”
I take the stiff card and read it, my brows shooting up in surprise. “I’ve never got a breakfast invitation on personalized stationery before.”
“Corbus does everything with a certain panache. You’ll get used to it, I promise.”
I’m not so sure about that, but I feel a sliver of hope as I stare down at his elegant handwriting, requesting my presence at breakfast and wishing me a good night’s sleep. Dash smiles when I meet his eyes, but doesn’t comment on my dazed state. “We eat breakfast early, unfortunately, since I have rehearsals and the other guys have to get to work.”
“I’ll be up.”
He leans forward to feather a kiss across my cheek. “Need help slipping into something more comfortable?”
I giggle at his hopeful expression. “I’ve been dressing myself for bed for a few years now.”
“Well, I’m right through there if you have any trouble with your buttons.” He nods to the next room as he takes what I hope is a reluctant step back. “Sleep well, Kate.”
“Sleep well, Dash,” I reply, trying to ignore the stab of disappointment as he heads through the connecting door. I know it’s too much to expect him to stay when he has two eager alphas waiting for him, but I’d kind of hoped we could pick up where our kiss left off…
Appreciate what you have, Kate.
It’s a sentiment that’s worn thin this year, but I repeat it to myself as I change into my vintage Dior nightgown. I bought it before Lee buried me in the money pit, and I’m glad I packed it as I slide between the silk sheets and sip my hot chocolate. I dig out my phone and scroll through the fashion sites I follow, but I can’t ignore the tingling in my veins every time I glance at the connecting door.
He said to go see him if I need anything…
But I’m frozen in place, and I feel a surge of disappointment at my fear. Here I am, dressed in my sexiest nightgown and only a dozen feet from the hottest guy I’ve ever kissed. When did I become so terrified of rejection? Once upon a time, I had a reputation for being fearless, and before I met Lee, I never missed a chance to grab a new experience with both hands.
I realize I’ve gulped down my hot chocolate, burning the tip of my tongue in the process. I set the cup on the nightstand and toss my phone on the bed beside me. What’s the worst that can happen? I go through that door and find Dash in the loving embrace of his two blindingly hot alphas…
