Hooking Him (How to Catch an Alpha #3)(48)

I jump and spin around to face Calvin, and Bane barks as he runs across the yard to greet him.

“I couldn’t get the jar of spaghetti sauce open,” I admit, and he smiles as he comes down the steps toward me. “Seriously, they must have glued it on. I even tried the banging-against-the-counter trick, but it didn’t work.”

“I should have opened it before I left.” His arms wrap around me, and I snuggle into his embrace.

“It’s okay. I just hope you like chili.”

“I hate it,” he says.

I look up at him and search his eyes. “You’re joking, right?”

“No.” He laughs. “My mom used to make it all the time when I was a kid. I hated it. I’m pretty sure the shit you found in the pantry was left over from the last time she took it upon herself to go shopping for me.”

I giggle and rest my forehead on his chest. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“I’ll make myself a sandwich.”

His fingers curl around the back of my neck, and I soak in the feeling of being in his arms, of being safe and content. I searched for the feeling of contentment for years, but it wasn’t until I gave up everything I thought was important that I actually found it. I wrap my arms around him, wishing I could express exactly what he’s coming to mean to me.

“Let’s eat and get to bed. I’m sure you’re tired after the day you had.”

“Besides Lance showing up, it’s been a great day.” I tip my head back toward him. “Thank you.”

“Anna,” he whispers, looking into my eyes as his fingers sweep my jaw.

“It’s odd, because we haven’t known each other very long, but I want you to know I like this; I like being with you. I like the way you make me feel. I like that you show me you care without using words.” I lean up and touch my lips to his. “I like you.”

“Baby, you gotta know I feel the same,” he says gently against my lips, and I smile.

“I’m glad your mom made you come apologize.” I laugh when he groans.

“Are you ever going to let me live that down?”

“Nope,” I say as he lets me go and opens the door. “Where would be the fun in that?” I ask, and he smacks my bottom, making me squeal in laughter. I turn on him, and when I see the look in his eyes and he starts to advance on me, I hold up my hands. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” He takes a step toward me, and I take a step back. “What’s wrong, Anna?”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, like you’re the Big Bad Wolf and I’m one of the innocent little pigs you want to eat.”

“That sounds accurate. I do want to eat you.” His eyes roam over me from my hair to my toes.

My breath hitches, the space between my legs tingles, and my nipples pebble. “Calvin.”

“I’m right here, Anna.”

“I thought . . . I thought you were hungry.”

“I am.” He steps toward me again, but I’m too lost in the look in his eyes to retreat. “I’m always hungry for you, Anna. Since the moment we met, you’ve created a hunger in me that’s insatiable. No matter how many times I’ve had you, I want more. I can’t get enough of you.”

I lean into him when he cups my jaw. My eyes slide closed, and I pray I never lose this.





Suggestion 12

MAKE YOUR OWN PATH

ANNA

I come awake when warm breath puffs against my face, and I open my eyes to see Bane’s snout, right before he greets me with a wet doggy kiss.

“Bane.” I roll to my back laughing and wipe my cheek as he puts both his paws on the bed to rest his head against my stomach. I sit up and rub behind his ears, then look to the door when Calvin appears wearing black jeans with an open button-down shirt and holding a cup of coffee.

“I was coming to wake you, but it looks like he beat me to it.” His gaze roams my face and hair, and his expression warms with contentment, a look I like seeing from him.

“He did. I even got a kiss.” I pull the blanket up and tuck it under my arms as he comes toward me, holding out the cup of coffee. I take it from him, and he puts one knee on the bed and captures me behind the neck, angling my head before dropping his mouth to mine. “I like your good-morning kiss more.” I open my eyes and get lost in his.

“I hope so.” He smiles as he runs his fingers along my cheek before they fall to his hip.

I take a sip of coffee, then glance at the clock. “You’re up early.”

“I have to leave in thirty minutes. I’m taking Bane to training, then have an early meeting.”

“Oh.” I start to push back the covers. “I’ll get ready and leave when you do.”

He shakes his head and places his hand on my thigh to keep me where I am. “Stay. I’ll give you a key. You can just lock up when you go. And tonight when you get off work, just use it to let yourself in.”

“You’re not going to be here?” Dread at the idea of not having him with me tonight fills my chest, and I drop my eyes from his to my lap.

“I haven’t forgotten tonight is dinner with your parents, Anna.” His hand captures mine, and I lift my head when he squeezes my fingers. “I wouldn’t forget something as important as that. I’ll be home in time to take you.”