Alpha's Castle - Ella Goode Page 0,5

heads off to the kitchen, clearly knowing where it is.

“How come we never saw you before? Mae had been alone for years.” Well, I guess she doesn’t believe in beating around the bush. It seems to be a common theme with the people in this town.

“I didn't know her, to be honest. She was on my dad’s side and he was never around. Then he passed.” I shrug, feeling guilty that Aunt Mae had been alone. I could have been here. My mom was the one that kept me away. She didn't want me to have anything to do with my dad’s side of the family.

“And she left you her house?” Connie scrunches her nose, setting the pie down on the table.

“I was just as surprised. I wish I could have gotten to know her,” I admit.

“You have her nose and eyes.” That makes me smile.

“Did you know her well?”

“Of course. It’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone. It’s why I’m here.” She smiles at me.

“To get to know me?”

“That and to tell you I’m dating Dane.” A surge of jealousy and confusion hit me. I thought he was lightly hitting on me. Maybe I misread it. He might be protective over the whole town. But then again, why would he tell me I can’t have men over after five? He might have been close to my aunt I guess, and he’s trying to keep an eye on me for her. That’s the only thing I can think of.

“Okay,” I respond, not sure what else I can say to that.

“I’m not trying to be rude, it's just that we’ve never gotten the chance to date and now we have it, so please don’t mess this up for me.”

“How can I mess it up?” I ask, confused.

“I saw the way you were looking at him.”

“I was pissed at him.” I laugh. I might think he’s hot, but all I tossed his way was anger. I am still a little shocked he said he’d replace my microphone.

“Great.” She gives me a bright smile. “I think we’ll be great neighbors then.”

I hate that my insides are all twisted up over this. Why do I care if Dane is dating someone? It’s none of my business. My cell phone starts to ring.

“I’ll let you get that. Enjoy your pie.” She gives me a wave, showing herself out. I still don’t know what to think of all of this. If I was dating someone and thought I could so easily lose them, I would let them go. I wouldn’t go asking another woman to keep away. I don’t know Dane well, but I don’t take him for a man that would step out anyway. I guess I could be wrong. That isn't shocking with my dating history.

I grab my phone from off the table, not recognizing the number. “Hello,” I answer. The deep rumble of his voice lets me know who it is the second he opens his mouth. My heart does a funny flutter. That’s not good. He has a girlfriend and I’ll never be that girl. I would never play second fiddle to anyone. I don’t even know why I’m thinking about this.

“Did you eat breakfast?”

“How did you get my number?” I ask my own question.

“From your phone yesterday.” When he took it from me. Sneaky jerk face. Why is he doing this? “Did you eat breakfast?” he asks again. I grab a fork, sitting down at the table.

“Yep. I got pie.” I take a bite of the pie Connie brought over. I moan at the taste. This is the best pie I’ve ever eaten in my life.

“Are you teasing me, Khloe?”

“Teasing you?” I question, having no idea what he’s talking about.

“Fuck me. You don’t even know,” he says.

“Know what?”

“I’ll be over tonight. Don’t eat dinner.”

I go to tell him I’m not having dinner with him, but he’s already ended the call before I can say anything.

I stare at my phone for a minute trying to figure out what the heck just happened. I’m starting to think everyone in this town is a little crazy. He should go have dinner with his girlfriend. Because I sure as hell won’t be home when he gets here. I’m not sure where I’m going to go, but I know I have to leave.

I get back to work cleaning and unpacking. When I look down at my watch again, I see it’s almost five.

Crap. I jump up, running to change my clothes.

I put on a coat of