Catching Him(How to Catch an Alpha #1) - Aurora Rose Reynolds Page 0,23
bed thinking he might be my forever, while he was contemplating his commitment to me. I’m not willing to go through that again. I’m not willing to think this is something more when it’s not.
If he likes me, then he’s going to have to be the one to make the first move. He’s going to have to be the one to step out on the ledge and put himself out there.
When we’re finally done cleaning up the kitchen, we join the guys in the living room. We watch until the end of the game before calling it a night.
After hugs and kisses, Tyler walks me outside, holding my hand until we reach the passenger side of his truck, and then he places me inside. He drives me home and walks me to my door, touching my cheek with his fingertips before he steps back and lets me go, wishing me sweet dreams. Then, like usual, he orders me to lock up. After I’ve gotten into bed and Mouse has curled against my belly, I lie there awake for a long time, thinking about my life, thinking about Tyler, and thinking about what it would be like if he were actually the guy for me.
After I eventually fall asleep, I dream about him kissing me. The next morning when I wake up to bright light shining in on me through the curtains, I’m disappointed that our first kiss only came to me in a dream.
Suggestion 6
LET HIM TAKE THE LEAD
LEAH
Tyler: Pizza or Chinese tonight?
I read the text message from Tyler and smile as I type back, Chinese. We’ve had dinner together every night this week. We haven’t once made plans, but like clockwork, he shows up not long after I get home, and we make dinner together. I guess he doesn’t feel like cooking tonight, and really, I don’t care what we eat, as long as I get my daily fix of him. My phone buzzes again, and I look at it.
Tyler: Let me know what you want and I’ll see you at your place around six.
What I really want to say is I want you, but I don’t. The sexual tension between us has been mounting, but like I told Chrissie, I’m not going to be the one to make the first move—no way, not this time. If he’s interested in me, then he has to put his cards on the table. I’ve always been the one in my past relationships to make it clear I was interested in moving forward, instead of the guy taking the lead.
I text him my order, then get out of my chair and start to clean up my station. Once I’m done, I head for my mom, who’s in the back of the salon.
“Everything okay?” Mom asks, and I lean my shoulder against the wall, watching her pull out foils from her client’s hair.
“I don’t have another client scheduled, so I’m going to leave a little early. I still need to get food for the boys, who are coming over tomorrow, and stop at the video game store.”
“Don’t you mean junk food?” She smirks.
“Of course. What other kind of food would I get for two growing boys I’m trying to bribe?”
She laughs, and her client laughs along with her.
“Okay, honey, are you doing anything fun tonight?” She knows Tyler and I have spent every evening together. She and Grams haven’t let up on the questions since Sunday dinner, and I’ve been honest about what’s happening. I’ve told them that nothing has changed between us, because nothing has. We are still just friends who enjoy each other’s company.
“Tyler’s bringing Chinese food.” I shrug. “We’ll probably watch a movie or something—I’m not sure.”
“Well, have fun, and call me if you need my help with the boys over the weekend.”
“I will. Love you.” I push off the wall and kiss her cheek.
I get in my car and head to GameStop, then the grocery store. While I’m at the store, I get only a few things from the outer aisles. Almost everything else I buy is frozen, in a colorful box, or in a bag—things I love eating and, with the boys around, will have an excuse to.
When I get home, Bruce is waiting for me on my front porch, where he is most evenings when I get home from work. He doesn’t wait for me to let him inside through the front door. As soon as he sees my car, he zooms into the garage, then greets