45. Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Five

Beth

T he sounds of a whole bunch of text messages hitting my inbox make me groan as I start to regain consciousness. I slept last night, and I slept well. Besides Catherine waking me up to tell me to take my clothes off and actually get into the bed, I mean. That ten minute disruption aside, most of my night was peaceful. I didn't spend hours tossing and turning or staring at the ceiling wondering when in the hell my brain was going to finally switch off to let me rest.

It went off like a switch being pulled after I made myself come.

Thinking about it brings back everything I felt after I slipped my hand into my panties and let myself fantasize about dating the hottest pack I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

I thought about all four of them.

Not just the two who might be kind of interested.

I'm going to blame my filthy thoughts on seeing Enzo and Arrow together the way that I did.

It left me with sexy images I don't know how to scrub from my brain of two of the four most insanely handsome men I've ever met.

Thinking about them makes me want to touch myself all over again.

My phone continues to make annoying noises and I force myself to reach over to the nightstand and grab it. I manage to snatch it up in the first try, and I sit up quickly in bed as I see it's eleven thirty.

I'm pretty sure Jack said something about lunch at the restaurant today.

He didn't specify a time. I don't think. And I didn't give anyone my number.

I try to relax and tell myself I have time, but Gio knows where I live now.

He could show up sometime soon and I really don't want to have to explain to Catherine why there's a guy outside asking for me.

Getting up, I grab a shirt and jeans from the closet, not bothering to check what they are or if they'll look good together. I toss some clean underwear on top.

Then, I check my messages since my phone has been going a little crazy.

Tammy is asking if I think I might release my dorm room.

That girl has been rooming with someone she can't stand.

She's been bugging me about giving her the spare bed in my room since Secret left.

I know she's OCD so there was no way I was going to say yes.

I ignore her message. I don't even want to think about that right now.

The next couple messages are from classmates wondering if I'll be back tomorrow.

Truth is, I don't know. Even if Jack takes back his job offer, I think I at least want a day off before I jump back into the course I've been bored of since before I even applied for it.

I ignore those messages for now, too.

The reply from Secret was received a few minutes ago, and it's the only one I'm really interested in. I open the conversation, while the question I sent her late last night rushes back through my thoughts.

How do you know when a pack are interested in dating you?

Beth! I need way more detail than that. You met a pack? When? Where? Who are they?

I smile at the string of shocked emojis' she places at the end of her questions.

They own a restaurant. I just met them yesterday, but I'm seeing them again today.

I put the phone down and head for the bathroom. By the time I'm back I can see she's responded, but I take a minute to throw my clothes on before I pick up the phone.

It's almost twelve, and Catherine's already up.

I send a message to Gio's number, asking him to text me instead of buzzing the door entry system when he gets here. I'll tell Catherine I'm meeting friends. It's not an outright lie.

Just because I'm having sexual thoughts about the guys I'm going out to meet doesn't mean they're anything more than new friends I just met yesterday.

I look at Secret's text.

Oh my God, they own a restaurant? That sounds like destiny calling to me.

She knows I have a serious thing for men who bring me food.

Still, her response makes me smile.

They might be offering me a job. I'll call and tell you about it later.

I put on my boots and head out of the room.

I can see Catherine's still laying on the couch watching TV.

"Hey," I greet as I approach. "I'm heading into town to meet some friends. Do you need me to get anything while I'm out?"

She looks up and gives me a weak smile. "No thanks. Have a good time. Call if you'll be home late."

"Sure," I agree, moving toward the door as she lays back down with a light groan.

She drank a bit too much last night, as she put it when she woke me up when she got home and found me passed out on top of the sheets. It was apparently a nice night, but she knew she was going to feel like crap today.

I get a message from Gio as I'm picking up my purse and my jacket.

I'm outside whenever you're ready.

My lips twitch. I'm not surprised by his response.

I'm just glad I thought about texting him.

I sling the strap of my bag over my shoulder and pick my keys out of the front pocket.

Keeping the jacket under my arm, I open my purse and slip my phone inside.

Then, I unlock the door and move out into the hall.

I put my keys back in that front pocket after I lock up.

My heart is racing as I head down the stairs.

Whatever happens today, I know it's going to be awesome.

I can just feel it.