Chapter 2: Lennox

Chapter Two

Lennox

I n general, I prefer talking on the phone to texting. If I have to text, I use talk-to-text and let my phone screen reader handle reading me any incoming responses. However, I almost wish I had texted instead of called.

Brooklyn is anxious, and I swear it’s spilling through the phone and into me.

“Lennox?” Sometimes, when she says my name, she sounds a little too much like our mom.

“I’m safe and sound,” I assure her, readjusting the phone as I check my dress in the mirror.

“Okay, but if you change your mind…” Brooklyn sighs. “I really wish you had gone to The Exchange location in North Carolina. It’s so much closer, and my guys know the owners somehow.”

I love her to pieces.

I lucked out with a great sister, but she’s also mentioned that information no less than five times in the last month. I appreciate her more than she will ever know, but I’m honestly at a place where I need to start taking charge of my own life.

It’s been a rough few months, but I think my heart is finally on the mend from being battered by Thorne.

Okay, kinda.

It still hurts to think about my ex, but I’m not sure how much longer I can wallow over my broken heart.

“Lennox?” Brooklyn draws me out of my thoughts.

“I’m here, and I know. I really appreciate it,” I say sincerely. “How about, if I don’t meet a compatible pack at this location, then I can try that one next? The main thing is, it’s almost Christmas. You have a brand-new baby and a pack. Don’t worry about me. I’m good.”

“I just love you,” she says, and I can hear the emotion in her voice.

“I know, and I love you too. That’s why you need to soak up all the Christmas joy in your house.” I laugh. “I’m going to go to mixers and meet hot, slightly boring alphas and see what the future has in store for me.”

I may have led her to believe that I’m already checked into The Omega Exchange, but that’s because, if she knew I was at a random bed-and-breakfast, it would stress her out.

I’ll be there soon, and she has more important things to focus on than me.

And I truly am fine.

Okay, mostly fine.

I still don’t understand how I messed up the reservation, but my brain can be weird about numbers sometimes.

Luckily, it was an easy fix, and I’m well on my way to starting my mini vacation.

This small town has to have a club or something where I can show off my smoking-hot dress.

Our conversation goes on for another fifteen minutes as I comfort Brooklyn and listen to her chatter about how my niece and nephew are doing. We finally disconnect, and I check myself out in the mirror a final time.

It’s been a long few months of not putting any effort into my appearance. I tuck my hair behind my ear, sliding my hands down my sides. It’s nice to feel pretty for a change.

The check-in desk is empty when I pass by, so I make my way into the restaurant. It’s open at the front, with a little sign that says Seat Yourself . To the left are a bunch of booths and tables, and to the right is the bar with booths lining the walls.

The guy who checked me in introduced himself on the way up to my room.

Rush is a sexy name that matches his exterior perfectly. His dirty blond hair is messy and falls around his ears in a way that shouldn’t be so hot, but he manages to pull it off. He’s got a strong jaw, lined with dark blond stubble, and blue eyes that seem to sparkle with mirth.

He’s behind the bar with only a couple of older guys on one end as patrons. He leans over, patting one of the men on the shoulder and laughing at something they all think is funny.

How in the world can this place be profitable? There are hardly any tables filled.

It could be due to the approaching holiday .

Oh well, I’m definitely not going to find any man candy around here.

I sway my way toward Rush, carefully watching the wooden flooring to ensure I don’t fall flat on my face. These heels are kinda ridiculous now that I think about it.

Rush does a double take when he spots me.

Okay, so I’m overdressed for this place, but there has to be another, more popular, bar or club around here somewhere.

I just turned twenty-one a few weeks ago, and I’m single. It’s basically a rite of passage to go out and enjoy myself.

There’s Christmas music playing through the speakers, and that gives me a whole different feeling of nostalgia. I’ve never been completely on my own for such a major holiday.

Coming to a stop, I slide between two bar stools and focus on Rush.

“Do you have any advice on where I might find…” I grimace, trying to find the right words to use to not sound like a total jerk. “A few more people? Is there a club or bar or something that might be open?”

He frowns so hard, his forehead wrinkles.

“You could sit here and drink a beer with me.” His face breaks out into a dazzling smile. “Have some dinner and chat.”

My stomach wobbles, and I get a little too distracted by the set of deep dimples that appear in his cheeks.

Holy crap.

Those things are dangerous.

“I appreciate it,” I say, but I’m more focused on appreciating his strong jaw.

Dear God, he’s got a beautiful set of straight white teeth.

His parents must have opted for braces.

Mine never had that kind of money, and to this day, I’m overly sensitive about the fact two of my bottom teeth overlap slightly from where my wisdom teeth grew in.

I shake my head, trying to get back on track. “I was kind of hoping to dance.”

“I’m an excellent dancer…” He studies my face and finally sighs. “Yeah, there’s one place. Just let me call you a cab. You won’t have any luck around here with ride shares.”

I give him a genuine smile. “Thanks, Rush.”

“And let me give you my cell number,” he says so smoothly, my head tilts. “There’s only one cab company, and they don’t do pickups after eleven in the offseason.”

My eyes widen.

Holy crap.

This really is a small town.