Page 55 of My Grumpy Alpha

“Try me.” I cross my arms defensively.

He stands and walks around the table and leans so close it’s like he’s almost kissing me.

“Oh, don’t worry, I love a challenge.”

His look makes me nervous as he pays the bill. He holds out his hand. Do I take it? I finally grab it. He squeezes it while we’re walking back on the sidewalk that leads to the company apartments.

“I was thinking…” He starts to move toward me.

“…that you should go on a date with me this week.

I stumble next to him on accident, then pause and try to think of what to say. I mean, it’s not like I should say no. He’s been super sweet and I do want to get to know him, so why does my stomach revolt at the thought?

He’s gorgeous.

Tall.

Masculine.

He seems to genuinely care because what could I possibly offer him?

I hold out my hand.

He initially takes it, before crushing his body against mine in a weirdly intimate hug.

“Just think about it.” He reaches for the phone in my hand and shoves it in front of my face, unlocking it, then adds his number.

“Text me, all right?“

I have no time to even respond before I have my phone back in my hand and he’s walking away, hands shoved in his pockets.

What just happened?

Why was this the weirdest night of my life?

I still can’t explain things.

But now that I’ve had food I realize I was probably having a panic attack, it’s the only thing that makes sense, and my brain had to make up something that would make actual sense being stuck in that elevator, cue in the grumpy boss who could easily be an alpha from folklore since he’s one in the real world.

Feeling better, I get into the building and wave at the doorman.

He presses the button.

“Good evening?”

I don’t really know how to answer, so I just say, “Well, I survived being trapped in an elevator with—“

A hand comes out between the elevator doors, causing them to open again. It’s Eli, and he looks pissed.

"Sir.” The doorman nods.

“Good to see you. Did you know this young lady was stuck in an elevator? Good thing you came to save the day, right? Because that’s’ what you do?”

Eli grunts.

“I had an idea, but I’m sure pizza made it so much better.” He clutches his chest instantly in the most dramatic fashion and collapses to his knees.

The doorman curses.