14. Date Night
Date Night
Calista
“Don’t forget to submit your dating log to me this week. I need to show your progress.” I read the text message for the third time. I thought I could get by without making an effort, considering what happened on my last supposed date.
I don’t respond to my lawyer, but instead I just give her a thumbs-up reaction. I will either have to schedule a bunch of dates right now or make shit up. I wonder if they’ll actually check.
Sighing, I grab my phone and tap on the icon for the Bonding App. My hand shakes as I do so, the disastrous date coming back to me. It’s also what led to my kiss with Nolan… Perhaps even how I ended up in bed with him.
I shiver and set my phone on my knee. I’m almost afraid to see all of the alphas lined up, ready to attempt to sweep me off my feet.
The first thing that pops up is the image of an envelope with a digital seal. I frown and click on it, wondering what the hell it is. It’s usually just private messages that light up my screen. This is different.
Sparkles explode on my screen, raining across the page as a letter pops up.
Ms. Cali Kismet,
You are cordially invited to the Alpha Nights Sunset Cruise. Formalwear is required. Enjoy a night out with your favorite alpha during one of the best events hosted by the town of Azure Shores. Be ready by seven PM.
It isn’t signed by anyone, and my heart thunders in my chest. My favorite alpha? Is this a joke? This has to be something created by Nolan. He’s trying to get under my skin to change my mind.
I consider rushing from my suite to find him, but a part of me is afraid that he’ll still be in the study. If I find myself alone with him, I might let my nature control me again.
Instead, I stroll to my wardrobe and peek inside. There’s nothing I want to wear. Most of the outfits are far too modest or childish. I wish I had my collection of clothing from the Omega Resort.
I fix my hair and makeup, deciding to head to my parents’ room after I’m ready. My mom will have something. She had loads of gowns and accessories. I used to play in her wardrobe growing up.
I swing my door open and hesitate. A garment bag hangs from the door frame, blocking my way. I should toss it aside. The last thing I need is to put on a dress picked out by Nolan. That’s what he wants. We did call each other by our orders, and maybe he thinks playing into his will sway me.
But I’ve been good at handling alphas. He can play games all he wants, but I will always win the prize. What is that prize exactly? I have no idea. I won’t let him get to me though.
Swiping the garment bag from the door frame, I bring it into my room and unzip it.
The sky-blue dress matches my eyes, and I can’t help touching the soft flouncy fabric with crystals sewn across the bodice, spilling down the dress like glittering rainfall.
The sweetheart neckline plunges a bit lower than I’d prefer, but it doesn’t stop me from putting the gown on.
I hate how much I love it on me. It hugs my curves but still leaves room for me to move. And when I sway, the fabric flows perfectly around me.
I stare at myself in the full-length mirror for only a moment before gathering my nerves. Why am I suddenly nervous? This isn’t anything I haven’t done before—going out with an alpha. It’s different because Nolan is the alpha. What am I getting myself into?
I grab a clutch purse and stick my phone, lipstick, and a compact mirror inside it. I don’t need anything else, really. At least this gets me out of the estate. I’ve been going a bit stir crazy, sitting around.
Taking a breath, I enter the hallway and make my way downstairs.
The estate staff are nowhere in sight. I only see them if someone is coming to clean my room or if the chef is preparing a meal.
I haven’t sat down to a formal dinner in a while.
None of the Kismet brothers have asked or shown up, so I always take my meals alone.
I peer around the grand living space, wondering if I should just turn around. I psyched myself up while I was getting ready, but reality now sets in. Nolan thinks he can persuade me to be the Kismet Omega. It won’t work. He needs to know that all this effort will get him nowhere.
I step outside under the grand entrance, the chandelier sparkling even though the sun hasn’t set.
The scent of jasmine permeates the air, and I inhale a deep breath.
It’s crisp, despite being summer. The coastal weather is incredible compared to the Nevada heat.
I wish I had grabbed a coat, because I’m sure I’ll just get colder.
Yet I know if I return to my suite now, I might not come back out.
An engine hums, and I peek toward the large garage off to the side of the estate. It remains closed. A limousine comes from around the corner, surprising me. I guess Nolan is really going all out if he has a driver for us tonight.
I plant one of my hands on my hip and clutch my purse close to my other side.
A dozen words cross my mind as I try to think of what I’m going to say.
I need things to be clear to him the second he steps from the vehicle.
The only reason I’m here is because I’m desperate to get out of the estate. I’ve been suffocating.
The limousine comes to a halt on the drive, and I stare at the back door, not looking at the driver as he runs around to open it.
“Ms. Kismet, it’s an honor to be your driver tonight,” the driver says, drawing my attention to him and away from the dark-tinted window of the back door. “Mr. Kismet has said so many good things about you. I hope the two of you have a lovely time.”
The driver doesn’t give me a chance to respond as he swings open the back door.
I blink a few times in surprise, spotting Jensen dressed in a tuxedo, a smile lighting his entire face.
I’m in so much shock that my feet walk forward without my permission, and I extend my hand out, allowing Jensen to help me into the vehicle.
The driver shuts the door without another word, and I grip the seat frantically as if I might crash to the floor.
“I can’t believe you actually showed up. You look stunning. I’m glad you liked the gown.” Jensen reaches over and touches my knee. “I wasn’t sure you would, seeing as the invite was from me and not Nolan.”
I almost blurt that I thought it was from Nolan, but something in Jensen’s expression stops me. His relief is nearly palpable. It’s enough to settle my nerves. I don’t have to have any arguments with Nolan tonight. I can just have fun.
Maybe.
Jensen doesn’t seem as stubborn as Nolan.
I force myself to smile. “Can I be honest?”
Jensen scoots closer, the heat of his body undeniable against my leg. “Always.”
“I kind of just needed to get out. Maybe have some fun. The last couple of weeks have been a lot. I hope you don’t think this means anything.
I’ve told Nolan this already, but I do plan to return to Nevada.
It’s just a matter of time and when my lawyer has everything figured out.
Until then, I need to show progress. Apparently, I’m supposed to log dates.
” There. I said it. Now Jensen can’t hold anything against me or say I got his hopes up.
“Don’t worry about it. I asked you because Nolan is making me go to this thing, and it’s boring attending alone.
Don’t think too much into it. I’m only here for a good time.
” Jensen grabs a bottle of champagne from a cabinet and pops the cork, the noise making me jump in my seat.
He laughs as he pours the champagne into a glass flute and offers it to me.
“Want to drink to it? To us having a good time?”
I twist my lips, grabbing the champagne flute. I shouldn’t do this, but whatever. I clink my glass to the one he pours himself. “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” he repeats.
“So what exactly is this event? I’ve never heard of it before.” I glance around at the dozens of alphas with just a few omegas standing just off the dock as the yacht gets ready to board us.
“It’s a way for packs to meet and hang out without the expectations of business.” Jensen remains close, but he doesn’t touch me. He sips a glass of champagne offered by one of the servers.
I can’t help drinking him in. His muscular arms bulge against the luxuriously soft fabric of his fitted tuxedo.
In the dim lighting emanating from the yacht, I can’t see the flecks of gold in his amber eyes, which now look dark and endless.
The salty breeze plays with his hair, sending strands onto his forehead.
My desire to be in his space overwhelms me.
As if he senses it, he reaches up and pushes my dark tresses to my back. “Packs also bring their single omegas who are ready to find their own pack.”
“So why did you bring me? I don’t fall into that category.” I grab my own glass of champagne from a server fluttering around, ensuring that everyone has what they need.
“Like I said on the way here, we’re here to have fun.
No strings or obligations. The fact that we’re unbonded is how we get to enjoy a night out.
Consider this a mark for your dating log.
Another point goes to Pack Kismet for continuing with our obligations during the transfer of power from my dad to us.
” Jensen keeps his focus on me, his eyes catching the light just right to shine at me.
“You’re not the only one who has to prove they are trying. ”
“So, you’re using me.” I tip my glass to my lips and swallow the champagne in one gulp.
“No. We’re helping each other out. You’ll see how easy this is. Don’t read too much into it, butterfly. I don’t plan to take your wings.” Jensen offers his elbow out to me, his demeanor suddenly changing.
I raise an eyebrow at his words. “Butterfly, huh? What’s that about? You called me that when you…” I don’t want to say, “Dragged my ass here from Nevada,” because I’m trying to keep my good mood.
“It’s dumb, isn’t it? I just can’t help it.” Jensen offers a smile, his face lighting up.
“But why?” I press, reaching out to touch his cheek. We both know I do it in an attempt to persuade him with my omega nature.
He licks his lips like he’s trying to think of something to say other than the truth. “It came to me a long time ago when we first met. You had this dress—”
My jaw drops, his words sparking a memory. “Not the frilly dress with that big ass bow.”
He chuckles. “That’s the one, but it’s not the only reason now.
You’re beautiful and free-spirited, always trying to do your own thing.
You’ve come out of your cocoon since we first met…
” He swallows, his voice lowering. “It was either that or brat. But I don’t think you want me to call you that in front of everybody. ”
I tip my head back and laugh, his admission uplifting my mood along with the bubbling champagne. “Do it and find out what happens.”
“Don’t tempt me. I like when you’re feisty.” Jensen pulls me along, following the small crowd of people heading toward the boarding ramp.
A smile crosses my face, hurting my cheeks. I can’t remember being this giggly. I’ll blame the alcohol for that, even if I know deep down that Jensen is the reason. He’s not as brooding as Nolan or as sensitive to my emotions as Lucas.
Jensen pulls me to a stop right before stepping on the ramp. We are the last ones in line. “I wasn’t joking about you being beautiful. Especially tonight. I just thought you should know that.”
“Jensen—”
“Don’t say anything. I don’t need a response. It’s just a fact I need you to know, Cali. Now, let’s have some fun. I think we both deserve it.”