My Hot Alpha

I tried to nap but I couldn't sleep. "Babe".

"I tried I can't sleep". I pushed the blanket off and sat up. I was hungry and really in the mood for nachos. Nachos with lots of cheese and jalapeños. "I want to go out". "Out where?". He frowned.

"I want nachos".

A laugh fell from his lips. "What happened to wanting to be healthier? I thought we weren't going to order anymore takeout?".

"Doesn't count if we're going out". I got to my feet. "We could maybe even go for a walk along the beach after?".

"Not really beach weather baby".

I shrugged. "It's better than staying cooped up in here all day. When was the last time we done something together?". "Pretty sure we did the food shop together".

"Really?". I made a face.

"I'm joking". He grinned. "If you want to go get nachos and go for a walk along the beach then that's what we'll do".

My grin matched his. We rarely did anything together. Hadn't been on a date with just us in forever. Or at least that's what it felt like. I didn't want the little things to disappear. Date nights mattered, showing up mattered. "I'm going to shower quickly. I won't be long". I kissed his cheek before heading upstairs.

..

I dressed for the weather. Wet and windy. Slipping my arms into my jacket I made a face at the tightness around my arms. Maybe I did need to ease up on eating out. I swear this jacket fit last month.

Sighing I got my boots from my closet and put them on before heading downstairs. Surely, I hadn't gained that much weight in the last month? But I guess sitting around all day with nothing to do would do that. "What's wrong?". He asked.

How could he always tell?

"Nothing". I grabbed my purse and phone. "Can we go?". I had never obsessed over my weight before because it was never an issue. So, why was I so bothered by it now?

"Leah-....

"My jacket doesn't fit". I felt deflated and I wasn't even sure I still wanted to go out. "It's tight and you know what that means". "Then we'll get you a new jacket". He made a face. "We can get one right now if that's what you want".

"It means I've gained weight". A sigh fell from my lips. "I can't even button it up and if I stretch out my arms, I'll probably rip it". "Baby".

"Let's just go". He reached out his arms stopping me so I couldn't walk past him. "I'm overreacting I know, it's just a little weight".

"So, you gained a little weight. Do you want to know what that means?". His hands rested on my lower back his eyes never leaving mine.

"What?".

"Just a little extra for me to hold on to". The tip of his nose brushed against mine before he placed a kiss on my forehead. "You're beautiful Leah, you'll always be beautiful to me. I love every little thing about you". "I love you". I reached up my lips connecting with his.

"I love you too baby".

"Can we go because I'm starving".

He chuckled his grip loosening. "Nachos and then the beach".

"Yes". I grinned before opening the front door.

It was the car I noticed first. The white merc parked across the top of the driveway. I didn't recognise the car and I'm pretty sure I had never seen it before but unless it moved, we couldn't get out.

The driver side door opened.

Lana.

Where did she get the car?

My stomach knotted the nerves rising. Again, why was I nervous about speaking with her? Jake placed his hand on my lower back and I physically relaxed.

"I'll be in the car". He kissed the top of my head.

I walked my way up the drive stopping when I reached her. I mean she could have sent a text or at least called to say she was coming over.

"I've been sat out her for at least an hour". She spoke.

"Why?". I frowned.

She shrugged. "I haven't been the best friend to you that you deserve. I guess I was scared in case you didn't want to talk to me".

"How's your mom?". I asked.

"She's fine".

I made a face. "What's wrong with her?".

"I don't want to talk to you in the street Leah. Could we maybe go inside or go out for coffee?".

"I was actually on my way out with Jake. Do you want to come over later?".

"Sure, just let me know when's good to come over".

I wasn't feeling the beach anymore and I hadn't uttered a word to Jake since I got in the car. I was too busy thinking about Lana's mom. I didn't understand how she was fine when we thought she was dying. Or at least I did with the way Lana reacted. We know Lana and her mom didn't have the best relationship so unless she was dying, I knew she wouldn't have visited her.

I chewed the inside of my cheek as the rain got heavier. Jake was right it wasn't beach weather, and I didn't want to get soaked and end up with a cold.

"Are you going to tell me what she said or have I to guess?". He asked.

"Do you know she was parked outside our house for over an hour?".

"Why didn't she come in?".

He knew she was there. He was too calm about the situation not to have noticed. But he noticed everything so I should have known.