Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set by Brooke Cumberland Read Free Book Online Page A

followed in after me, pressing his body in behind me. “You are something special, Molly,” he said genuinely with a sigh. My heart was racing again as butterflies surfaced in my stomach. I was new to this feeling.
    After a moment, I had to ask. “Why did you come back?”
    “I wanted to kiss you goodnight earlier, but hesitated because I thought you would turn me down. After you left, I decided I had to go for it, so I flagged a cab and raced back here.” I could feel him smiling on my shoulder.
    I fell asleep in his arms thinking about how just a few days ago, I was fighting the urge to let this man in. He wasn’t at all what I had pegged him to be. His eagerness made me feel special—and wanted . It was a feeling I hadn’t had in a really long time.
    The next morning, I woke up to a loud banging at my bedroom door. Startled, I covered myself up with the sheets, realizing that Drake was nowhere to be found. I was confused at first, and then noticed the note on top of my vanity. I quickly dressed and opened the door to an anxious Stella waiting for me. “Sorry honey, I’ll be right out, baby.”
    “Okay.” She smiled sweetly, and I went back inside to read his note.
     
    Molly,
    You looked so peaceful sleeping, I didn’t want to wake you. I have a breakfast meeting at 8 and had to run home first. I can’t wait to see you later.
    —D.S.
     
    Later? Did we have plans for later? I smiled to myself as I thought about last night and how giddy I felt inside.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Today was a classroom day, which meant I didn’t have to be in class until ten. Most of the classroom work had been done in previous semesters, so now it was just class twice a week.
    I helped Stella get ready for school and walked her to the bus stop. I had a couple hours to burn before class, so I decided to walk down to the cafe to grab a coffee and breakfast. I was messaging Michael on my way in when I bumped into a guy, causing my phone to fall out of my hands and drop to the floor.
    “Shit, I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, picking my phone up and handing it to me. It was easy to notice him—tall, muscular, and very attractive. His blonde locks accented his baby-blue, button-up shirt, and long, black slacks. He sounded so sincere that I almost felt bad.
    “It’s my fault, don’t worry about it.” I took my phone from his hand, noticing my screen was cracked. Fucking great. I would have to run and get a new phone now.
    “Travis,” he said before letting me walk away from him.
    “I’m Molly. Nice to meet you, Travis.” I smiled, hoping he would let me walk around him. Why did men always trap me?
    I shoved my phone into my purse and started walking past him. “Could I have your number, Molly? I’d like to treat you to dinner seeing that I just busted your screen and all,” he asked with a sincere smile. Shit, I didn’t want to turn him down. I’ve had guys ask me out since Liam, but I always managed to get out of it by showing them my ring. Damn, why did I take it off?
    Right, because I was meeting Drake for dinner last night.
    “S-sure,” I stumbled. He handed me his phone, and I quickly added my name to his contacts list. I decided to insert the last digit wrong, just in case he actually did call me. It’d be easier than rejecting him in person. “There you go, Travis.”
    “Perfect, I’ll call you soon.” He took his phone back and smiled. Doubt it.  I walked past him to order my latté and headed back home to get ready for class.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    I was completely distracted during the lecture. All I thought about was Drake, and how things had happened so suddenly. I wanted to let my guard down, to let him in, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy after avoiding it for years.
    After class was finally over, I went and bought a new phone. I was anxious to hear from Drake again, but when I arrived back at my apartment and saw two-dozen red and white roses, I was in complete awe. I grabbed the note and smiled as