Page 20 of Breeding Clinic

Carbonated tea?

Okay we’re definitely getting bubble tea now

Are you busy today?

My schedule is flexible

What time?

The lunch rush dies down around 3

I’ll pick you up

What’s your address?

After a brief hesitation, I give him my address. Once I’m done with breakfast, I get a bit of work done. And when my phone alarm goes off, I close my manuscript and get ready.

First date butterflies flutter in my stomach. Even though we’re doing things backward. This seems more intimate. Probably because we’ll be talking. Sex is easy. Especially during a heat. Making a real connection takes work.

My hair is impossible. I haven’t done anything with it for three years except throw it up in a ponytail or leave it down. My days of a full face of carefully perfect makeup and blown out hair and push up bras are behind me. I’m not even sure if my makeup is still any good. It’s probably all expired.

I video call Jen and prop my phone up while I fuss with my hair. She answers from her spot lying on her living room floor surrounded by brightly colored toys.

“Why are you on the floor?” I ask her while brushing my hair out.

“I stepped on a Lego. I’m waiting for the agony to fade. Are you getting ready for your big date?”

“Yeah but I don’t know what to do with my hair. I’m so out of practice. I haven’t done this in forever.”

“Three years isn’t forever. But you do need a haircut.There’s nothing wrong with a sleek ponytail. Besides, alphas go crazy about seeing an omega’s neck.”

My hand goes to my old faded bite marks on instinct. The pack bond has faded, but I’ll carry the scar forever. “I can put my hair to the side.”

Jen frowns and moves her phone to a different angle. “Might be better to rip that bandage off early.”

I know it’s something I’ll have to tell them about if we’re really going to try and make this work. But not today. I want today to be nice.

Her toddler cries in the background, and Jen sits up. “My boss is calling. I want to hear everything when you’re done. I’m living vicariously through you right now.”

We hang up and I focus on my hair, pulling it all to the side in a low pony. I curl the ends so it looks fancier, then use whatever makeup is salvageable. I keep it light and natural, then change into a floral sundress and brown sandals.

The doorbell rings after a bit. Waffles meows and races to the door. When I answer it, Liam is standing there holding a bouquet of wildflowers.

“Oh! They’re beautiful. You didn’t have to.” I take the flowers from him then realize I have to invite him in now. I picked up a bit so he wouldn’t see a mess when I opened the door but I can’t remember when I last vacuumed. Embarrassment makes me blush. “Let me put these in some water. Come on in.”

He follows me in while I head to the kitchen to find a vase. Liam shoves his hands into his pockets and looks around, studying the art prints on the wall.

“Your place is nice,” he says. “How long have you lived here?”

“Thank you. I moved in three years ago.” Waffles followshim and loudly begs for treats. “That’s Waffles. Don’t let him convince you that he’s starving. He lies.”

Liam laughs and crouches, reaching a hand out for Waffles to sniff. Waffles rubs his face on Liam’s shoes while purring and his tail wiggles with excitement. He meows, trying his best to convince Liam that he hasn’t eaten in days.

“Sorry, kitty. Mommy says you’re cut off.”

My body flushes with warmth after he calls me Mommy. I like the sound of the word on his lips.

I snip the ends off the flowers and put them in water, taking a moment to arrange the blooms. They’re a pretty mix of different flowers in shades of purple, pink, and blue. “All done.”

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