Page 14 of Talk About… Rivalry

Leaving Sidney to her chocolate, I worked my way around the room inside, filling water glasses and helping where I was needed. Technically, I wasn’t a waiter anymore. I was a floor manager or host when needed, but Sidney was the exception every time. I don’t know why I demanded to take over her table when she first walked in, but I hadn’t regretted it yet.

Even if I felt like I had the bluest balls in the universe. I couldn’t date anyone else, she was the only woman who had caught my attention, even if she didn’t truly give that same energy back.

I knew I’d have to find an alpha eventually but that hadn’t been in the cards, either.

Just as I stopped in front of the order window to check on her food, my phone buzzed. I fished it out of my pocket, not surprised to see my best friend Leo’s name light up the screen.He was the closest thing to a pack I’d ever found, but we were nowhere near relationship material.

That and he lacked a knot.

Leo: Signed the papers. They’re mine.

A grin spread across my face at the news. He was officially moving back to Rockwood Valley.

Taylor: He’s back, ladies and gentleman. Can you handle small town life?

Leo: I’ve been over the city for a while and home is home. Plus, my best friend is there, what more could I need?

Taylor: I am the selling point. Not the brownstone you signed the closing papers on.

Leo: You think this is stupid? Rockwood Valley is so small.

Taylor: It may be small, but it will be worth it. The town has a bar, but not a lounge. You’re appealing to an entirely different audience. They can have the college kids and you can have the older crowd.

Leo: You keep saying that but I’m afraid they’ll all be loyal to the Whitakers.

Taylor: They’re completely different vibes. You moving in with me?

I’d offered for him to stay with me at my place, but knowing my best friend he’d want something he can work on endlessly.The man never had a minute of downtime and he loved it that way.

Leo: Don’t get mad...

Taylor: But no.

Leo: Yeah, I found this amazing old building in town. It used to be a library, can you believe that? They moved to Main Street so it’s been converted to a regular storefront now.

Taylor: Sounds like your kind of fun. Gross. I’m too pretty for physical labor.

Leo: Says the man who will absolutely be helping me.

Taylor: And by helping, you mean providing conversation and cold beer while you work?

Leo: It’s safer that way anyway

“Order up!” Dad yelled loud enough I fumbled my phone, giving him a glare as I tucked it away. He just gave me his usual grin as Pop’s face also moved into my view.

“He did say your name a few times,” Pop defended his mate. I just snagged Sidney’s plate and headed out to the patio where she’d cleared her dessert and was staring out at the water again. Usually she brought a book or was on her phone. This new mood was worrying me.

“Hey there, got you some of my Pop’s homemade Chicken Parm, though with alfredo sauce because that’s my favorite,” I said, sliding the plate closer along with a basket of garlic breadsticks.

She leaned in and breathed in the herbs and spices before letting out a happy sigh.

“How do you always know just what I need?”

“It’s a skill,” I said before sitting down with her. I couldn’t bear to let her stare off and get lost in her thoughts again. She eyed me but didn’t hesitate to dig into her food, another moan escaping as she chewed.

“This is so fucking good,” she said, but I was still trying to fight off my physical reaction to her noises. It was downright sinful, my cock was stirring and my body was tense, every cell hyperfocused on this omega in front of me.

“Let me take you on a date,” I tried again, hoping she wouldn’t let us both being omegas get in the way. “I’m being serious here, Sidney.”

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