Page 6 of Choosing Me

“I’m so glad you could make it,” Calvin says, putting his hand against my side and leaning in, leaving a barely there peck against my cheek. The butterflies inside my belly feel like they’d just been given the most sugary energy drink as they flutter about inside me. When he pulls back, his easy going smirk is gracing his lips and I desperately ignore the way my cheek is tingling where he’d just touched me. I am a goner.

“Thanks for asking me to come,” I say softly, stepping inside his apartment. I look around, amusement welling up inside me. It’s exactly the type of place you’d suspect a bachelor to live in. It’s incredibly bare but for an arm chair, a TV, a game console, and an end table. The kitchen is a little more stocked with a table and cooking supplies at least. From what I can gather, I have a feeling most of his energy on decorating was spent on his bedroom.

I can’t wait to possibly find out later.

“It smells good in here.”

Calvin closes the door behind me, placing his hand on my lower back and guiding me towards the kitchen. “I forgot to ask if you had any food allergies or anything. Hopefully you like grilled cheese and tomato soup?”

“I haven’t had that since I was a kid. It used to be my absolute favorite meal.”

I sit down at Calvin’s breakfast bar as he goes back to the stove. I watch him stir the pot and flip the sandwiches he has in a pan. The butter sizzles and my mouth waters.

“That’s lucky for me. I forgot to make my grocery run Friday because I was working on submitting a paper.”

I’ll admit it’s a little weird he didn’t put more effort into a first date. In my experience, this is when a person tries to impress the other, but I’ll let this time slide. I’ve personally only gone to college for a few years while living at home, so I can imagine the type of time suck it must be to keep on top of your work, and that’s without thinking about his job. I’ll just have to one up him for our second date.

If there’s a second date.

“I’ve made my grandmother’s secret recipe,” Calvin tells me with a smirk, nodding towards the empty tomato soup cans by the sink.

“Ah, I see she was a true soup connoisseur.”

Calvin chuckles as he spoons some soup into two bowls. “She was a lovely lady but she wasnotknown for her cooking. I swear, that woman could burnwater.”

“My Mom was the same way. That’s why my Mama was the one who cooked for us. She taught me enough and when they finally trusted me with the stove, I pretty much completely took over the cooking for our house.” Calvin walks over, sliding both bowls onto the table and placing two spoons down. He turns back to the stove, plating the grilled cheeses onto plates. “Not that this isn’tnice, but maybe next time you’ll letmecook?”

“Next time?” Calvin asks, sitting down and raising his brow at me.

My heart hammers against my chest as I look down at the table. “I mean,” I start, clearing my throat and trying desperately to find my backbone. “Only if you want, of course. This date isn’t even over and I’m already asking about next time,” I joke, shaking my head. When I look back up into Calvin’s eyes, my stomach sinks. He’s giving me a confused look, like I’ve somehow asked something completely out of left field.

“Ah,” he starts, picking up his grilled cheese and dipping it into his soup. “I think it’s important we’re on the same page, Wilson.”

“Okay?”

“I’m not really looking for something serious right now.”

“Oh,” I say, tapping my fingers against the table, trying my best not to frown or pout. I would be lying if I said this didn’t sting. I do my best to stay out of my own head and let him finish.

“I think you and I could have a lot of fun together. You’re sweet and my god, you’re fucking gorgeous. But a serious relationship right now just isn’t in the cards for me. I’m the type of guy who could pick up and run away at any moment, never wanting to stay in one place for too long.” Calvin shrugs, turning in his seat to look at me fully. “I’m sorry if that’s what you’re looking for, but I figured it was best if we were on the same page from the start.”

“Thank you for that,” I tell him seriously, running my sandwich through my soup absentmindedly. “Full disclosure, I did think this was a date.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. I appreciate the honesty.” I finally take a bite of my grilled cheese, giving myself a moment to process this as I chew.

Okay, so the sexy omega who works in the same building as mewasn’tasking me on a date. He’s basically asking me to be his friend with benefits. His fuck buddie. Could I handle that? Could I keep my heart to myself and enjoy the time we have together while it lasts? Will I get burned in the end because he couldn’t return the crush I have for him?

It doesn’t have to be complicated, right? It’s just a bit of fun between two consenting adults. Then, once Calvin’s wanderlust comes back, we can depart as friends. Who’ve seen each other’s O faces? Ignoring that last point completely, I really think about the situation for what it is. Yeah, I can totally handle this, and I plan on enjoying every moment of it.

I swallow before turning back to Calvin. “Okay, I’m in.”

Calvin’s face breaks out into a wide smile, his eyes shining brightly. “Really?”

“Yeah, it sounds like it’ll be fun. We can mutually scratch an itch and it’ll last as long as it’ll last.”

“Going with the flow,” Calvin says, nodding his head. “That’s my motto.”

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