Page 65 of Unexpected Delivery

I intend to savor every inch of her skin, but I want us to have a real date before we do anything past kissing. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess to pull back, resting my forehead against hers. “You’re gonna destroy me if you’re not careful.”

Arbor’s eyes widen, and her forehead rolls around mine. “I’m pretty sure that goes both ways.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Arbor

Butterflies dance in my stomach like never before.

Morris has pulled out all the stops for an incredibly romantic evening. The ground is lined with fresh snow that fell this afternoon. The sidewalk is clear, but it’s cold as can be. That just gives me a good excuse to snuggle close to the massive alpha’s side as we make our way to the second part of our date.

I suck down deep hits of Morris’s scent, my breath fogging up the air with each exhale. He’s never worn cologne, at least not around me, but whatever he’s wearing tonight blends perfectly with his natural smell. We had a delicious dinner at a cozy little steakhouse, and I’m stuffed, but I have the irrational urge to devour him whole.

My hormones have been out of control the last few days, and with all three of them being more affectionate, it has my brain focused on physical intimacy pretty much all the time. I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t stopped our kiss earlier today in his office, but it wouldn’t have been very ladylike.

Gracie is with Hael and Hayes. It’s tough to be away from her, but having a short break to spend with one of the guys has done wonders for my mental health. No, what really made a huge difference on my ability to stay positive was when they started watching her so I could take a shower without having to rush. That, or hop out after only shampoo because she woke up wailing.

I wouldn’t have even minded bringing her with us, other than the fact I worry about her being near people and getting sick.

Morris’s huge hand slides up and down my side as we walk. I smile at him, leaning even closer. I’ll never be able to explain the feeling of safety I have when I’m with him.

“Ready for the next part of your surprise?” he asks, coming to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk.

I nod. “Yeah, but can I have a kiss first?”

He chuckles a low, throaty sound and bends to meet me in the middle. “You know I can’t deny you anything.”

I gasp against his lips as he pinches my ass. The material helps block some of the sting, but I’m not used to Morris being so playful. I love seeing a new side of him. No, actually, I love being able to feel his happiness.

It’s strange.

I’ve heard omegas are able to pick up the emotions of those around them, but it’s something I rarely experienced before meeting Morris, Hayes, and Hael. If I could sense someone’s energy, it was almost always when they were angry.

I lose myself to the kiss, to the point I chase Morris’s lips as he pulls back.

“I can’t let you distract me. Come on, pretty girl. This is my first real courting gift.”

My heart thumps against my rib cage. I’ve dreamed about hearing those words from him, and now that I have, I almost don’t know what to do with myself.

So, I let Morris take my hand and guide me down the sidewalk to whatever our next adventure is.

The Divine Omega is a specialty store for omegas. They carry heat supplies, clothing, and everything you could want to stock a nest. They even have food delivery options where you pick from a catalog, and they deliver easy-to-heat meals so you won’t starve when lost to the fog.

It’s a fancy concept that the rest of us make do without because that’s just life. If you know you’ll be hazy for a week during a heat, you can buy stuff for sandwiches or salads or even pre-made casseroles.

The store is lovely, though. It’s dimly lit and each section has its own little room. Before you choose to go into an area, there’s a sign plate on the wall chronicling what scents you’ll find, along with a lighting level and even a quick list of fabrics and allergens.

I’ve never seen anything like it, and my spoiled system wants to frolic and explore, but the rational side of my brain is stressed.

The guys clearly do okay. They aren’t hurting for money or struggling to pay their bills, but Gracie and I are added expenses they never had the chance to plan for.

Breastfeeding helps keep costs a little lower, but diapers and wipes are expensive as hell. Not to mention feeding me and all the things they’ve bought both of us.

Morris’s head tilts, and his thick blond bun bounces on the back of his head as he quirks an eyebrow.

Holy shit.

I don’t know what the right call is. Everything in me wants to assure him that I don’t need lavish courting gifts, but I’m afraid that would hurt his feelings, which is the last thing I wouldeverwant to do.

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