Page 7 of Dancing for His Omega

“You were born to be a taster. I might have to hire you on. Are you available?”

“I haven’t started looking for work here, yet, but I have a feeling my waistline could not survive the job. That was the best piece of candy I’ve ever eaten.”

“You haven’t tried anything yet.” For the next half hour or so, he tried the various samples and gave his opinion. He wasn’t 100 percent correct, but he was closer than I would expect someone without an educated palate to manage. In fact, he did better than I’d seen people who were supposed experts manage at a tasting.

Finally, he held up a hand and refused any more. “I can’t. I’ll explode or possibly start running around the room like a hamster in a wheel.”

“You know sugar doesn’t work quite like that, right?”

He shrugged. “Either way, I think I need a rest. Thank you so much for this, though. I haven’t had an afternoon this fun in years. Maybe ever.”

“Can I give you a tour of the town?” I said quickly, in case he wanted to leave. He hadn’t gotten his free candy yet, besides the samples, but I was afraid he’d feel like he had a week’s supply. “And then we can get a bit to eat at one of the food trucks or cafes?”

Chapter Seven

Edwin

I must’ve changed clothes a thousand times, which was impressive since I’d donated half my wardrobe to a local thrift store before I made the move away from the city. Micah was giving me a tour of Oliver Creek and grabbing a bite to eat, not taking me to a fancy dinner.

It wasn’t a date.

I kept telling myself that, but my bear had other ideas. He knew as soon as the omega’s scent hit me that he was mine. My mate. My fated. There was nothing else he wanted to do but to see Micah.

My human mind had other ideas. Sure, I trusted my bear, but I also knew how lonely we were and so starved for connection. Real connection. Even though I’d recently ended a relationship, or Jacob ended it, I was hungry for affection and love. Connection. Even lying next to him, I’d been lonely. Craving something he didn’t give me but clearly was giving another. My brain shuffled through thoughts of doubt. Perhaps my bear calling out mate was simply to try and save me from my mourning.

Except all the signs were there. Instant attraction. His all-encompassing scent. The way my body responded to his nearness. All of that pointed to a bond, but I couldn’t trust that—not yet.

I paused before putting on my shoes and socks. Shay had said something about self-trust, and I realized I really did have an issue with it.

I didn’t even trust my bear to tell me when he’d met his mate. Deciding to go anyway and see what Fate showed me, I put on my shoes and headed in the direction of the park. Therewas a metal sculpture in the middle and since it was early spring, the flowers planted lovingly around the perimeter were starting to bud under the loving sun. Park benches sat along the edge and in my walks, I’d seen some people having lunch there and, one night, I even saw a couple having a romantic encounter, whispering and sharing kisses.

I wished I had that.

When I arrived at the park, I didn’t see Micah immediately. I strolled around, looking at the playground area. There were some children laughing on the swings and slides. Something tugged at my insides. A need. I’d always wanted a family. If I were ever blessed with children, at least I knew how not to treat them. That went for my mate as well. My parents had given me the example of what not to do.

In my mind, I pictured Micah’s belly swollen with a child. He would be even more gorgeous expecting our little one. I could teach our cub to dance.

“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Micah’s voice startled me, and I pressed my hand to my chest.

For a split second, I thought maybe he could read my mind.

“What is?” I asked, whirling around to face him.

“The park. It’s really beautiful in spring.”

I nodded. “It is. Thank you for offering to give me the tour.”

“You’re welcome.” His cheeks turned rosy, making him doubly attractive. “Shall we?”

We walked side by side and he showed me everything. The coffeehouse. The bakery. The peanut-butter-and-jelly shop, which I insisted we go in. I bought myself some fancy cashew butter and some blackberry jam. Micah pointed out all kinds of places to eat as we walked. He told me about the local website and how it was updated on the events and things happening all the time. For a small town, there was always something happening—or right around the corner.

“There’s the general store and the small market if you need milk or eggs or bread, but I usually go to the big-box store in the next town for major shopping.

My fingers tingled as we took a turn onto the next street, wanting to thread my fingers with his. The desire to touch him was so overpowering that I’d nearly pressed him against the nearest building and kissed him at least a dozen times.

But the whole Jacob thing still hummed in the back of my mind. Could I trust again? Even though I’d known Jacob longer, Micah betraying me would be a blow I might not ever recover from. To have a fated mate, or a probable mate, cheat on me would be devastating. There wouldn’t be enough therapists on the planet to help put me back together.

“What is that building?” I asked, pointing to an abandoned brick shop of some sort.

---