Page 7 of Stella

Wetness was slowly starting to seep from my core. I tried to wrangle my mind out of the gutter. My perfume had to be heavy enough now that he’d be able to scent it above the coffee beans and sugar.

“I haven’t.” He was still staring, his gaze dipping down to my chest before snapping back up to my face.

Ok. He looked at my boobs. He must want me.

Down girl, I told my ladybits. We’re in public. Let’s get him on a date first.

“It’s about a twenty-minute drive north of here. It’s a used and new bookstore. The owner is great. The armchairs are cozy, and there’s an amazingly eclectic collection of books. Mabel, the owner, hunts for used books the way some people look for antiques.”

“It sounds lovely.” He smiled, his blue eyes crinkling with warmth.

“We should go,” I said quickly. Smooth. God, I was so smooth.

Mentally rolling my eyes, I let out a slow breath, and sat back, trying to give the poor man some space. “If you want to, that is.”

“Yes.” He blinked. “Um…I mean…when are you free?”

“Tomorrow?” I blushed. This was why I never flirted when I was going into heat. I was two seconds away from humping his leg. “Or this weekend. Or next weekend.”

“Tomorrow is fine.” His voice turned huskier.

I wondered what he would sound like when he was coming deep inside me, my legs wrapped around his waist. I shuddered at the thought, my nipples getting hard. I needed to get myself under control. People were starting to glance my way.

He took a deep breath and looked at me, a little hesitantly. “You must have scented me by now,” he started.

“Yummy,” I breathed.

His cheeks turned pink. “So, you know that I’m a beta.”

“Yes,” I said, not sure why he seemed so embarrassed. “What? You thought I wouldn’t want to jump you if you weren’t an alpha?”

“I’m bonded to two alphas.” He watched me like I was about to tell him Christmas was canceled. “I’m used to being mistaken for one, only to be turned down when people realize they got it wrong.”

It made sense that someone this delicious was bonded. I should have asked him that already. But if he said he was free to go on a date, his alphas must still be looking to finish their pack.

“I want to climb you like a tree,” I admitted. I brushed my hand over his forearm. “If they thought you being a beta was a problem, they’re idiots. I’ve been low-key stalking you since I first saw you a few months ago.”

That earned me a brilliant smile. His hesitation dropped away. “Really?”

“Yes.” I took in a shallow breath. I wasn’t sure I could handle the full force of his attention now that he wasn’t waiting for me to snub him for his designation. “I haven’t seen you here very often, though.”

“My pack and I drive up here together on occasion from San Francisco.” he said. “You don’t have to meet them, though. They’ll be fine with us going on a date.”

I bit my lip. His alphas would scent me on him. If they didn’t like the two of us dating, without them, it might create a problem.

But I could deal with that when and if it arose. As sad as it was, I knew our relationship would have an expiration date.

All relationships did, if they didn’t include pack bonds. Being an omega only made things more complicated.

“I’d rather it be the two of us for now, but I’m open to meeting them later.”

He looked pleased with that. “Alright.”

“So, tomorrow?” I sat up. Any more time this close to him, and I would need to figure out a way to drag him into a supply closet so I could have my way with him. “I actually have to go back to work, or I would spend the rest of the morning flirting with you.”

“Tomorrow.” He grinned. “I need to get to work soon, myself.”

Bless him for letting me call this flirting, and not inept fumbling. I stood up, intent on getting away before desire could override common sense.

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