Raimy slid onto the stool beside Tanner as Jake led the guy away. “My gods, nowthatis a man.”
“Tell me how you really feel,” Tanner said, laughing. They both stared at Jake’s firm ass before he disappeared into the crowd. Tanner then turned to Raimy. “You sure you’re okay staying? I would totally get it if you wanted to leave after that.”
“Honestly, the guys in the bathroom were cool. They pulled him off me and checked to make sure I was okay before I got out of there.”
“That’s why I like coming here,” Tanner said.
“Yeah.” Raimy glanced in the direction Jake had disappeared in. “And the view is pretty good, too.”
“Jake is pretty spectacular. But you know my theory on messing with alphas.”
Raimy grinned. “That’s your theory. Not mine. Alphas are fun in the sack.”
“Yeah, when you get knocked up and come crying to me, I’ll remind you of that.”
“That’s why they make condoms, Tan.” Raimy sighed wistfully. “Most of the betas I meet are either hard-up to get some slick or so uptight they must have a stick up their asses.”
‘Get some slick’was a beta euphemism for fucking an omega. It was seen as a badge of honor for them to say they had a chance to do it at least once. Of course, after the Omega Rights laws went into effect, it was a lot easier for betas to earn that badge. The walls came tumbling down, leaving everyone free to be with whomever they wanted.
“I know you love it here, but we need to find new digs. We invariably end up running into schmucks likethat,” Raimy said. “The betas have run off most of the omegas, and then that naturally ran off the alphas. Most of these guys are sniffing for slick.”
“There are good betas out there. Trust me. I meet them all the time.”
Raimy lifted a brow, looking unconvinced. “Yeah. Sure.”
“See…that’syour problem. You think betas aren’t good enough.”
Raimy rolled his eyes. “They aren’t. Not in a province where there’s nearly two alphas to each omega.”
“I already said we could go, but you said no.” Tanner smiled. “I guess I assumed you wanted to flirt with Jake a little.”
A smile crossed Raimy’s lips. “I’ll stay. If you promise not to give me grief for flirting with Jake.”
“Promise.”
Raimy smiled before he caught the attention of the waiter and ordered a drink. Soon after, he cringed. “Oh gods, is that Bellamy near the patio door?” Raimy asked. “I thought it was just going to be you and me tonight?”
“Stop it,” Tanner admonished as he searched the crowd for his roomie. “You’resojealous.”
While Tannerhadn’tthrown Bellamy under the bus, as promised, Raimy had still invariably blamed his houseguest for him being stood up that night several weeks ago. “Well, since you’ve given him a place to stay, I barely see you anymore,” Raimy complained. “The things we used to do… you’ve been doing withhim. Tonight’smynight with you. I’mnotsharing.”
Tanner gazed at his friend, ready to argue, but paused. Raimy had a point. It wasn’t Bellamy’s fault that the two of them hadn’t been spending as much time together. It started well before Bellamy had come into his life again. The fact that Bellamy had moved in made him an easy partner, available for late night dinners and middle of the night creative chats.
“You know I had that commission last week to finish up. I warned you I would be busy. And I haven’t been doing anything with Bellamy that I wouldn’t do home alone. He’s a good guy. Don’t stay mad at him. Please.”
Raimy sighed. “A good guy? If you say so.”
“I do.” Tanner replied. “And just so you know, Bellamy’s on a date tonight. Meeting here is a total coincidence. I promise tonight is all about you and me.”
“Good,” Raimy said, lifting his chin haughtily.
Tanner smiled at his best friend, knowing he shouldn’t take the man for granted. Raimy had been at his side through thick and thin. “I love you. You know that, right?”
Raimy leaned in closer, his frown turning into a smile. “I love you, too.”
Bellamy walked closer, all smiles. “Hey guys. Fancy meeting you here.”
“Hey there! Where’s your date?” Tanner asked