Page 54 of One Wild Omega

Mick chuckled as he finished up the vanilla chai. After he’d slid the cup across the counter, he fished out a muffin from the case. “Did Brim tell you about our miscreant?”

“He did.”

“Well, if you see anything unsavory going on around here, let me know,” Mick said. “I’ve got an outdoor cam on the way, but it likely won’t arrive for a week or so.”

“I’ll keep a look out for miscreants, vandals, and all forms of ruffians. Promise.”

“Well, I know you’re here late sometimes. I’ve seen you staggering home in the early hours as we’re staggering in here to start our day. You need to be careful. So far it only seems like minor vandalism, but it could escalate. Be mindful, okay?”

Tanner smiled at the beta. “Thank you for thinking of me. I’ll be careful, and I wasn’t joking about keeping an eye out for you and yours, okay?”

“Great,” Mick said with a wink. “When are you coming for dinner again? I have someone I’dlovefor you to meet…”

Tanner chuckled. “Dinner, yes. A set-up, no.”

“Oh, come on! I think he’d be perfect for you.”

“Right now, I don’t want perfect. I need a little ugly, dirty, and nasty for a while.”

Mick lifted a thick brow. “Oh?”

Tanner sighed, trying to hold back the torrent of emotion that wouldn’t let him go. “I don’t think I could handle something real at the moment. So, put Mr. Perfect on the back burner for now, okay? Maybe I’ll be ready down the road.”

Mick offered him a gentle smile. “Okay. I’m holding you to dinner soon, though. Just you, me, and Brim… unless youwantto bring someone.”

“Sure. Let me know the when and I’m there.” He snuck a bit of muffin. Before he jammed it into his mouth, he added, “But I doubt I’ll be bringing anyone. Trust me.”

Mick gave another soft smile. “You got it.”

Tanner dove into his wallet and pulled out a fewrenos.

“Your money’s no good here,” Mick said.

Tanner rolled his eyes. “Yes, it is.” He shoved the money into the tip jar with a smile before heading out. He gave Brim a squeeze before walking across the street—just as a delivery truck pulled up.Perfect timing.

After signing for his new purchase, the crew got their forklift off the back of the truck and began moving the heavy pieces into place.

“How about putting it right there, to the left of the entrance?” Tanner asked, pointing to a spot in front of the building he owned. He eyed the new concrete patio table a moment and nodded to the delivery guys. “Yes, I think that’s the perfect place. Now you can set it all up.”

Tanner turned to the side and saw the workman next door moving in and out of his new neighbor’s property and forced a smile. While he’d told himself that cutting Fitz out of his life would be a good thing, his soul didn’t seem to agree. Which was why he was setting up the table outside his building. Obviously, his studio was upstairs and the table was right in front of the office he rented, but since the birth of his nephew, Bellamy had taken some time off—and would likely work some from home when he returned to business as usual.

The delivery men brought over the heavy wrought iron and wood chairs to add to the table, and then added the umbrella and base to the set he’d purchased the previous day.

“What the heck is this?”

Tanner turned to see Bellamy standing behind him, with baby Carter carried in a sling across his chest.

Tanner turned, smiling. “You brought my nephew for a visit!”

“I had to grab some invoices from the office, and figured we could say hello, too,” Bellamy murmured while lovingly stroking the baby’s back through the sling. He leaned in to give Tanner a quick hug. “I leave for a couple of weeks and you’re redecorating on me! Isn’t thatmyjob?” Bellamy craned his head over and noticed a couple of construction workers exiting the building next door. “Did you buy this table so you can sit out here and ogle the construction workers?”

“Damned straight I did,” Tanner admitted, but his heart wasn’t fully in it. He was trying to forget and ogling sexy betas roaming just outside his studio seemed the easiest way to do just that. “Have youseenhow hot they are?” He waved to another passing worker, winking.Fake it until you make it.

“You’re unreal,” Bellamy said. “You know, I might have some cushions inside that would fit those chairs.” He reached for his keys and unlocked the front door.

“What’s wrong with my chairs?” Tanner asked before sitting down in one. It was a bit hard on the bum. “Oh.”

“Right?” Bellamy asked with a chuckle.

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