I hate being the one to lead conversations.
Lorenzo is nice on the eyes, but I’m going to need a little more from him than what he’s given me so far. Surely, he has something more he’d like to tell me about himself.
“So, what do you do in your free time?”
“If I’m not working, I’m working out. Just because I’m an alpha doesn’t mean I don’t have to work to be this stacked. Recently, I’ve begun trying to meet omegas. It’s time to find a pack. Plus, fucking omegas is fun.”
My eyes widen, glancing over at Reginald, who’s shaking his head.
“I…uhh…I wouldn’t know, but that’s good to hear?” Once again, my statement comes out as a question. While Lorenzo’s words were crass, I’m not put off by the fact he’s slept with other omegas. Good for him, I guess. I just don’t know if that’s something that should be announced when you meet a potential omega for the first time. Or meeting anyone for the first time, really.
Then again, maybe he’s just as awkward as me?
Either way, I’m not sure how much longer I can keep directing this conversation. I’m so terrible at this.
“Working out and dating omegas, huh? Anything else?”
He shrugs. “Not just dating omegas. Alphas, betas, omegas—designations don’t overly matter to me. That’s not true. I want an omega. I don’t think I could give up on having one after being buried inside of one. They’re just so—“
“Oh! Um! It looks like it’s time for the next suitor.” I have to cut him off right there. I don’t want to hear the rest of his sentence. “It was really great meeting you, Lorenzo. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to talk more later.”
He shrugs, not at all offended by me cutting him off. He grunts before heading toward the other suitors.
I’m sure my face says everything I’m not saying out loud when I glance at Reginald. He’s still shaking his head, his face revealing how shocked and appalled he is.
When our eyes clash, he mouths, “Are you okay?”
I nod, forcing myself to smile. Lorenzo’s comments didn’t make me uncomfortable, per se. Okay, maybe they did a little, but I think it’s because I’d just met the alpha. There’s an appropriate time for conversations like that, and this wasn’t one of them.
Rolling my shoulders back, I try to call back the relaxed feeling Lee left me with but can’t seem to grasp hold of it.
Luckily, another limo pulls up, bringing with it my fourth and final suitor of the night. Anxiety rumbles in my chest as I take a deep breath.
I was doing so damn well until Lorenzo arrived. He just threw me off.
Before I can work myself up too far, the door to the limo opens and another man steps out.
This man needs no introduction.
Quinn Nichols, thirty-one, movie star extraordinaire, and season two suitor.
Holy shit, he’s even hotter in person.
Six foot two with broad shoulders, strong arms, and an easy smile. His dark brown hair has highlights which makes it seem lighter than it is. Before he even reaches me, I know I’ll be able to fall into his deep brown eyes.
“Oh, my fates! You’re Quinn Nichols! You were one of Sophia’s suitors. I was so upset when she didn’t pick you.” The words spill from me, and I can’t seem to make them stop. “Now, I’m really happy she didn’t since you’re here. Holy shit, I can’t believe you’re one of my suitors.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Quinn places his hands on my shoulders, his earthy sage scent buzzing along my nerves. There’s more to his scent than the sage, but with the blockers, I can’t quite pick them out. “I’m going to need you to take a deep breath for me, yeah?”
When he mimics just that, I follow his lead as my face flushes.
Look at that. I did it again. Just met the man, and I’ve already put my foot in my mouth.
Ducking my head, I chuckle. “Sorry about that. I get a little excited sometimes. I’ve been obsessed withHeatedsince the first season. I’ve watched every season, and you were one of the suitors I was sure Sophia was going to choose. Besides Pack Lewitt, of course—but then she didn’t.“ I wince. “Sorry, you probably don’t want to rehash all of that.”
“It’s quite alright, Remington. It doesn’t bother me. Sophia and I just weren’t the right fit. She chose an amazing pack. Well, she and Chase chose amazing packs.”
I suck in a deep breath, getting another lungful of sage and sighing. “Okay, then I’m sorry I embarrassed myself.”