Page 7 of Such a Tempting Omega

Liam

My schedule was already jam-packed, but I was determined to eke out whatever time it took for Cuffed’s new gardens. And while the owners had ideas, and a lot of playground equipment, a quick download of original plans for all three addresses revealed far more space available than Andreas had indicated. In addition to the yards between the club and the neighboring properties, which were generous now and would be doubled in size when the fences separating them came down, there were backyards as well, and the spaces on the opposite sides of the two new properties.

But as I worked, I had kept finding myself sitting with the pen limp in my hand while my mind replayed the moment I’d spent with the omega who looked so upset. Logic told me he wouldn’t be there when I went to meet Andreas in the afternoon, but a guy could dream. I’d missed a chance there, and I hoped whatever had him so unhappy had cleared up by now.

I had made some sketches of ideas on my tablet, but every time I thought about it, I had more. Unlike the estates and other homes I’d been designing for, these would be used and appreciated by all the members and visitors to the club. Presumably, with more floor space, they’d be able to add many of those on their waiting list to the membership as well. My work was going to be so useful to all of them as well as beautiful. If I could have, I’d have canceled every other job in favor of this one. But I didn’t build my business by being unreliable, so I’d have to balance what I already had on my plate with Cuffed’s needs.

Not that I’d been awarded the contract yet anyway. Until I had a proposal prepared—until I actually knew their needs and desires—I wouldn’t know if we were a good match. My tour ofthe inside had shown me that the owners preferred quality and were not shy about spending what it took to have it.

Information like that helped me with my designs, as did the notes I’d received, but I still had a lot more questions and hoped to get them answered in order to proceed. People I’d worked for in the past wanted flowers, shrubs, and sometimes even native plantings, but basically straightforward “gardens.” In this case, I was being tasked with designing a more active space.

I hardly knew where to begin or, more aptly, where to stop.

And I needed to discuss the membership Andreas had been trying to get me to sign up for as well as something more.

A few blocks from the club, I saw someone walking along. Even from the back and in a whole different lighting, my wolf’s reaction, as well as my body’s, told me who it was, and without a second thought, I pulled over to the curb and rolled down the passenger window.

“Hey,” I called. “Want a ride?”

He glanced in my direction and, at first, I thought he was going to continue walking. Who could blame him? He probably had no idea who I was, and an omega that cute must have to deal with mashers all the time.

“I…” I began, at a loss for words.

“Wait, do I know you?” The omega came to the passenger door and leaned in the window. “From the club, of course. I splashed my drink all over you.” His cheeks pinkened, but he went on. “I hope it came out of your shirt.”

“Black, remember? It’s fine. Now, where can I take you?”

“That’s very kind, but I’m not going far. I can manage.” He moved to stand, but I reached across the car and opened the door.

“It’s over ninety degrees out there today. Please allow me to keep you from melting into the sidewalk.”

Since dots of sweat beaded his forehead, he could not deny being on the verge of overheating. A smile lifted the corners of his lips and he slipped into the seat. “You win. But I’m just going about three blocks down to the convenience store.”

“Convenience store, it is.” I waited until his seat belt was fastened before pulling back out into traffic. “I’m Liam, by the way.”

“Hirsch. Are you a new member? I haven’t seen you at the club before.”

“Just a guest. Andreas has been urging me to join.”

“What did you think?” He leaned back in the seat at an angle to look at me. “Gonna sign up?”

“I’m leaning in that direction. Do you go often?”

We were already approaching our destination, but I wanted to extend the conversation if I could, reluctant to let him leave without something more…maybe a commitment to meet at Cuffed one night if I could get another pass? Or if I joined, which I was very likely going to do.

Chapter Eight

Hirsch

My feet were killing me. That was the excuse I gave myself for getting in with a virtual stranger.

The other reason was…my wolf was practically begging me. He howled so loudly that my human ears hurt from the volume of it.

He wanted in that car. In that alpha’s arms. Hearing him purr into my ear. Feeling him writhe above me.

Stopping the car, Liam, I now knew his name, got out and opened my door for me. He was parked on the curb in a no-parking zone, but it didn’t seem to faze him.

“I used to go often. My former partner signed us up for an annual pass but it expires in a few months. After that, I won’t…it won’t be in my budget anymore.”

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