Page 46 of Omega in Hiding

Appearing thoughtful, he asks, “Do you think you’ll get back together?”

My heart aches as I admit, “No. I… I don’t think I’ll ever see him again. But I still have feelings for him, and I feel like you should know that.”

“Okay.” He meets my gaze, looking determined. “Are you open to going for a drink with me sometime?”

I frown. “A drink?”

“Yes. I won’t pressure you for anything more, I promise. I’d just like to spend some one-on-one time with you.” He shrugs. “I don’t want to just give up on you so easily.”

I blink at him, confused by his persistence. “Even though you know I’m hung up on another alpha?”

He nods. “Maybe I’ll charm you into giving him up.”

I smile because it’s impossible not to. He’s guilelessly appealing. His energy is positive, and I instinctively feel maybe he’d be good for me. I need something to help pull me out of my gloomy mood, and Sully’s optimistic personality might cheer me up. I don’t want to lead him on, but I also don’t want to livea dreary, depressing life. I want to get back to the old, more positive version of me. Perhaps Sully could help me find myself again.

“And you really won’t try and push for more?” I ask skeptically. Alphas can’t really help pushing. They’re aggressive by nature and they go after what they want. Sully seems like a gentle soul, but he’s still an alpha.

“Nope.” He looks hopeful. “What do you say?”

I study him, weighing the issue of hurting him versus needing him to help me cheer up. If I hang out with him, will he get too attached? “I worry you’ll resent me for not giving you enough,” I say softly. “Or that I’ll hurt you.”

“No.” He frowns. “I’m not a child, Connor. You’ve been honest with me and I know the score. Okay?”

I hesitate. “You sure you want to waste your time with me?”

“I don’t consider it wasting my time. I consider it enjoying my time.” He gives one of his jolly little smiles.

Again, I can’t help smiling back. His cheeriness truly is contagious.

“Come on,” he nudges. “Just say yes.”

I lift one shoulder. “Okay. Sure. I’ll have a drink with you, Sully.”

“Really?” His eyes shine. “That’s great. When? Tonight? We could go as soon as you get off.”

I laugh and take a step back. “Tonight?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“Well… I don’t get off for another hour.” I glance around at the busy restaurant. “I might even have to stay over a bit.”

“Not a problem.” He smiles. “I’ll have my dinner and when you get off, we can go have that drink. I should have a big meal in my stomach before I drink anyway. I’m kind of a light weight when it comes to alcohol.”

“In that case, how can I say no?” Out of the corner of my eye, I notice my boss coming out of the back office. I’ve lingered a while at Sully’s table, and my boss will get annoyed if I keep doing that. “I’d better get your dinner order. My boss is out front now and I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Sure.” Without looking at the menu, he says, “I’ll have a lettuce wrapped bacon cheeseburger and cottage cheese.”

I smile. “If you usually just come in for coffee, how do you know we have a bacon cheeseburger?”

“Everywhere has a bacon cheeseburger.” He smirks. “Peoplelovebacon.”

He’s not wrong.

“Okay, I’ll get that going for you. Anything to drink?”

“Iced tea, please.” He’s beaming now.

I feel a twinge of guilt at how happy he looks. What if I’m not able to forget Paolo and I end up breaking Sully’s heart? Is it wrong of me to use Sully to try and move on?

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