Page 116 of Omega's Refuge

“Hell no, and I never made him any promises,” Rex said firmly. “If he read into things, that’s on him. I made sure he knew things were casual with us. But sometimes people don’t want to hear what you’re saying because they want what they want.”

I sipped my lemonade, meeting Jack’s gaze over the rim of my glass. He looked sheepish as he pulled his gaze from mine. Maybe he felt guilty because he was doing that exact thing with Seth: not paying attention to the things Seth was saying because he wanted what he wanted.

“I think I’m going to go dance with some sexy omega,” Jack said, rising unsteadily.

“I thought you wanted to spend time with me.” Rex teased.

Jack sighed. “I do, but watching you two together is making me feel extra lonely.” He grimaced and his expression softened. “I shouldn’t say that. Truth be told, I’m happy for you two. While what you have isn’t something I want, I know Rex wanted it. I’m happy he met you, Tanner.”

“Thanks,” I said, pleased to have his blessing.

“Plus.” Jack’s cocky expression returned. “I’m going to make a shit load of money off of your boyfriend, Rex.” He turned and walked away toward the dance floor.

Rex sighed. “He’ll wake up one day. I just hope it’s not too late when he does.”

“Yeah.” I watched Jack dancing with a slender omega. “I think he’s afraid of getting hurt.”

Rex glanced at me. “You think that too?”

“Well, from what I gather, he dates really superficial types? He doesn’t want to get close to anyone.”

“That’s it exactly. He’s only ever been serious about one omega when he was in college. Perry was his name. He dumped Jack for a alpha with money. It really hurt Jack. He thought he was going to claim Perry and live happily ever after.”

“Damn,” I said.

“Yeah.” Rex studied his brother as he flirted with a group of omegas. “Perry made him feel likehe wasn’t worthy. I don’t think he’s ever been able to shake that feeling.”

“That’s sad.”

“It is. He’s not going to find what he’s looking for chasing omegas who only want him for his looks and money. But talking to him about that is like talking to a wall.”

“Can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.”

Nope.” Rex gave me a warm look. “I’m pleased you can see through all his bravado, Tanner. Not everyone can.”

“Thanks.” I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling content. Now that I knew the depths of my feelings for Rex, I felt more settled. I instinctively knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. “I hope you’re right and he wakes up one day because this right here, it’s everything.”

Rex sighed and he took my hand in his. “It sure is.”

****

Jack returned to Texas and two weeks passed uneventfully. My morning sickness had finally stopped, but I felt more bloated than usual. My body was changing quicker than I’d imagined it would. All my pants fit tight around the waist now, and my back ached sometimes. My stomach was gently rounded, but not so much I couldn’t hide it if I wore a big shirt.

Rex and I continued to grow closer. I hadn’t said the L word out loud to him, and he hadn’t said it to me either. But I felt like it was understood. I hoped it was. But I felt shy about being the first one to say it, so I didn’t.

It was a nice morning and so I decided to go for a walk. The doctor had stressed exercise was good for both me and the baby, so I did my best to get a walk in every day. Rex and I usually took a walk in the evening, if he wasn’t busy with the guests. Unfortunately, he’d left early this morning for an overnight trip with the current group of visitors.

The sun felt warm on my back, and the scent of damp prairie grass filled my nose as I ventured out for my walk. I headed away from the ranch, mostly because I didn’t feel social this morning and didn’t want to run into anyone. I especially had no desire to come face to face with Mrs. Rodwell.

Even though we lived on the same ranch, I’d done my best to avoid being alone with Mrs. Rodwell. After what had happened with Steve, it was too awkward being around her without other people as a buffer. If I did see her at a meal, she was perfectly polite. I assumed that was because Rex was always with me. I still didn’t know what he’d said to her, but she did seem more conciliatory these days.

Unfortunately, when I returned from my walk, my luck ran out. As I headed in the direction of my cabin, Mrs. Rodwell was coming toward me in the opposite direction. We both stiffened when we spied each other, but it was too late. It would have been extremely rude to change direction suddenly. Instead, I had to keep walking toward her, and she did the same.

She had packages in her arms, and she appeared to be struggling with them. As we neared each other, she gave me a polite smile, but she didn’t make any attempt to stop and chat. That was perfectly fine by me. I dreaded the idea of trying to make idle chit-chat with her.

But just as she passed me, I heard her swear under her breath, followed by the thud of one of the boxes hitting the ground. I stopped walking and turned around to find her staring at the offending package on the ground, clearly unsure how to pick it up without dropping the rest.

I hesitated, but then walked back to her. I picked up the package, dusting it off. “Doesn’t look damaged,” I said, smiling stiffly.

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