Page 89 of Omega's Refuge

He cleared his throat. “So, if you’re not buying a plunger, what brings you to the hardware store?”

I was relieved he’d changed the subject. “I ordered some art supplies and they just came in.”

“You’re an artist?” His eyes flickered. “I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, I worked as a freelance graphic artist back in Billings. I’m hoping to keep doing art here.”

“Cool.” He studied me. “So, you’re really staying?”

“Yes. I’m definitely staying.”

He nodded amiably, but his mouth tightened . “It’s such a big decision to make so quickly.”

“It is a big decision, but I’m at peace with it.” I understood why he was surprised by my decision to move here, but he didn’t need to know all the extenuating circumstances that had led to my decision to stay. My breakup with Steve and the surprise pregnancy were none of his business.

He looked skeptical. “You don’t think being a city boy will make it difficult to adjust to life out in the middle of nowhere?”

I frowned. “I don’t think so. So far I’ve loved it here.”

“Even though you got snake bit?” He raised his brows.

I grimaced. “That was an unfortunate accident. But bad things can happen anywhere.”

“I suppose that’s true,” he murmured.

I shrugged. “Besides, I hated living in the city. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery, and a new way of life.”

He rubbed his jaw, appearing unconvinced. “A lot of people say that, but then the isolation gets to them. They end up hating this place. Red Mine is sorely lacking in fancy restaurants and department stores.”

He was definitely trying hard to discourage me from staying, but it wasn’t going to work. The connection I felt with Rex was worth exploring. Beyond that, I needed Rex. I wanted to keep the baby, and Rex was giving me the chance to do that. He wanted me to be his omega, and we had something really good going. I was hopeful it would turn into something deep and meaningful because the connection I had with Rex was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I could see myself falling in love with him, and I wasn’t about to let Vance chase me off just because he was resentful and wanted Rex for himself.

“I think I’ll be fine. I’m not much into shopping anyway. I’m looking forward to the peace and quiet.”

“That’s great.” His smile was strained.

“Yeah,” I said cheerfully,” I think it is pretty great.”

A muscle worked in his cheek. “I hope you don’t mind that Rex and I are still going to be friends. When he told me about you two, he made it clear he wasn’t cutting me out of his life.”

“Fine by me.” That news wasn’t a huge surprise to me. Rex was a good person and good friend. He wouldn’t want to just cut Vance off completely. While I didn’tlovethe idea of Rex hanging out with Vance, that wasn’t my call. “You’ve known each other a long time. I have no issue with you two being friends.”

“I appreciate you understand.” He gnawed on his bottom lip. “Rex is very special to me.”

“I’m sure your friendship is very special to him too.” Sometimes I got the feeling he thought I was the one who’d suggested Rex claim me, instead of the other way around. Maybe believing that gave him hope that he still had a chance with Rex.

“We weren’t alwaysjustfriends,” he said, his green eyes glittering.

“I know.” Did he think I didn’t know they’d had an on and off thing? Did he hope telling me that would ruin things between Rex and me? “I know all about your past relationship with Rex.”

His face twitched at the word “past.”

Thankfully, before he could respond, the store clerk came out of the backroom, carrying abox and two blank canvases. Her arrival was a welcome interruption because it seemed like Vance’s polite veneer had been rapidly slipping. “Sorry it took so long.” She huffed and puffed her way to the counter. “According to the invoice everything is here. You’re lucky, usually things are out of stock.”

“That’s great,” I said brightly, trying to shake off the awkward encounter with Vance.

The clerk glanced over at Vance. “Hey, Vance. Your window blinds got delayed a day. Sorry. I tried calling you but you’d already left The Whistling Pine.”

“No worries.” Vance smiled at her, then turned to me, his smile tightening as our eyes met. “Say hi to Rex for me.” He grimaced. “Oh, wait, never mind. Rex and I are having drinks tonight, so there’s no need.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed out of the shop without a backward glance.

---