Page 16 of Such a Shy Omega

“Not so shy with me, are you? That’s good, Heath. That’s really, really good.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I have a feeling you and I are going to be spending a lot of time together.”

Chapter Fourteen

Erik

The diner Heath chose for our first date was a true relic of years past. Unlike the chain restaurants that sought to recapture the 1950s, this one still had booths from that decade. Maybe even the 1940s. Not being a historical expert, I asked the young server who told me her grandmother worked here in the 1970s and said it had been there for a long time even then.

Repairs had been made, and the whole place looked well-cared for, but true age cannot be faked. So many casual dining places I went to had screens all over the walls with various athletic events or whatever was popular. Even with my interest in electronics, I found the multiple flickering images distracting and not a good accompaniment for food.

The closest thing to tech Molly’s Diner had to offer was the jukebox between our booth and the one next to it, a true classic I had to examine while we waited for our check. “Look at the vinyl,” I enthused. “Imagine, back then, the only way to enjoy music that wasn’t performed right in front of you or on the radio was these discs. It’s a marvel that someone came up with that concept at all.”

Heath was still seated, watching me make a fool of myself over a record player, no doubt, but his laughter was anything but unkind. “Alpha, don’t you work on very complicated devices? Didn’t you invent one?”

“Yes, but the vinyl record is special, so pure and magical. I’m being silly, aren’t I?”

“No.” He slid out of the booth and came up beside me. “I know a lot of people collect these things, but I’d never taken the time to appreciate them before.”

Looping an arm around his waist, I drew him in close. Again. Something about this gesture made me happy every time. “You’re good to put up with me, omega. Oh, here’s our server with the bill. It’s getting very late, and it’s time to take you home.”

I paid with a card, one of the modern aspects of this place, then we strolled out to my car and I helped him in. “Where to, omega?”

He didn’t live too far away. A shame because even though I wanted him tucked in bed and getting his rest, I didn’t love the night ending. The building was neat and clean if not fancy in any way, but it looked safe enough with locking gates and well-maintained landscaping, and I was able to park out front and walk Heath to his door.

He pulled his key from his pocket and fitted it in the lock then turned back to face me. “Thanks for such a nice evening.”

“I had a good time. Best I can remember.”

He flushed, cheeks reddened under the porch light. “I’d say it was just a deli date, but you paid, so that would sound ungrateful.”

“No it wouldn’t, but what made it so good was not the food, although that was enjoyable.”

“And the records.” He offered a bashful smile. “Those were nice.”

“You should see my collection.”

“I’d like to sometime.” He moved to turn around again, but I slipped an arm around his waist.

“If you mean that, I’d love to show you, but for now, a kiss?” I never asked to kiss someone. Who did? It was more natural to go on unspoken cues, but this omega’s wishes had, from all he shared, rarely been taken into account. I was not going to be the alpha who stole any more of his free will.

He tipped his face up, eyes closed, and said, “Yes, please.”

Kissing him was a revelation. If Jonas still didn’t realize the omega he scened with was his mate, he should try kissing him. Nobody could be mistaken then. Heath’s lips were warm and firm, tipped up in a smile, his breath soft, his hand closing on my upper arms. My wolf howled deep inside in recognition of his other half within Heath. Our mate. Our one fated, true mate.

With all my strength, I stepped back from him and steadied him on his feet. “You good?”

He nodded. “Yes, thanks again.” And he disappeared into his house. I stood there for a few minutes outside the closed door before turning and heading to my car.

I’d met my mate and in doing so had realized that I could no longer allow myself to wallow in indecision. It was one thing when my partners were still making up their minds on what to do, but they had made it very clear that they would be outsourcing our manufacture and expanding to other items.

I had no problem and had indeed supported the expansion, and they were welcome to it. Thing was…I still had one card to play, but could I bring myself to do it?

Chapter Fifteen

Heath

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