Page 57 of Waiting for Fate
We drive in comfortable silence for a few minutes before he speaks again. “Have you been sailing before?”
“Boating, but not sailing specifically. My parents have a small boat they use on the lake near their house.”
“I’ve always loved being out on the water. It’s freeing. Something I felt even more after Shallow Horizon’s initial rise to stardom. Even now, there are people around the country who recognize me when I’m out in public. That’s why I wanted to take you on the boat. No one can interrupt us out there.”
“I hadn’t considered that,” I hum. Life in the limelight isn’t as fun and carefree as movies and TV make it appear to be. The press can be invasive when they want to dig into a celebrity’s life. Even fans often forget their idols are people too. “As long as I’m here with you, I don’t think I would care what we were doing.”
Orion chuckles, earning a fresh flood of my perfume. This alpha’s voice is entirely too deep to be appropriate in public. I’m glad we won’t be sitting in a small restaurant for our date. With this plan, I don’t have to worry about everyone scenting how turned on I am all night.
We pull up to a dock twenty minutes later. The sun is low on the horizon. Deep blues chase shades of orange and pink across the sky. It’s beautiful, but the sight doesn’t compare to the alpha currently holding my hand. He’s gentle as he guides me up the dock to a large boat. It’s lit with soft gold light, matching Orion’s magnetizing amber eyes.
“Careful,” he soothes as I step on board. His palm brushes against the small gap of bare skin between my velvet crop top and tulle skirt. He shudders, sucking in a sharp breath. The physical contact must be as electrifying for him as it is for me.
A small square table sits beneath the folded sails, decorated with white china and rolled cloth napkins. Fluffy, tan cushions cover the benches surrounding the table, and a large vase in the center holds a bouquet of pink and white roses . It’s intimate and romantic.
I glance around, searching for the vessel’s captain. Orion slips from my side and moves around the deck with purpose. Is he going to sail us out into the water?
There is so much I don’t know about my alpha mate. Aside from mapping his tattoo covered body and learning he was the lead singer of Shattered Horizons, he is still a stranger to me. I was tempted to look him up online, but it felt unfair to go into a relationship having heard about his past from others.
Hopefully, tonight will strengthen the connection between us. I don’t think I can handle another Fate matched mate who decides they want nothing to do with me.
Stars twinkle in the sky as we idle in the water. The lull of the water lapping against the boat soothes any lingering tension from my body. I’m lounging languidly against the seat, staring out at the city lights in the distance, when Orion joins me.
“Are you hungry?”
I offer him a wide smile. “I never say no to food.”
He grins back and offers me his hand. The sparks that ignite from the soft touch between us roll over my body, spreading heat in their wake. I doubt I’ll ever get used to the wonderful feeling of being connected to one of my Fate matched mates, even with just a casual touch like this.
“I’m not a chef by any means,” he admits, leading me into the cabin. A small kitchen area leads to a bedroom at the back. It’s all dark wood and pristine white fabrics. Welcoming without looking like home. Orion presses a kiss to the back of my hand before he steps to the small fridge and pulls out the ingredients he needs for our dinner.
“Ah, I should have asked if you have any food allergies or preferences? I planned on making us an asparagus pasta dish.”
“That sounds incredible. No food allergies. As for preferences, as long as it isn’t abhorrently spicy, I am open to anything.”
His head bobs as he resumes his digging, pulling out a skillet, a steamer pan, and a bowl. “Small amounts of spice can elevate a dish, but adding heat for the sake of making food spicier isn’t something I enjoy. I’d rather savor the flavors than lose feeling in my tongue.”
I watch, entranced, as he unbuttons his shirt sleeves and rolls them up to his elbows. The dark material stretches over his arms, highlighting the athletic build of his upper body and showcasing his colorful tattoos.
I’m drooling. This alpha is an absolute snack. How the hell am I supposed to keep my hands to myself when he’s standing here looking like a dark fantasy brought to life?
“Tell me about yourself.”
It takes me a moment to drag my eyes away from his arms. Heat creeps up my cheeks when I realize he is watching me, a devastating smirk on his face. He knows exactly what he is doing to me.
“Hmm. I’m the only child in a pack of four. Or I was until we adopted my best friend, Omen. I graduated from the Omega Academy last spring and started working as a manager-in-training at the label immediately after.”
“Why did you decide to become a band manager?” he asks as he sets a pot of water to boil. His body flexing in that ridiculously hot corset makes it extremely difficult for me to answer questions.
“I love music. One of my alpha dads was always listening to music growing up. As soon as I was old enough, he started taking me to concerts with him. It was a Candy Courage concert that made me realize I wanted to work in the industry. Stepping into a business role was a no-brainer since I have zero musical talent.”
“Candy Courage, huh? Those girls are… wild. Are you going to their concert next week? The label will give you a discount on tickets.”
My jaw drops, mouth hanging open. I hadn’t even heard they were playing a show. Too caught up in work, mates, and worry for Omen. This is the perfect opportunity to get my bestie back out in the world! “I will definitely be there now!”
He laughs, his eyes lighting up with humor. Fate truly has blessed me with unbelievably handsome mates, even if some of them are pains in my ass.
“Your turn.”
