Page 26 of Omega's Pretend Mate
Gabe blushed. “Do you need a hand?”
I set the box down and settled my hands on his upper arms. “It’s not fair for me to refuse your offer of movers, then expect you to help. I’ve got this. There really isn’t that much. Besides, there’s something much more important for you to do.”
“What’s that?” he asked, head cocked slightly to one side.
“Go make yourself beautiful. We’ve got dinner reservations. I’m going to get my things inside, then take a shower myself.”
He stared, then nodded. “Ok.”
“Suit and tie,” I said. “Make everybody turn to see just how gorgeous you are.”
He swallowed, and I followed the movement of his Adam’s apple. I wanted to lean in and kiss it; listen to the sounds he’d make as I explored his body with my mouth.
Down boy, I ordered my cock, which had threatened to perk up at the thought.
I’d had a hard time holding back ever since he’d asked me for more contact in private. That bit of distance had been the only thing keeping my fantasies from running rampant.
Moving in was probably the stupidest thing I could do, but I was doing this for him.
I picked up the box again and carried it into one of the guest rooms.
To think that it was the smaller of the rooms, and was still significantly larger than the master bedroom in my apartment.
I made a mental note of how the housekeeper kept things so that I could replicate it.
Gabe and I had decided that since she only came in a couple times a week, the best thing to do was fake it. It wasn’t a big ask, make the bed and and periodically wash the sheets before she came. Keep my clothes in his room, and hope that it would be enough to look as if I really spent my nights with him.
I wished I was going to be sleeping with him. I wanted to fall asleep with the gorgeous man in my arms, his body pressed close to mine.
I took a deep breath. This was going to be a year of delicious torture.
I opened one of the empty bureau drawers then reached into my pocket. I opened the small box and nodded. The ring was simple and elegant, just like Gabe. Three colors of metal in a simple braid design. His family would probably want to see something far more expensive, but something in me said that this was more his style.
I was sure that he’d guessed what was coming, but part of me still hoped that it would be a surprise that night. Even if it was all for show, I still wanted to leave him with happy memories.
I put the box in the drawer and closed it, then returned to my car for more of my things.
∞∞∞
The valet eyed my car, but dutifully took the key and a tip as I settled my hand at Gabe’s back.
La Cravate Noire was the most exclusive restaurant in Harris Cove, and with good reason. It was considered a destination for the rich and foodies alike; one of the top restaurants in the US, with a prestigious two-star rating.
Reservations were months out at even the slowest times of the year, and I’d only been able to get one so soon at all because I’d become friends with the owner and head chef after representing him in a personal injury case.
Still, it had taken a fair bit of luck too. There was always a waiting list for cancellations, but the one for the chef’s table had to have his prior approval before a name could be added, which meant that I’d managed to be first in line when another table cancelled several weeks prior.
Gabe’s pink lips parted in shock as the maître d' led us through the restaurant, and to the table off to one side of the pass. Though within sight of the dining room, it was obvious that the table was special.
“This is the chef’s table,” Gabe whispered as he took a seat. “How? Not even my aunt could get this table when she came to visit just after I’d moved in, and she has a way of making things happen.”
I chuckled as I took the seat next to him. “A special favor.”
He swallowed, and once again I was drawn to the movement. “Are you sure? I mean…”
I took his hand and looked into his eyes. “Just enjoy yourself tonight. Ok?”
He nodded. “I’ve never actually eaten here. It always seemed like a waste of a reservation for just me.”
