“If nothing else, Tiny is gonna help, but don’t play that card right away or he’ll know for sure that I talked to you.”
 
 “Huh?” I asked, pushing Tiny off just enough to glance over at the omega.
 
 He grinned. “Cody loves dogs, and his dream dogs are Great Danes. Unfortunately, his apartment complex limits tenants to small and medium-sized dogs only, and even then requires an insane pet deposit and a monthly fee that makes it unmanageable for most. I can guarantee that he’ll love Tiny as soon as he sees him.”
 
 I looked up at the dog who still wanted to lick my face. “Who wouldn’t love him?”
 
 Corey laughed. “Some people are intimidated by dogs that size, but I agree. He’s a love and a joy.”
 
 “Did you hear that?” I asked Tiny, scratching behind his ears with both hands.
 
 There was some shuffling, then Corey stood in my field of vision. “I have to get back to work. But don’t give up on Cody, ok? He’s scared right now, and I can’t imagine how much you’re hurting from him running, but give him time.”
 
 I smiled. “As if I’d give up just because he got cold feet.”
 
 He nodded. “I’ll be back tomorrow as scheduled for Tiny. Have a nice evening.”
 
 “You too.”
 
 I listened to him walk away until I couldn’t hear him any longer, then I focused on the sound of the waves and Tiny’s content playing in the sand.
 
 If my omega thought that fate meant he didn’t have a choice, then I had to show him that I was the person he’d have picked if fate hadn’t intervened.