Page 28 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
I looked over to confirm my suspicion, and saw Corey holding back giggles.
He was being playful with me. How was he playful when I’d hurt him?
The sound of laughter rolled over the sand, and it warmed me in a way I didn’t expect. When was the last time that somebody had been so free around me?
When was the last time I’d let them, rather than closing myself behind office doors?
I rolled Tiny off me, scratching behind his ears before pointing at Corey. “Go get Corey!”
Tiny bolted, apparently loving the game.
Corey stared for a second, then dashed off with a surprised laugh. “Not me Tiny! Get Nate!”
“Get him Tiny!” I called out.
Tiny barked excitedly, bounding back and forth between us like the overgrown puppy he thought he was. Soon both Corey and I were on the sand, fending off an excited dog every time we sent him back to the other.
It was… fun. Amazing actually. I enjoyed it so much that I was sad when Corey—laughing while rolling on the sand and fending off Tiny—called a truce.
I got to my knees and spotted a stick. I grabbed it and held it up. “Tiny!”
Tiny paused in his playful attack of Corey and looked at me, tail wagging.
I picked a spot up the beach and threw the stick.
Tiny barked and scrambled off Corey.
I made my way over to the still-laughing omega and offered him a hand up, which he accepted.
Corey’s hand was soft and warm in mine, and his gentle touch sent a tingle of… something… up my spine.
We stared at each other for a second before he retrieved his hand.
“Thank you,” he said, brushing sand from his clothes. Then he looked up at me with a soft smile, and I noticed the slight sheen of a scent-blocking strip under his nose.
Tiny barked, making me jump, and I saw the stick at my feet.
I laughed and scratched behind his ears again before tossing the stick.
“You’re good with him,” Corey said softly. “If your family ever goes bankrupt, you could have a career as a dog walker.”
I smiled. “It would be a change of pace. No more executive meetings.”
“I’ve been thinking of turning it into a proper business. You could be my first employee.”
I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Tiny brought the stick to Corey, who threw it.
“Wes said that he talked to you last night,” he said softly.
A stone formed in the pit of my stomach. “Did he…?”
Corey shook his head. “No. He said that it’s something you need to tell me.”
I blew out a long breath. “I-I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to tell you yet.”
He looked down, then at me again. “Can you tell me why you were able to tell Wes, but not me?”
