Page 32 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
“Maybe,” he shot back. “But I couldn’t drive if I wanted to. I never learned how.”
“Really? But Zaya can drive.”
“That was a choice he made for himself. A car ride is a good time to review paperwork, or make critical phone calls. Driving means paying attention to the road, when working or relaxing is a better use of my time.”
“You’re not going to be making business calls on the way to Mitchell’s, are you?”
“No.”
“Good.”
I paused as we reached the steps up to Zaya’s patio. “Do you need to get anything?”
“I should grab my wallet.”
“Should I wait, or do you want me to pick you up?”
“I’ll only be a minute.”
“Ok.”
He climbed the steps two at a time, and I took the opportunity to appreciate his ass. For a man who seemed to practically live out of his office, he sure did take good care of himself.
A few minutes later he’d retrieved his wallet, and we’d dropped Tiny back off at Cody’s house. Then Nate stood outside my little beater coupe, staring at it as if he was unsure it actually drove.
“I thought you said it fit five,” he finally said.
I laughed, got in, leaned over the center console and unlocked the passenger side.
Nate opened the door and got in.
“It does fit five,” I replied as I pulled on my seatbelt. “Maybe not comfortably though. Gotta fold down the seats so people can get in the back.”
“I see.”
“Gets great mileage though,” I said as I made a three-point turn in Zaya’s driveway.
“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever need to buy a car.”
“Rich people,” I laughed.
“I live in a major city where parking is at a premium. It’s more efficient to hire a service.”
“Leave fighting for the spots to us plebians, huh?” I teased.
There was an uncomfortable silence, and I realized I’d tripped over some unknown line.
“I’d… I’d prefer you not refer to yourself like that,” Nate said softly.
“Because of the fate thing?” I asked.
“No,” he said, reaching over and resting a hand on my leg. “Because I don’t think my winning the genetic lottery makes me any better than you, or anybody else. Yes, I have access to more money than any single person should, but there is also a heavy responsibility that comes along with it. Thousands of people will rely on my business acumen to keep them in stable, well-paying jobs, plus others in partner companies who use our parts. I contribute essential funding to charities in ways that help them weather the ups and downs of giving.”
“Sorry,” I said softly. “Should I stop making rich people jokes too?”
“Depends on the joke,” he said, teasing tone to his voice.
I smiled, understanding that the air was cleared. “Got it.”
