Page 38 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
“Ok,” Zaya said, striding into my bedroom without knocking, just like he’d always done. “I pulled some strings, but you owe me. Even with connections, reservations at La Cravate Noire are nearly impossible to get without a six-month wait.”
“I appreciate it, and we’ll call it as you repaying me for all the times I ran interference for you with Dad and Papa.”
“Fair enough,” Zaya laughed. “Are you sure though? It’s considered a pretty romantic place.”
I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Corey… I’ve been letting him pick the spots, and he’s been wonderful about it. It’s all been no-pressure locations, where the emphasis is on the experience rather than anything romantic.”
I paused. “I feel seen, Zaya. Really seen. I told him about myself, and he hasn’t once tried to push me faster than I’m comfortable with. I still don’t know where my emotions about him will take me, but he deserves to have a few more traditional dates.”
Zaya smiled. “I hear you. So, details. We wrangled you an early spot at the chef’s table. Usually he only does one a night, but tonight the existing reservation was later than normal. Be there by six.”
“Got it.”
“You told Corey to dress up, right?”
I nodded. “I had a backup plan if you couldn’t get a table for me.”
He shook his head. “Always the businessman.”
I chuckled, and Zaya turned to leave.
“Zaya?”
He stopped. “Hmm?”
“Do you… do you know which flowers are Corey’s favorite?”
A grin spread across his face. “I don’t know if they’re his favorite, but I’ve seen peonies at his place several times.”
“Close enough.”
Zaya walked back over and hugged me. “I’m glad you stayed; that you decided to get to know Corey before disappearing. I haven’t seen you this free since we were kids. It was like you’d built an invisible wall around yourself, and it’s finally coming down.”
“I’m sorry if I pushed you away,” I murmured, hugging him back.
“You—the real you—are here now, that’s what matters.”
“I still don’t know where this thing with Corey will go.”
“At least you’re trying.”
We stayed that way for a minute, until tiny footsteps and a squealing ‘Papa! Papa!’ came from the hall.
Zaya chuckled. “Apparently I’ve been summoned.”
I laughed, and made sure I got to Bryce before Zaya. I scooped him up and tickled his belly. “What are you calling Papa for?” I asked.
Bryce held up two bright blue hands. “Art!”
“Oh no,” Zaya sighed, then faked a smile as I put his son down again.
“Let’s go see,” Zaya said. “Then we’ll play the cleanup game.”
“Yay!” Bryce squealed as he rushed down the hall again.
“Have fun,” I laughed.
Zaya flipped me off as he followed behind him.
