Page 44 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
It wasn’t a stretch to say that I was a better man since meeting him.
And now I had to be away, right when it felt like whatever embers within me were about to turn into a spark. Every day that passed I was more and more convinced that him and I were a matter of when rather than if.
I sighed as I zipped up my garment bag. I’d come to Harris Cove with only a single suit, and that wouldn’t do.
“Hey Reginald?” I asked as I saw him walk past in the hall.
“Yes sir?”
“Could you call the London flat and have Henri arrange a personal shopper? I need two or three new suits. Dark blue or black. I believe that Gerald at the main house has my measurements.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thank you.”
I stared at the garment bag, and my computer. Papa had told me to stop at the main office upon my return to the states for an after action report, but reassured me that I would be able to resume my vacation in Harris Cove afterward.
It would be another day away from Corey; from his smile and effervescent attitude.
I leaned forward, bracing my hands against the mattress. He’d been such a bright spot in my life that I’d almost forgotten the self-inflicted darkness from before, and now it was threatening to return.
Business had always been the one place where I’d been confident. I could walk into a boardroom and make things happen. But how much more effective would I be as a leader if I knew he was waiting for me at home, with a kind smile and open ear?
Papa had always spent time with Father after work, discussing their days. I had never understood why that period was so sacred to them, but the thought of holding everything in until my return was almost painful.
“I wish he could come with me,” I said to the empty room.
I froze. Why couldn’t he? I hadn’t thought to invite him, but there was no reason not to.
I stood and strode to Zaya’s home office, where I found him scrolling through photos.
“Future plans, or today’s post?” I asked.
“Both,” he replied. “Trying to decide if I want to revisit a place from a couple years ago.”
“I see,” I replied as he turned to me. Then I decided: it was time to rip off the bandaid. “I need your help.”
“With what?”
“Where do you think Corey will be right now? I… want to surprise him.”
He blinked at me, then grinned. “I don’t know, but I can call Cody.”
“Thank you.”
Zaya nodded, and I waited an anxious few moments before he turned to me again.
“According to Cody, he has a volunteer shift at the shelter this afternoon. Shall I have Reginald call for a car?”
“Yes! Please.”
Zaya laughed. “Go get him.”
I smiled, then strode from the room. I still wasn’t ready, but Corey was too precious to leave behind, even for a few days.
Chapter 19 - Corey
Isat on the floor of the meet-and-play room with a scared dachshund who’d been surrendered the day before.
