I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily. Besides, I wanted dessert. “We could share a piece? Looks pretty rich, but between you and me? Cheesecake is weakness of mine. We’ve gotta try it. Raspberries are healthy, right?” I nodded to the waiter. “One slice, please.”
“Sure thing, sir.”
Brinden picked at the corner of his napkin, his cheeks still pink. “I really shouldn’t indulge. I’ve eaten far too much already.”
I leaned forwards and placed my hand over his. His head snapped up, those dark eyes going wide with surprise. “Please, indulge,” I murmured. “I like it when you smile. Besides, a couple of bites won’t hurt.”
“I don’t know, I?—”
“Brin, I know what you’re going to say, but please. Remember that Bruno Mars song from a few years ago?” I drummed up the melody and softly sang, “Because you’re amazing, just the way you are.” It was probably off-key and out of tune, but Brinden’s eyes teared up nonetheless. “I mean it.”
“Th-Thank you. I’m sorry, I’m a mess.” His giggle was soft as he dabbed at his eyes with the napkin, then took in a shaky breath. “You’re so sweet.”
“I’m being honest,” I said. “Besides, you only live once. What’s a little cheesecake?”
To my delight, when the waiter came back with our dessert, creamy and marbled with red raspberry, Brinden took the first bite. He closed his lips around the fork and his soft moan of pleasure sent shivers coursing down my spine. Shit.
“Good?” I asked, my voice thick all of a sudden.
He blushed and nodded, but his smile remained true. “Try it. It’s amazing, oh my gosh.”
Itwasamazing, but nothing was as amazing as seeing this wonderful young Omega completely lose himself to the simple pleasures food could bring. We shared the slice of cheesecake with softmmm’sof appreciation, and by the time the waiter came back with the tab, I was on cloud nine.
“This was wonderful, Oliver,” Brinden said as we walked down the front steps and out into the chilly night. “Tonight was wonderful. Thank you. So much.”
“Thank you for saying yes.” Taking a chance, I caught Brinden’s hand in mine, and when he gazed at me, I gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. “I mean it. This was kind of the best date I’ve been on in well…ever, if we’re being honest. I had fun. I’d like to see you again, if you’re interested.”
“Really?”
“Really,” I said solemnly, and we held hands all the way out to his car, where I bid him a goodnight. I reluctantly let his hand go, then tucked mine into my pockets as I backed towards my own vehicle. “Text me?”
“Definitely.”
I drove home, smiling all the way.
CHAPTER 6
Brinden
“So,” drawled Nathaniel one afternoon. “How’s your Alpha?”
Warmth crept up my neck at the insinuation. My Alpha. As if Oliver could be mine. “He’s notmyAlpha,” I retorted as firmly as I could. “We’re just…seeing if we’re compatible, that’s all.”
He smirked. “Normal people call thatdating.”
“Okay, then we’re dating. That doesn’t mean he’s mine.” I tried to busy myself with rearranging the top of the reception desk, hoping he’d get the hint and leave me alone, but Nathaniel was nothing if not persistent.
“But you want him to be, right?”
I didn’t answer, didn’t dare look at him for fear I’d start tearing up. I shouldn’t feel so strongly for a guy I’d been out with once, but Oliver? He was special, I could tell. He was caring and he was genuine, and he didn’t try and hide his feelings behind veiled excuses, like some Alphas did. I knew he wasn’t perfect, but he was close.
Nathaniel’s voice took on a gentler tone, similar to the one he used with Kennedy. “You wanna know something? Ollie’s beensmiling more since he met you. Before, he always seemed so lonely, so distant. Mac’s been worried about him, but now it’s like he’s a brand new person. Like he’s got something to live for, and the only thing that’s changed is you.” He smiled. “Just something to think about.”
“Really?” I asked, blinking away emotion.
He only nodded. “You know, Destiny’s doing their annual Valentine’s Day dance thing this weekend. You should totally ask him to go. He’d be thrilled.”
“Yeah? Maybe I will.”
