“Are you alright?”
“Yes! Yes.” It’s only then that I notice the dilation of her pupils and the flushing of her face.
She’s aroused.
I had scented her slick before, at the table—but when the night air hits my nostrils, her aroma is even more concentrated.
I don’t know what to do. She was on a date with Ivan, not me, so why is she looking like that?
“Is everything?—”
But I stop when she steps into my space and wraps her arms around me, burying her face in my chest. Her hands rest at my back, and my mouth falls open in shock.
She’s hugging me.
She’stouchingme.
“Is this okay?” she murmurs against my chest. I rest my head on top of her chin, breathing her in.
I can’t answer her.
I haven’t been touched in so long, aside from a mere handshake or an accidental grazing of fingers when I hand something over.
I’m frozen, one hand still awkwardly on my car door while Maeve presses herself into me, sighing contentedly.
“It’s fine,” I choke out, my voice like gravel. “This is good.”
The hug is far too long to just be friendly or polite. Her body is warm, her touch delicate, and her scent grounding.
Just like my favorite tea.
Finally,finallyI’m able to move my arms to wrap them around her waist, holding her closer to me.
I don’t know what the hug is for, only that I’m grateful to be on the receiving end of Maeve’s embrace.
When she finally pulls away, she looks up at me, her eyes glassy. “Thanks for joining us tonight,” she says softly. “I’m glad I got to know you better.”
I breathe her in, my heart pounding in my chest.
She’s in my arms.
This beautiful Omega isin my arms.
“Thanks for having me,” I reply.
I want to tell her it was the best night I’ve had in years, but I’m not sure how she would receive that information.
Probably with that dazzling smile she’s been throwing around all night.
“Let’s hang out more, okay?” she says in a hopeful, sweet tone.
I nod, dazed. “Okay.” My tongue is heavy; I can barely find words.
I’ll agree to anything she wants.
My mind flashes to the empty packhouse I’ll go home to.
I can picture her in the main bedroom with me, a dresser filled with nesting blankets and a closet full of items just for her.
