I’d even tested the accursed ‘slow’ and ‘quiet’ in an attempt to get more people to come in—and promptly learned that the forbidden words only worked if you were enjoying the peace. They didn’t magically summon customers on their own.
The only result of speaking them was an eye roll from Harrison.
We’d already finished all the closing tasks by the time we turned off the open sign and taped a paper to the window that we’d be closed on Saturday due to the storm.
I hated driving in the dark in winter, and it was worse as the wind whipped snow across the highway. But it was worth it, because Randy was at my destination.
I pulled my truck beside my omega’s beater, engaged the parking brake, and killed the engine. Then I scurried through the abysmal weather up the side steps and made my way inside.
The tension of the day practically melted as the warmth of Randy’s cabin surrounded me. A fire crackled and popped in the woodstove, and filling the air underneath the scents of wood and food—was that of my omega.
I smiled when I spotted him at the stove. I strode over and wrapped my arms around him from behind.
Randy let out a soft sigh and relaxed against me. “Welcome home.”
“Home?” I hummed as I kissed his shoulder. “Is that an invitation to move in with you?”
He squeaked, then let out a soft chuckle. “Maybe?”
“Maybe?” I echoed with a tease.
He turned in my arms and pulled me into a kiss.
“Mmmm,” I said, tipping my forehead against his as we parted. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of those.”
“Me neither.”
My heart fluttered at his words.
“Speaking of kisses,” he started. “I have a question.”
“Hmm?”
“You always kiss the same spot on my shoulder. Why?”
I started laughing. “You have a freckle.”
“What?” he asked, jaw slack and head cocked to one side.
I pecked the side of his lips. “I saw it after our first night together. There’s a freckle on your shoulder. It seemed like the perfect spot to kiss.”
“And you know where it is even when I’m wearing clothes?”
I smiled. “Part of me wants to say something romantic about how I’ve memorized every bit of you. But really… it’s just in an easy-to-remember spot.”
His expression softened, and a gentle smile crossed his lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too, omega-mine.”
The words hit just as I wanted, and a shiver went through him.
“What’s for dinner?” I asked, running my hands up and down his arms. “It smells almost as delicious as you.”
“Nothing fancy, just a beef stew,” he replied, his cheeks tinting pink
“It might not be fancy, but it’ll be perfect with that storm outside.”
“That’s what I thought too.”
