Page 8 of The Manny's Fiery Dragon Bond

“You know, just because we have heightened senses and can hear everything doesn’t mean it’s polite to butt into someone else’s conversation.”

“But it’s relevant to me. Since I’ll be sitting at the same table with you,” he said with a grin. That was a stretch and a half. “I know plenty of eligible bachelors we could hook you up with.”

My dragon came dangerously close to the surface.

“That won’t be necessary, Tavian. Olivia, I will find my own date. Or I will attend alone.”

Alone. Definitely alone. The thought of going with a random person for the sake of appearances made my stomach turn.

There were plenty of friends I could ask to go with me, and I supposed that wouldn’t be the worst idea. I’d done it countless times. Why was the thought of it so distasteful?

Objectively, being alone at these events meant I didn’t have to dance or fetch anyone drinks. I could sink into the scenery with no one knowing. It was perfect. But that didn’t sound good either.

Argh, I was a mess today. “Did you need something, Tavian?”

“Not really. Except that Ollie’s been working out so well. Things have been great for Kier and me. In fact, I just made arrangements with Ollie for him to watch the kids over the weekend. Kier and I will visit the Ebonshire Clan to do the ceremonial glad-handing. It’s a short trip, but it’ll be our first overnight away from the kids. We might even make it two nights.”

That was a huge sign of trust.

“That’s great,” I said. “You two deserve some time away.”

“Would you mind just checking in? I know Ollie will have things well in hand, but I’m sure it would help the kids to have a familiar face, and I would understand if he needed a little break. Three is a handful. Besides, you know they love their grandpa.”

Like I needed an excuse to visit the grandkids. Even if it meant coming face to face with the scrumptious Ollie and having to navigate those feelings.

“Of course. I’m there Friday nights for dinner anyway—I’d be happy to visit Saturday as well.” Then again, I didn’t wish for Ollie to think I didn’t trust him or that my son and his mate didn’t either. Based on what I’d seen, he was more than capable of managing the children.

“Great. I’ll get you the report of topics I plan on talking with Ebonshire about. I’ll be sure to give Lord Rhaziel your best.”

“Absolutely. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.”

He continued telling me about his plans, but I heard none of them. My mind was focused on Ollie and how I was going to be seeing him soon. Why couldn’t I get him out of my head?

“Dad.” Tavian’s hand settled on my shoulder, snapping me out my head. “Were you listening at all?”

“Not really, sorry. Start again, and I will focus. I promise.”

“What has your head in such a spin? Anything I can do?” Leave it to Tavian to think about how to help me when I was the one who’d just spaced out.

“It’s nothing. I think I need to let my wings out is all.” Getting altitude and possibly burning some shit would go a long way. Probably. Maybe. I hoped.

“It’s not because of the fundraiser?”

“No. Why? By all accounts it’s set to be our most successful yet.”

“I didn’t mean that.” Apparently, kids were never too old to roll their eyes at their parents. “I was talking about your lack of date. Real talk, Dad—we were talking, and we think it’s time you considered dating.”

“We? Who’s we?” If we included Ollie, I might as well find a cave to hide in for the next few centuries. But that was ridiculous. Why would he be talking about my lack of male companionship? He wouldn’t, but somehow everything always seemed to lead back to Ollie.

“It was at the staff meeting, obviously.” Another eye roll.

“Then have HR send someone my way.” Because sometimes you just had to laugh at yourself.

“If I thought you were serious, I’d be headed there now, but seriously, consider it. I’m not saying to hop on the dating apps and fill your calendar, but asking a nice omega out to dinner or maybe going to a human bar and seeing if you click with anyone?”

My dragon slammed into me. He wasn’t having any of that. It took all I had to push him back down.

“I think I will keep my life the way it is. I’ve had my time with my mate, and now I have the clan and the kids and…” Ollie’s name almost popped out. “And life is pretty good.”

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