Page 51 of Omega's Refuge

“No, this has nothing to do with the fact that I’m an alpha,” she sputtered, her cheeks pink. “I’m simply worried about Rex. He has a soft heart and he’s lonely. I don’t want him to get hurt merely because you’re in need of comfort.”

“I don’t plan on hurting Rex.” I frowned. “But I also don’t see anything wrong with seeking comfort from him. I’ve been hurt. Betrayed. Rexmakes me feel happy. What’s so awful about that?”

“Nothing.” She sighed. “Look, I don’t mean to be insensitive. I understand that you’ve been hurt by your alpha. I just don’t want you touseRex as a way to feel better about yourself.”

“I’m not using him. I really like Rex,” I said softly. “He’s an amazing alpha.”

Her eyes flickered and weariness seemed to settle on her weathered features. “Just… don’t make promises, okay? Don’t… lead him on. Make it clear that this time together means nothing in the long run. Don’t let him get his hopes up.”

I was torn between irritation and empathy. She clearly cared about Rex, but it was completely out of line for her to lecture me. Rex was a grown man, capable of making his own decisions. Yet, seeing how truly concerned she was for him, my rancor faded.

I met her pleading gaze. “If it makes you feel any better, Mrs. Rodwell, I’m not a player. I’m very attracted to Rex, but I haven’t made him any promises, and I don’t plan to. But you need to accept that Rex is an adult, and he wants to be with me for now. I’m not going to turn him down. I don’twantto turn him down.”

Resignation painted her sharp features. “I understand.”

“You don’t need to worry. Rex knows I’m not staying.”

She nodded. “Yes, but I fear he hopes he can change your mind.”

“He can’t,” I said flatly. “My life is back in Billings.”

She lifted one shoulder. “I hope you’re right and that he knows the score.”

“I’m sure he does.”

“Well, you can't close the barn door after the horse has gotten out.” She stood and gathered the papers from the printer, then handed them to me along with a pen. “Just put your payment information in the box, Mr. Smyth.” Her tone had turned businesslike. “And if you’d be so kind as to sign and date on the line, that would be wonderful.”

I pulled out my credit card and did as she asked.

When she took the completed papers from me, she said, “Just so you know, Mr. Turlington had a coupon and was able to book your first week for a sizable discount.”

Of course he had a coupon, cheap bastard.

“I see.” That information came as no huge surprise to me. Steve had always been a penny-pincher. But the revelation did finally shine some light on why he’d booked the dude ranch to begin with, instead of the tropical vacation I’d hinted at about a million times.

“You won’t have that same discount.” She pursed her lips. “Do you still want to extend your stay?”

She sounded so hopeful, it irked me all over again. “I’m still staying the extra week.” I’d have been willing to empty my bank account just to wipe that optimistic look off her face.

“Very well.” She returned to the printer and made me a copy of my payment. As she handed me my receipt, her smile was contrite. “I… I appreciate you putting up with my questions. I only asked them out of concern for Rex.”

“I understand. You don’t need to worry.”

She didn’t look convinced, but she simply shrugged. “You boys have fun on your little trip up the mountain.”

“I’m sure we will.” I left her office, feeling conflicted. In my opinion, she’d overreacted, but her concern for Rex had been sincere. Last night, he’d implied he was tired of being left behind. Was I just one of many guests he’d slept with? How many times had he had his heart broken? Why did the thought that I wasn’t special bother me so much, when I had no plans for anything serious with Rex?

As I approached Rex, he studied me. “Everything okay?”

“Yep.” I forced a smile. “I’m all paid up for the week.”He didn’t need to know the details of my conversation with Mrs. Rodwell. He mighttake offense at her butting into his personal business, and he had to both work and live on this ranch. I didn’t want to do anything that might cause friction between them.

He hesitated. “Did she say something that bothered you? You look stressed.”

“Do I?” I grimaced. “That’s probably just because I’m spending money when I don’t have a job.”

“Hmmm. You sure that’s all it is?”

“Yes.” I slipped my arms around his waist, hoping to distract him. “Now, are you taking me on an overnight trip or what?”

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